Mary Fehr has always believed that the most powerful photographs are the ones that tell a beautiful story.

She studied art and art history at the University of Montevallo before building a full-time career as a commercial and wedding photographer in Birmingham. One of her passions is capturing the city’s restaurant scene.

Her latest project is The Main Ingredient, which showcases intimate and honest portraits of the staff and owners behind some of the city’s most beloved dining institutions that have gained local and national recognition.

Created as part of Birmingham Restaurant Week, her exhibit will be showcased on the second floor of Birmingham City Hall from July 8 – Aug. 31. Featured Birmingham eateries/bars include: Last Call Baking Co., Bayonet, Shu Shop, Bottega, Gus’s Hot Dogs, The Essential, Salud, Continental Drift, Juniper, Helen, Tucana Tiki Bar and Uncle G’s Pizza food truck.

Some of the people featured in this exhibit rarely get to step out from behind the kitchen door and into the spotlight. But through Mary’s photography, they shine on well after the dining room has closed for the day. This exhibit is her love letter to Birmingham’s culinary culture, encouraging visitors to fill up on all that the Magic City has to offer. Photos of Birmingham food legends Frank Stitt and Chris Hastings are also in the exhibit.

“I want my images to feel both real and artful, grounded and expressive,” said Mary. “Whether I’m photographing a person, a place or a story, my goal is always the same: to create photographs that feel alive and true.”

For as long as she can remember, photography has been part of Mary’s life. She grew up watching her mother document their family, and that simple act showed Mary the power photographs can have in preserving feeling and memory.

Images in the exhibit include a baker shaping dough into what will eventually become mouth-watering croissants; a crew on break from standing over a hot grill to make sure the lunch special of the day leaves customers satisfied; and a store owner happily smiling into the camera, likely thinking of what his next creation will be. Mary has a way of making even the most ordinary moment feel like it was always meant to be photographed. And in her hands, it was.

For more info on Mary, visit www.maryfehr.com

Bio by Chanda Temple