I literally screamed when the inquiry form came in.

(I should pretend like I was chill about it, but there was just no chill to be had.) 

See, Mary Marantz and her husband Justin are on my list of Top 5 favorite photographers of all time, some of the BEST artists in the world. Matt and I have had the privilege of being in front of J&M’s cameras on a few occasions, and I would literally buy a coffee table book of their wedding work if they sold one.

A few years ago, Mary started transitioning from photographer to author, a role she’s been destined for for years. I’ve heard Mary speak from the stage countless times, and her way with words is incomparable. Her first book, Dirt, which debuted Fall of 2020, was moving and breathtaking in how it told her origin story.

Mary’s been on my list of dream clients since I started shooting brand portraits, and when she emailed about working together for photos for her next book, it was *truly* a pinch me!! moment.

She explained that the book was going to focus on finding rest in an overachieving world, comprised of a series of entries and prayers meant for the woman who’s struggled with feeling that she has to perform her way into worthy. The book would include some of J&M’s own editorial photographs from throughout the years, but then they also needed new photographs OF Mary as an author, at work, as a wife and partner, and more to help round things out.

We scheduled her shoot for the end of May 2021 (see her session here!), and because Mary’s book was scheduled for release in Spring 2022, we had to keep a lid on everything until now! So needless to say, I have been dying to share a few highlights with you guys, and now that the book is out, I’m even more excited for you all to go get your hands on a copy of it!

Now out: Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots

This is easily the most stunning book I’ve ever held in my hands, and the words inside are, if possible, even more exquisite. Entry #4, especially- “On Filters and Underdog Movies.” GOSH that was a punch to the gut, in the most encouraging way.

You can order your copy on Amazon!

It was fitting that the book arrived when I was outside in my garden, heart heavy from our adoption falling through the week before. Sitting on the edge of my garden bed slowly turning each page, reading Mary’s fortifying words and seeing some of my own work on the pages of her book… I felt seen and held by the Lord in a way I had struggle with recently.

Small moments of grace.

So I ran inside, grabbed my camera and shot it right there next to the azalea bush with my gardening tools (and a French basket for extra effect, bien-sûr). And in that moment, I felt His face shine upon me once more.

Enjoy a few peeks inside some of my favorite pages of Mary’s newest book! And stay tuned for tomorrow’s blog post- I’ll be sharing more from the shoot itself!

Drooling over the design of this book. It feels like a piece of editorial art.

This was *maybe* my favorite photograph in the entire book!

Gosh, what a thrill. Mary, I’m SO PROUD OF YOU! This book is a work of art and heart, and it was such a privilege to play a small part in helping it come together!