The Blog

As a family photographer capturing memories across Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland, I’ve had the pleasure of watching families grow through the seasons of their lives. One of the most special ways to preserve these memories is through printed albums. After all, while digital galleries are lovely, there’s something truly magical about holding your family’s moments in your hands. This is why every package at Mary Catherine Photography (MCP) includes a print credit—because we believe your family’s story deserves to be more than pixels on a screen!

Recently, one of our clients ordered an album from their newborn session, and I’d love to share this album with you and take you behind the scenes of how the process works (spoiler alert: it’s as easy as pie!).

Why Print Your Photos?

In a world filled with digital images, printing your family photos brings those moments to life in a tangible way. Imagine a cozy evening, flipping through your album, seeing how much your little ones have grown and how your family has evolved over the years. That’s the beauty of printing your images—it becomes a physical archive of your family’s love, laughter, and togetherness. Plus, you don’t have to worry about a sudden computer crash taking out ALL of your precious memories. (Psst… friendly reminder that saving on a cloud or an external hard drive – or two – is always recommended)

At MCP, we encourage families to create an album each year, allowing you to quickly thumb through your family’s journey as you enter new stages and seasons. It’s like watching your life unfold in the pages of a storybook!

The Album Creation Process: Stress-Free and Simple

Making an album with Mary Catherine Photography is designed to be as stress-free as our photo sessions. Once your gallery is ready, all you need to do is select your favorite 25-30 images from your session—yes, just pick the moments that make your heart sing! And then? Leave the rest to us!

We’ll take care of the heavy lifting, designing a layout that tells your family, newborn, or maternity session story beautifully. You’ll receive a proof to review and approve, making sure it’s just the way you want it before it goes off to our trusted printer.

Album Options for Every Style

At MCP, we offer two stunning album options, each designed to showcase your family’s story in the most beautiful way possible.

• The 10″x10″ Primabook: With its large, classic size, the Primabook allows for the full impact of your favorite images to shine through. It features thick, luxurious pages that feel substantial to the touch, making it a lasting keepsake. The Primabook is also highly customizable, with a range of cover materials from eco-velvet to natural linen, and the option to add personalized text to the front cover. It’s a timeless, high-quality album that looks gorgeous on a coffee table or bookshelf, ready for family and friends to flip through year after year.
• The 6″x6″ Pocket Book: If you prefer something a bit more portable and playful, the Pocket Book is a wonderful option. Its smaller size makes it easy to carry around or display on a side table. Despite its compact nature, it still offers the same high-quality printing as the larger album, with vivid, detailed images printed on semi-lay-flat pages. The Pocket Book also comes in a variety of cover options, just like the Primabook, and its size makes it perfect for gifting to grandparents or other loved ones. (Note: There is no cover text personalization for the Pocketbooks. The only option is to add a heart icon.)

Both album options are handcrafted with care, ensuring that your family’s memories are preserved in the most beautiful, lasting way possible.

Your Family’s Story, Preserved Forever

If you’ve been putting off printing your family photos, now’s the perfect time to start. With the easy album creation process at Mary Catherine Photography and the joy of flipping through your family’s memories year after year, you’ll be so glad you did.

Ready to bring your family’s story to life? Let’s create something beautiful together.