The woman behind the lens

Sharing the Human Experience through Photography and Storytelling

Hi, I’m Magdalena Barry — most people call me Mag.  I’m all about people, connection, and finding beauty in real life. Before becoming a photographer, I spent 10 years as an interior designer in Toronto, then went on to teach Grade 3 in St. Albert, for ten wonderful years. Both careers brought me much creativity, connection and joy! I’m a proud mom to Bianca and Tyler who are both grown adults and remain a huge part of my life.

Today, as a photographer, I split my time between family documentary photography and my heartfelt project, “Timeless Tales by Mag” — where I photograph vibrant seniors over 80 who live with joy, purpose, and deep connection to their communities. Many of my family sessions grow from these senior shoots, often documenting multiple generations together and celebrating real family life — inside and outside the home.

Over the past several years, I’ve participated in workshops and courses with world-renowned, award-winning photographers, including Dave Brosha and the Offbeat Community, as well as Erika and Lanny Mann of Two Mann Studios, whose creativity, insight and storytelling deeply inspire my own work. I’m always learning, growing, and exploring new ways to tell stories that feel genuine and full of life.

I love great coffee (and discovering fabulous coffee shops), traveling, and spending time in the mountains in Canmore with my husband, Ken. I’m a lifelong learner, a people-watcher, and someone who believes the best stories are found in the quiet, in-between moments that make life beautifully real.