Dixie Photographer: Mary-Keeley McAllister Smith
We are very thankful for all the talented photographers who let us use their beautiful images in our Christmas cards. We are excited to first introduce you to Mary-Keeley McAllister Smith:
I’m married to my best friend, Cole, and we currently reside in Homewood, Alabama with our fur baby, Buddy, the bichon frise. Raised in Tuscaloosa, it's no coincidence I have a passion for creative arts - my mother was an elementary school librarian and folk-artist and my father has been a photographer for over 40 years. In 2009, I graduated with a degree in visual journalism from the University of Alabama and, in 2011, I started my full time portrait photography business. My approach to photography is a unique blend of photojournalism and classic family portraiture, which I find lends itself well to capturing the swift season of childhood. While I do enjoy photographing the occasional wedding, the majority of my business is family portraiture.
Dream Vacation: Tuscany, Italy
Magical Place: Camp McDowell in Nauvoo, Alabama.
Dinner Date: Oprah - and we’d bring back “Oprah’s Favorite Things!”
Listening to: Ryan Adams “Gold” + Vince Gauraldi Trio “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
Good Read: The Art of Cooking by Julia Child…I realize this is a cookbook but I read it like a novel. It sparked my interest in cooking and was a gift from my sister, inspired by my late mother who was a Julia fanatic.
Last great film you saw? The Bridges of Madison County
Favorite Foods: Tacos, pasta, wine
Favorite color: Blue
Beach or mountains? Beach
What inspires you most? Relationships
Prized Possesion: My engagement ring with my grandmother’s diamond.
Preferred sign-off: Warmly
Go-to hostess gift: Wine
Hidden Talent: I have a nose like a fox hound - I can identify a scent from a mile away.
Coffee: Almond creamer and extra hot
What did you dream of being when you were a kid? A fashion photographer
What fuels your creativity? Music
What is your number one tool of the trade? Patience