Wedding & portrait photographer · Portland, Oregon
Quiet, unposed, honest photographs of the people you love, made across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
Selected work
Full galleries are shared privately with clients. Ask for a sample from a day like yours.
Ask for a sample gallery
“The best frame is usually the one just after everyone stops posing.”
Mara Ellison · Portland, Oregon
Portland · Since 2013
About Mara
My grandfather built it himself in Hood River, Oregon, and spent forty autumns photographing orchard crews and the weddings of neighbours who couldn't afford a photographer. I carried his bag. I learned that the best frame is usually the one just after everyone stops posing.
I moved to Portland in 2013, assisted for two years at a Pearl District wedding studio, and photographed my first wedding on my own at Lan Su Chinese Garden in the rain. I've been chasing that kind of weather, and that kind of honesty, ever since.
I work on a pair of mirrorless cameras and one battered film body, I edit every image myself, and I'm happiest at six in the morning on a cold beach with a thermos of coffee. My terrier, Biscuit, comes to any engagement session that allows it.
— Mara
Investment
Every collection includes a private online gallery, a print release, and a photographer who has read your whole timeline twice.
Priced at $2,400
For two people, a handful of witnesses and a spectacular view.
Most booked
Priced at $4,800
From getting-ready coffee to the last dance, covered start to finish.
Priced at $450
Couples, families, headshots, or simply a good photograph of you.
A 30% retainer secures your date; the balance is due two weeks before. Travel beyond 90 minutes of Portland is quoted per trip.
Kind words
Mara disappeared so completely that we forgot she was there, and then the gallery arrived and it was exactly how the day felt. My dad cried at a photo of his own shoes.
It rained sideways in the Gorge and she turned it into the best part of our story. Calm, funny, and unbelievably organised, with an umbrella for every guest.
We eloped on Mt. Hood with six people and a dog. Mara hiked in before sunrise to scout the ridge and made it feel like the most important day in the world.
Enquire
Share a few details and I'll reply personally within two working days, usually with too many questions about your venue.
Within two working days, with honest availability and a few questions about your day.
Twenty minutes over coffee or video to talk timeline, light and logistics.
A 30% retainer and a signed agreement reserve you, and I start scouting.
The studio
2318 SE Division Street, Suite 4
Portland, OR 97202
By appointment, Tuesday to Friday
10am – 4pm Pacific
hello@maraellison.photo
(503) 555-0142
Now booking 2025 and 2026. A handful of Fridays and Sundays remain.
Your enquiry is in. I'll reply within two working days.