Mercedes Collective Photography

09/14/2026

08/13/2026

Okay, I had to share this one too.

The light, the love - did I not tell you???

Truly stunning, through and through.

🤍

08/13/2026

Some people are simply meant to be teachers. 🤍

The kind of teacher whose impact reaches far beyond the walls of a classroom. The kind children remember long after they’ve moved on to the next grade, and the kind parents feel incredibly lucky to have had in their child’s life.

So dearly loved, so deeply admired, and such a special part of our little community.

It was such a privilege to capture this beautiful soul and her family— someone who has poured so much love, patience, encouragement and kindness into so many little lives over the years.

I feel incredibly lucky to have had you there for my son's first year of school and to have you reach out to me for this honour in photographing your love and light, truly means everything to me.

Teachers like you leave footprints on hearts that last a lifetime

Thank you for being wonderfully you, Mrs. Stapley!
🤍

08/11/2026

Can you guess who now??

All my Stockdale peeps know her, love her and beg for her to be apart of their children's educational career.

I know you know, and if you do not -

STAY TUNED! 😍

06/09/2026

He was born during the thick of the lockdowns, swaddled in uncertainty, and raised through Zoom calls, window introductions and masks. And now — somehow — he’s sprinting across the school yard in this years third pair of outdoors and second pair of indoors, shouting facts about Ivy the cow, and collecting the playground rocks, like he owns the place.

My baby is graduating kindergarten and going to grade one. But I swear he was just four a second ago, being peeled off me, finger by finger. And now … grade one??

🥲😪

At the same time. I could not be more proud of him.

Sooooo let’s photograph the good!!

Meet me at the school Friday night! Kinder grad minis are taking place!

Xoxo

01/22/2026

I am feeling a ton of feels today. And I am so lucky the universe told our house to stay home today.

You know what that means - endless cuddles and snackies Just what the soul needs. 💞

❄️❄️❄️

Also, hang in there everyone, today marks the 56789th snow day of the 2025/2026 school year - see how I chose to say that instead of 2026 as its own category .... 🙄🤣

01/14/2026

Today I signed her name on a form. But this form is different from the rest. This form felt like I was somehow signing away a piece of my heart.

My baby is going to start school in September. And the paperwork has officially been signed and submitted.

I have had such an incredible time off being so close to her, having those extra cuddles, quiet moments and loud belly laughs.

What a gift this has been, truly.

I really am so excited to watch her step into this new world and to see her grow, learn and blossom in ways I can only imagine. - I know she is ready for this.

I will have to learn to love her in a new way that is a little farther away from me. My heart feels like it is breaking and blooming all at the same time. And I know this will pass and slowly it will get easier, as it did with Weston. I am just nowhere close or ready for this yet and for now, that is okay. I will hold space for this until I am ready.

xoxo
🩷💕💞

01/03/2026

2025 was the year that shaped me for the season of life I thought I was entering personally, but then six days before Christmas our family was hit with some really hard news - that unfortunately will only get harder. The kind of news that makes you hug everyone you know extra tight, because you never know if it is the very last. This has been a reminder of just how precious time, connection and togetherness truly are. Which is sort of ironic considering it is after all - The Holidays.

Our moments matter. The hugs, the laughter, the quite- in-between memories - they matter more than ever. And from the very beginning of my photography journey, my Mantra has always been very simple; to capture love - the real, honest beautiful love that lives within us.

I want to take a moment to thank everyone for their kindness and patience that I was lucky enough to receive this year. - because I received a TON! 💕 (and in the last few weeks from the ones who know, that is kindness like no other and my family is very appreciative, thank you!)

Happy New Years everyone, I am going to go cuddle my family extra hard with only two days left of this winter break!

xoxo

ps. Panda, when you read this, I want you to know how incredibly strong you are and have been through this. Your are an inspiration for your kids. Your dad is constantly proud of you. We all are. 💙🐼

12/15/2025

I can NOT wait to see my sweet ham at his Christmas concert today!!!! xoxo