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Photographing those who embrace the heartfelt & authentic.

Marlyn McClendon is a documentary wedding & portrait photographer serving clients in West Virginia & beyond.

I am an observer by heart and lover of light. I'm passionate about capturing the beauty in our shared human experiences and I believe in being fully present to your story as it naturally unfolds.

My first intention and priority is to document the genuine connection, feelings and expressions of my clients — no staging or pretending. My aim is for you to feel relaxed, to be yourself and feel into the moment, whatever it brings—the fun, the tears, the crazy, the hugs, and the laughter. It’s all welcome.

Your photographs will bring you back to those honest & heartfelt moments—to the way it feels to be with your loved ones.

Hi, I’m Marlyn McClendon

See My Work

Couples

Family & Maternity

Testimonials

  • Our family loved everything about working with Marlyn! From the beginning, communication was effortless and we loved her tips and recommendations for preparing for our photographs. We had a last minute family emergency and she was extremely kind, caring and understanding through the whole process of rescheduling. We tend to be a bit trepidatious about having our photos taken, but that was not at all how we felt about working with Marlyn. She scouted a beautiful location for our shoot, took us on a wonderful hike woven with stories and laughter, she was amazing with our two children and at the end we left with full hearts, a new friend and a new favorite day trip location! When we received our gallery, we both favorited over 100 pictures from the day. It all just felt like icing on the best cake, really! We hope to work with Marlyn for many years to come.

    Katherine

  • It was absolutely incredible having Marlyn part of such a special day for us. She captured such beautiful moments of our wedding day and to see her work was like reliving the day all over again. I am beyond grateful for her and talent to not only take such wonderful photos but to make people feel so comfortable in the process! Marlyn, you’re THE BEST!

    Tiffany

  • Marlyn is more than a wonderful photographer, she is a friend who is there to help out the entire ride! From our first phone conversation, I knew she was the photographer I wanted to capture our day. And man, did we make the right decision. Marlyn is 100% dedicated to making your special day ALL about you & your desires. She is hands on and interested in all your ideas & thoughts! She was there, texting and calling, just to catch up on how the wedding planning was coming along, etc. She truly brought our wedding to life with her wonderful photographs. Can't recommend her enough!

    Heather

  • Marlyn has an inborn gift for the camera. While she clearly has mastered the technology of modern photography, her ability to convey mood and emotion through lens is superior. She is also an excellent listener, truly invested in her clients' visions. Humble and hardworking, I cannot say enough excellent things about this woman. I recommend her to anyone and everyone.

    Julie

  • Marlyn has photographed all of my best times. My engagement & first pregnancy. The marriage to my best friend and my second pregnancy. She is super personable & gets the best candid photos. Absolutely love her soul and her work. Truly.

    Vanessa

  • She put me at ease with her fun, interesting and down-to-earth personality while also making me feel confident and at ease about the wedding vision and photos because I could trust her. She complemented our experience so well, I couldn't imagine it without her.

    Caley

  • Marlyn was an absolute ray of sunshine! Leading up to the wedding, Marlyn was in constant contact, answering any and all questions we had. The day of our wedding, she made both of our wedding parties and families feel included and welcomed. Marlyn captured so many intimate moments, moments that my partner and I are going to cherish the rest of our lives. I cannot thank, or recommend, Marlyn enough. She is truly a wonderful, beautiful human and I am so thankful we had the opportunity to work with her!

    Ash

  • We love having Marlyn take photos for our family. She's been a part of all the big moments so far- wedding, maternity, and family photos. Her photos always turn out beautifully. Sessions never feel rushed or uncomfortable- she puts everyone at ease and catches us in our element. Highly recommend- 5 stars all around!

    Leslie