Mary Ella Jourdak Photography

Home
United States
Annapolis, MD
Mary Ella Jourdak Photography

Photos for folks who want all the fun and none of the fuss! Based in MD, shooting worldwide c 2010. this is your life, let's have some fun with it!

I started photographing as a means of recording my life, and all the ups + downs that come with it. I firmly believe that every day is an opportunity to be curious, to create and to laugh. This is a philosophy I carry with me to every shoot--from simple family portraits to meticulously planned weddings. I can guarantee that my laid back approach will put you at ease and that my candid photographs

will capture moments you'll never forget. professionally trained, artistically inclined; years of experience. let's get shooting! wedding photography | family photography | food photography
serving Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, and beyond.

09/17/2025

It's fall, y'all!! Minis are up, let's go. 🍂🍃🍁

maryellajourdak.com/2025-fall-minis

06/06/2025

Earlier this spring, I had an excellent opportunity to visit my former middle school to talk with the 8th grade students about what work Haven Ministries, Inc. does in the community through the shelter, food pantry, Jacob Sloan Day Center, Homes of Hope, and other programs. It was inspiring to see how the students were so engaged with actively listening and asking great questions during the presentations, but WOW was this an impressive turnout from their drive! Big thanks to STMS staff, students, and family, y'all are stars.

04/10/2025

Oh, hey! It's uh...1/4 of the way through 2025?

Wiiiiild. Anyways, I know I suck at social media updates. I'm still here? I'm still here!

Here, as in no union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family
Here, as no one is illegal on stolen land.
Here, as in, well...here *and* q***r.
Here, as in immigrants are what make America great.
Here, as in we have gotta get coal dust outta Baltimore neighborhoods.
Here, as in expedited wedding plans are as valid as grandiose ones.
Here, as in sharing sacred spaces that're hosting sacred goals, of second chances and free speech.
Here, as in Free Palestine.
Here, as in dignity and kindness in acts big and small, for one and for all.
Here, as in what a painful and exquisite delight it is to weather all these storms together, to be on a planet where auroras sing overhead and ice creaks underfoot.

And a p.s. for the bits I don't have professional photos to match:
Here as in your family is perfectly made, however it was created.
Here as in Black Lives still and always will Matter.
And here as in trans people belong everywhere.

Stay beloved and keep fighting the good fight, my friends!
xo

12/05/2024

✨ RSVP FOR UPCOMING SENSORY SANTA EXPERIENCE! ✨

With the bustle of festivities and holiday plans well underway, this can be a very overwhelming time of year - especially for children with sensory sensitivities. Traditional Santa visits are sometimes really tough for those kiddos, and I'm elated that for the second year in a row, I'm teaming up with TruCentered Chiropractic Care, and the one, the only, to bring a 1-on-1 sensory-friendly Santa experience in a calm, welcoming environment.

WHEN + WHERE:
December 13th at TruCentered Chiropractic Care.2525 Riva Rd #145, Annapolis, MD 214011 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

WHO:
Children who experience any sensory sensitivity, adults with development differences, and siblings, family, and/or caregivers are welcome, too!

WHAT: 8 minute time slots to visit with the legendary (and sensory-friendly!) Santa Todd who is patient, kind, and experienced with working with truly everyone.
Sessions will take place in a private space with no music and crowds. Photos are optional and will happen with continuous lighting (not flash!). The building and space is wheelchair accessible, and will have a dedicated waiting space with activities.

HOW: Please make sure you RSVP to secure your timeslot using this link:
maryellajourdak.com/sensory-santa-2024
(in bio for all our IG friends!)

This opportunity is complimentary, however donations are greatly appreciated and will be sent to @ in an effort to raise funds for local families who have children battling childhood cancer.

11/07/2024

Hate that we have to do this again, but we're always gonna show up with big love for our beloved communities. As with last time, this offer will also extend to couples of any orientation who are looking to accelerate marriage for immigration, healthcare, etc.

I've got a list of officiants in my back pocket doing this for free as well, so don't hesitate to get in touch. Share widely, love deeply, and keep moving together.

p.s. - drop a favorite LGBTQIA+ mutual aid fund or local advocacy/non-profit group in the comments.

More info here:
https://maryellajourdak.com/beloved-communities-2025

09/21/2024

🍂🍁 It's fall, y'all! 🍁🍂
..and you know what that means: MINIS! Wildly excited for this year with all the weekends on the calendar. Seems like every year it's a little bigger, and a little better, and always a ton of fun! Per usual, there'll be a canned food drive for Haven Ministries, Inc., and donations to both the Maryland Food Bank & Médecins Sans Frontières / MSF. I can't wait!!

