Denise McMahon loves making memories. As an independent photographer, she’s there to capture families’ most important moments, taking maternity and baby pictures.
McMahon worked for IBM for about 10 years, where she met her husband, Michael. But she’s been taking photos since she was a child. She later left her job in information systems to found her photography company, Denise Van Photography.
McMahon lives with her husband and son, Wes (5), in Chantilly, Virginia’s South Riding neighborhood.
Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
When did you get into photography, and when did you decide you wanted to do it professionally?
I’ve always had a camera in my hands. My dad gifted me and my sister one of those little Sony Cyber-shot digital cameras, which was my first foray into digital photography. I stole the camera from my sister and hogged it a lot. I quit my job [as a consultant] after my son was born, with the goal of being a stay-at-home mom. Once I figured things out as a new mom, I decided I wanted to do more photography sessions and meet more families.
How did you start growing your business?
I spent the first few years after COVID hit just getting a feel for what I’m doing, because being a creative person is very different from running a business. I just kept trying to figure out how I wanted to be as a businessperson and invested pretty heavily in coaching.
Even though it’s been years since I started my LLC (in 2017), I’m still building my foundation and continually working on it to make it even better, as a better experience for my clients and a better experience for me as a photographer. I don’t want to get burnt out, because the hustle life isn’t what I’m after. I want to be able to spend time with my kid. That’s part of why it’s been so important for me to photograph people … because I want them to know how precious their little ones are.
How do you capture authentic moments?
I have come to realize that I’m a very free-flowing person, and I like to see what each family is like, and everyone’s different. Some families have kids who have lots of energy, and they need space to run around. So, we’ll pick a location that gives them that access to just run around and play. I coach my parents to let loose, to be themselves and not worry so much about getting the smiles. That’s what I’m there for. Ultimately, I guide and coax them towards hugs, and kisses and laughter, things that keep their kids happy during their session. That’s my biggest goal —like I am their kids’ biggest advocate to keep them happy. If the parents relax, then the kids can relax and they can all have fun together.
How do you balance your work life and your family life?
In some ways, there is no balance. It’s about harmony, and that’s what I strive for. My son is my full life, and my photography is also my full life. It’s less about balance and more about figuring out what my priority is at any given moment. If my kid’s doing something, I try to be fully there for him. Sometimes, I have to work while I’m with him, so I have to make sure he understands I’ll be there for him as soon as I’m done.
Do you have any tips for photographing kids?
It’s good for parents to stay calm and not put a lot of expectations on the kids themselves. If you tell your kid to pose and smile at the camera, you’ll end up with fake smiles. Trust your photographer; trust that they are going to be there to capture the smiles, the laughs and the giggles, and don’t put so much of that stress on kids. They’re not there to perform. They’re there to … make memories with you and be in front of the camera, so that you can have photos to show them how loved they are.
Family Favorites
Favorite Meal: That’s a hard one; we have a lot! I’d say fish tacos or CAVA.
Favorite Game: Yahtzee is a current fave!
Favorite Local Spot: The playground at Hal & Berni Hanson Regional Park
Favorite Vacation Spot: Nags Head, [North Carolina]
Favorite activities: Hiking, playing board games together, visiting family
