o I was born in Ennismore, Ontario and never really left
o I am named after both of my grandma's 
o I go by Mary, Mary Mayhem, Mare, and will likely answer to Melissa (my identical twin sister’s name) 
o I like to think of myself as a “professional napper” (upside down in a corner, I could still nap)
o I LIVE for chocolate. I can’t even be around chocolate chips…they vanish in a day
o My hubby Chris and I love our firecracker children so much. Jackson is 21 yrs old (yes 21, it blows my mind too), and Eliza, 9 yrs old (try that for sibling dynamics) 
o I love my parents so much that I built my house next door (we call their house the compound).
o We love our family boat, "vicious" 
o I have always loved art- I freelanced painted for years before discovering photography 
o If you see me on the dance floor, you may think I am professional (kidding), or a little wacko (I like to think both). 
o I live for humour and never take myself too seriously -basically if I can make your kids laugh at a good fart joke, my life is complete. 





Who I am

I live in a small town with cottage country/farming vibes, just outside Peterborough (Ennismore, Ontario). I am a photographer, watercolour painter, and professional napper, and the idea of stand-up comedy intrigues me. I also love the heck out of my humans (my fam jam).

Simply, I live for humour and all things art

I'm Mary ZITA PAYNE 

My photography business started so organically in July of 2016, when this ride called 'life' decided to take our family on a roller coaster ride: After not feeling like herself for a couple of weeks, our 2.5 year old daughter was diagnosed with cancer and would begin her two and a half year chemotherapy battle. Our perspective and outlook on life shifted overnight and our entire world revolved around getting our little girl healthy again.

The one thing that brought me some sense of reprieve throughout all of the ups and downs, was documenting my daughter’s journey through pictures. I became obsessed with capturing the real and the raw beauty of life. Not only ours, but everyone’s around me.

I got so engrossed in the photography world that I left my 9-5 job and have been having an incredible time photographing everything and everyone ever around me since!

Side note: Our family is now so healthy and healthy with a sprinkle of family chaos ;).

 

Why photos matter to me.

 my why

In my free time you still will not find me far from a camera. Check out a few out a my recent blogs that cover the life of Mary Mayhem.

Sunsets in PEC, the open fields surrounding my home, and sea salt chocolate...and enjoying it all with good company. These are a few of my favourite things

In my free time...

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Breweries and snowy hikes to the ski lodge.

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Roller coasters, Coney Island, beach time.

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Sunday night dinners and time with family.

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A glass of wine and a good book before bed.

Mary on the "Gram"

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