Get more info + sign-up here:
maryellajourdak.com/2024-fall-minis

09/05/2024

My clients for this coming Sunday in the OCMD area had to cancel their session because they have COVID. So!

1) The infection rates are scary high right now! A wee little reminder that masks are still dope, hand washing will always be sexy, and there is a new vaccination that's out.

2) Anyone in that area want to make the most of the time I've got down there with a photo session on Sunday or Monday? The weather is going to be absolutely glorious, so send me your beachy babes and family friends! Pricing + info on shoots is always up on the website, and I'm happy to honor mini session pricing. Let's make the most of this time and grab a little more summer while we can. www.maryellajourdak.com

Here's a few favorite waterfront moments from my big, busy, and endlessly lovely spring + summer season.

07/10/2024

The Portraits for Pal initiative is rolling right along! It's been such a joy to capture headshots, sweet babes, engagement photos, and sweet fams hanging out together for such a great cause.

I cannot believe that the mutual aid fund is over $3500, and with the drawing commissions + upcoming minis already on the books, we'll be over $4k!! Y'all are INCREDIBLE!! Here's the latest schedule below, but be sure to get in touch directly if you're looking for your own mini session. More deats here:

https://maryellajourdak.com/mutual-aid-minis

🍉 EASTON, MD (w/ Mehndi Art)
Tomorrow! Wednesday July 11th from 3 p.m. to sunset
Idlewild Park near the gazebo

🍉WASHINGTON, D.C. (w/ Mehndi Art)
Friday, July 12th, early afternoon to evening
Georgetown Waterfront Park - K St and Wisconsin Ave NW (by the Splash Pad!)

🍉WASHINGTON, DC
Saturday, July 13th
--Morning @ Rock Creek Park near Pierce Mill
(parking across the street from 2401 Tilden St NW, Washington, DC 20008)
--Afternoon/Evening @ Georgetown Waterfront Park - K St and Wisconsin Ave NW (by the Splash Pad!)

🍉ANNAPOLIS BAD ART with Mehndi Art
Monday, July 15th @ Tsunami Sushi Bar from 6 to close

🍉BOWIE, MD
Wednesday, 7/17 - location TBD

🍉ANNAPOLIS, MD
Thursday, 7/18 - Jonas Green Park, sunset sessions!

🍉FIKSBURG, MD
Saturday, 7/20 (late afternoon/early p.m. sessions)
Private residence with the most gorgeous rolling hilled, barn-side beautiful space.
LIMITED TIMESLOTS - please message for availability!

07/03/2024

Oh, it's my face! Haven't done a thing like this in a long time, but I wanted to hop on here and send a little love while asking for a little help. Watch the vid, follow , scope out www.maryellajourdak.com/mutual-aid-minis, and get in touch if you want in on this.

The recap is:
-Fab photos, mediocre art, and beautiful mehndi for donations to a great cause.
-100% mutual aid going directly to folks in need.
-Donate, join in on the effort, or share!
-Looking for donations of functioning laptops + tablets with keyboard attachment capabilities.
-Your face is cute, let's put it on paper or camera or decorate the rest of you!

Love and solidarity,
Mary Ella

06/20/2024

🍉 Today is officially the first day of summer! 🍉

I am kicking off this new season with a pretty lofty goal of helping to raise $10,000 for mutual aid by the end of July. Phew, that's a mouthful of a sentence!

Direct donations are always most welcome, but you can also get some fabulous photos, and some mediocre art (honestly, they're pretty dang cute!). Either way, 100% of the funds raised are going directly to help refugees in Cairo who have fled unrelenting violence in their home country.

Mutual aid is one of the fastest and most flexible ways for people to meet their own needs without having to rely on slower moving non-profits and other organizations, so let's get to it! Today, I'll be hanging out in Silver Spring along the beautiful Sligo Creek, I'll be at the dreamy Quiet Waters Park on Sunday, and the following weekend, I'll be on Kent Island. Come say hey and help put a little extra love out in to the world! Scope this link below for more info.

https://maryellajourdak.com/mutual-aid-minis

Address

Annapolis, MD
21401

Website

http://www.maryellajourdak.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Mary Ella Jourdak Photography posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Mary Ella Jourdak Photography:

Name:

Email:

Message:

Shortcuts

Want your business to be the top-listed Photography Service in Annapolis?