“How did you capture that??”

The simple answer? I just allowed “it” – whatever “it” may be – to Be. I’m not fake. I hate staging photos. Sometimes I have to for certain client specifications and I’m never satisfied creatively.

Your two year old who won’t sit still? I’ll follow him/her around, on my belly if I have to. I’ll make funny faces at your just-smiling 5 month old to get that perfect beautiful smile.  Your shy dog who no one likes, give him time, he’ll come around. The birth of your first baby and that first glance between the two of you? I sat quietly in the corner so you didn’t even know I was there. During weddings, my favorite photos are of the groom – sorry ladies – when the first sees her walk down the aisle – his face is priceless – and then twirling that new ring on his finger all night during the reception.

I watch. I observe. I work from my heart. Patience. Gratitude.

Those are all part of the game. To ask a subject to be honest with you, you have to be honest with the subject – especially when working with animals and children.

So my style is simple. I usually come with a small camera bag – which I think has surprised some people before – I don’t carry props or lighting stands. Just me and my camera hoping to be as low-key as possible so your images will be as genuine as possible.

Simple.Honest.Unique

 

Testimonials

Molly’s photos appear to hang in time — they are a unique moment of connection, of recognition, between photographer and subject. It is as if they are sharing a secret with each other… and consequently, with the viewer. Molly Peterson’s sensitive camera finds the unique beauty and personality of her subjects, be they human or animal. She captures her subjects both as they are and as they would wish to be seen, in the same photo. If Flavor magazine is beautiful — and it is — it is almost entirely Molly’s doing — her eye, her skill, her taste, and her patience to wait for the right moment, and to connect. - Pamela Hess, Editor of Flavor Magazine

 

Molly has an amazing gift – she captures expressions and moments that perfectly sum up certain periods in our lives. We love her work so much, she photographs our kids every month and our whole family looks forward to her photos. Everyone has photos of their kids and animals, but for us, Molly’s are special. Our friends agree and constantly ask us to send the latest Molly photos. We can’t possibly recommend her enough! - T.S/Washington, D.C.

 

My dogs are exceptionally difficult to photograph, very frightened by the eye of the camera. Molly’s infinite patience led to the finest portraits of greyhounds I have ever seen, despite years of being in this breed. – B.K./Castleton, VA

 

As we started our family photo shoot, we knew having 3 kids under 6 and 3 dogs was going to be a challenge, but we had full confidence in Molly’s ability to capture our best that day. We are so happy with the results and could not have asked for anything more. The pictures Molly took will be ones we treasure forever. – L.C./Flint Hill, VA

 

She captured our twins perfectly, not only showing their beauty but each individual personality, wow! -C.J. / Woodville,Virginia

 

Molly is not just a great photographer – she’s a consummate artist. We’ve used her services for multiple occasions – both for personal and professional photographs – and she always surprises and delights with the perfect combination of professionalism coupled with a discerning, uniquely artistic eye. Thanks to her, we have beautiful and lasting memories of many of our beloved animals and events in our lives. And if you’re not comfortable being photographed, Molly will put you at ease and change that forever! -Carole King, Pawgevity Founder, Marshall, Virginia

 

Molly photographed the birth of our fourth child. She captured the most difficult and the most joyful moments of that day and I am forever grateful. What a gift she has to capture the moment as it happens. Thank you Molly! – E.H./Culpeper, Virginia

 

My session with Molly is one of the best gifts I’ve ever given myself.  Each one of my horses (and dog) warmed up to her immediately and they seemed to tell her how they would like to be photographed. What I have as a result is a treasure of photographs through which each horse and dog’s personality comes out, as if they are speaking from the page.  I can’t wait for her to come back.  We all love Molly! – M.R./Bethesda, MD