We had the good fortune of connecting with Mary Satterthwaite and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mary, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I say over and over, I have the BEST job in the world. I truly believe that and feel it to my core. What other job takes you to beautiful locations, with happy people, celebrating the best moments in their lives?! I pursued an artistic career because I could never see myself sitting at a desk or dealing with unhappy coworkers or customers. I am so honored to be selected to help families and couples freeze amazing memories and be able to hold onto a feeling, a moment in time. I think the key is taking your job very seriously (but not taking yourself too seriously lol) I’ve always been drawn to the arts and really found my calling once I picked up a camera and started working with happy couples- I know this is what I’m meant to be doing.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I believe what sets me apart from all the other amazing photographers out there is 1.) experience and 2.) personality There are SO many photographers in San Diego, literally tens of thousands probably….with newbies starting everyday! The thing is, I don’t really think about the competition. I have run my business for 13+ years and have been through so much during that time- personally and professionally. Somehow I have managed to stay doing what I love and supporting myself and family through it all. Where there’s a will theres a way! I’m still here! I think that my biggest professional asset is my personality. I genuinely LOVE people and working with couples and it shows. People can feel when you’re living authentically and are truly having a good time. I bring energy and fun and my families seem to enjoy their time with me- I think that’s what really keeps them coming back year after year 🙂

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, I’m a born and bred north county gal so I’m gonna stick to my neighborhoods for this question. I would hit up Grubby’s for some of the best Mexican food in the area, take a stroll in downtown Carlsbad for shopping little boutiques. Then grab some Ice cream at Handel’s of course! Breakky would HAVE to be either Don’s or Beach Break, then a nice walk down the pier and check out the new hotels down there. I’m not fancy enough to have eaten at the rooftop bar yet at the Mission Pacific but I hear it’s amazing! High end tourist really isn’t my vibe, but I’d take them there anyway 😉 I’d take them for a nice stroll through Guajome park to see the ducks and maybe lunch at my favorite local Thai place- Thai Garden in Oceanside 🙂

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
ABSOLUTELY! I have a very special group of women who welcomed me into their community about 8 years ago- SHOUT OUT to SAN DIEGO WOMEN IN PHOTOGRAPHY!! This group has changed my business, and my life in a profound way. They are THE most supportive, educated, well traveled, tech savvy, funny, amazing friends I could’ve ever dreamed to be surrounded by. These women truly lift eachother up and help in any and every way they can. We talk all thing photography related of course, but also support each other in motherhood struggles, loss of family members, sickness, celebrate wins (both business and personal) This group has introduced me to lifelong friends and I sincerely don’t know where I’d be without their love and support. LOVE YOU LADIES!! XOXO

Website: https://www.mklimages.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mkl_images

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mklimages/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mkl-images-oceanside?osq=MKL+images

Image Credits
MKL Images

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