More Than a Photographer
Maryland Engagement & Wedding photographer based in Frederick, MD but will travel to capture your memories
So—photography. For me, it’s never been about just pressing a button. It’s about presence, paying attention, and creating space for comfort—preserving the kind of fleeting moments you’ll want to relive for the rest of your life.
What started back in college with a Nikon D5500 and a fascination for storytelling became something much deeper: a craft I’ve poured years into honing. I upgraded the gear (more lenses than I’d like to admit), studied the technical side, and committed to mastering how to translate emotion, light, and timing into lasting memories. Self-taught, yes—but with an obsession for excellence.
Today, I lead M. Carter Photography, serving couples across Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C. I specialize in weddings and engagements—not just with great images, but with a refined, personal experience that allows you to feel seen, relaxed, and fully present on your day.
I bring calm where there’s chaos, connection where there’s pressure, and genuine care into every frame—because your wedding deserves more than a shot list. It deserves a visual legacy that reflects not just how it looked, but how it felt. When you work with me, you’re not just getting a photographer—you’re getting someone who values comfort, clarity, and connection, and who treats your memories like they’re my own.
Whether your day is intimate or grand, modern or timeless—I’m here to make the process effortless, enjoyable, and unforgettable. Let’s create something you’ll cherish forever.
COMMUNICATION. AUTHENTICITY. COMFORT.
The values I bring to every wedding and engagement I document
These three values aren’t just part of how I work—they’re who I am behind the lens. From our first conversation to the moment you receive your gallery, I’m focused on keeping things clear, connected, and comfortable. Because great photos don’t just happen in front of the camera—they start with trust behind it.
Whether I’m documenting your wedding, capturing your engagement in a place that means something to you, or helping you celebrate a season of life that deserves to be remembered, I’m here to make the process feel easy and natural.
I believe in creating space where you can relax, be yourself, and feel completely seen. And I’ll bring the right mix of professionalism, creativity, and just enough humor to help you shine—without ever making it feel like a performance.
Because the real magic? It’s not in chasing the perfect pose. It’s in capturing how it felt to be there.
📸 My Philosophy Behind the Lens
I blend the honesty of photojournalism with the timeless beauty of classic portraiture to create a collection of images that truly reflect who you are. My goal isn’t just to document your wedding day—it’s to preserve the feeling of it.
Every photograph I deliver is part of a larger story: yours. I focus on capturing the fleeting moments—the quiet glances, the full-belly laughs, the hand-squeezes and deep exhales—that might otherwise go unnoticed. The result? A gallery that not only brings your memories vividly back to life, but becomes something you’ll want to hold onto for decades. A visual heirloom.
Because your story deserves more than pretty pictures. It deserves to be remembered exactly as it felt.
🎨 My Editing Approach: Honest, Intentional, Timeless
I take an environment-first approach to editing—meaning I thoughtfully adjust warmth, coolness, and tone to reflect the setting and mood of your day. Whether your wedding unfolds under golden light or soft overcast skies, your gallery will feel cohesive, natural, and true to how it all looked and felt.
I also have a deep love for black and white imagery. There’s something powerful about removing distraction and focusing entirely on emotion—on the connection between two people in a moment that doesn’t need color to be felt.
Above all, my editing is designed to enhance, not overpower—bringing out the real beauty in every frame while staying true to your story.
FEATURED REVIEW
M + E
“I cannot say enough about how incredible Marcus is. He was so thorough and patient working through wedding day details with us during multiple calls leading up to the wedding. On wedding day, he went above & beyond. We did our photos & wedding ceremony on the national mall & he planned the perfect route to get the best pictures away from tourists but still showing the monuments & beautiful greenery around the mall. He made sure we got all the photos we wanted even after it started raining, he accommodated my outrageously large list of family photos, and he helped coordinate the perfect first look. His attitude is incredible – he is so positive & upbeat and truly made our wedding day fun & completely seamless. I cannot recommend him enough!”
— Maurisa & Eric | Washington, D.C.
A Few Things You Might Not Expect (But Should Definitely Know)
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👶 Fatherhood Changed Everything
Becoming a dad to Charly Rose in June 2023 redefined what legacy means to me. It’s made me even more intentional about capturing the moments that matter—because I know just how fast they go.
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🇫🇷 Bonjour to My Second Shooter
My wife is from Normandy, France—and on occasion, she steps in as my second photographer. She brings a calm presence, a thoughtful eye, and a little French elegance to the experience.
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🎓 Self-Taught and Seriously Invested
No art school. Just a camera, endless hours of practice, and a drive to tell real stories. Every ounce of what I bring to your day was earned through passion and persistence.
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💻 Creative, But Also a Systems Guy
In addition to photography, I manage IT projects by day. It’s not glamorous, but it sharpens my attention to detail and keeps your experience seamless from start to finish.
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🎳 Yes, I Peaked in Bowling at Age 12
My highest game was a 285 when I was twelve… and no, I haven’t beat it since. It’s my favorite way to unplug—and if your wedding day ends up at a bowling alley, I’m game.
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🕹️ A New Call Of Duty
In high school, I dreamed of going pro in gaming. Today, I get to create real-life highlight reels frame by frame—moments you’ll actually want to watch forever.
Your Story Deserves to Be Told Beautifully
If you’ve made it this far, chances are you’re not just looking for someone to show up and take photos.
You’re looking for someone who gets it—someone who can bring calm to the chaos, catch the moments you didn’t even realize were happening, and preserve them with intention and care.
That’s what I do. With heart, honesty, and a little bit of humor.
If that sounds like what you’re looking for, I’d be honored to document your day.