Mission Projects is Mary Pratt and her network of photographers, directors, and production partners worldwide.
I have 25+ years experience producing stills and motion work for brands, agencies, and photographers — leading productions across more than 30 countries on six continents and throughout the United States. Over time, my work has evolved beyond traditional line production into something more consultative and upstream.
The shift has happened organically. Increasingly, clients bring me in earlier — not just to execute, but to help assess whether ideas are feasible, what different approaches might cost, and how to structure projects for success before committing to a direction. Early involvement prevents problems and makes the entire process smoother for everyone involved.
This is where I add the most value: partnering with creative teams when concepts are still forming, helping translate ambition into realistic plans, and then carrying projects through execution with clarity and accountability. I'm hired by brands and agencies, as well as by photographers and directors. My commitment is always to the project and the people working on it.
I bring an international perspective shaped by dual British-Swiss heritage and decades working across cultures. I'm a native speaker of English and German, with conversational French, Italian, and Spanish. I'm passionate about photography, creative communities, and the broader world of visual storytelling — that curiosity informs how I work and with whom I connect.
I’m based in New York and work worldwide.
Testimonials
“Mary is a rare kind of production partner. She’s deeply attuned to creative process, but also understands how to negotiate, prioritize, and move projects forward under real-world constraints. She knows when to step in, when to simplify, and how to support both creative teams and clients with confidence and calm.
Working with her feels less like hiring a vendor and more like gaining a true collaborator — someone who builds trust quickly, adapts as projects evolve, and helps teams deliver strong work without unnecessary friction.”
— Susan Sellers, Founding Partner and Executive Creative Director of 2x4
“Mary possesses a graceful strength — she moves mountains without needing to announce it. Her deep respect for the creative process empowers teams to make bold choices, resulting in visuals that elevate every project.
Together, we spearheaded the IBM Image Department, curating and commissioning the brand’s global visual identity across marketing and communications. A remarkable problem-solver and collaborator throughout my professional journey, Mary brings clarity, generosity, and an exceptional depth of knowledge of the photo world to every engagement.”
— Reda Charafeddine, Executive Producer, IBM Image Dept.
“I’ve worked with Mary on a handful of projects over the last decade, and her devotion and wide-ranging skill set always helped ensure that shoots went off without a hitch. She has a wonderful way of making everyone feel supported and at ease.”
— Mark Mahaney, Photographer
“We brought Mary in while the concept was still taking shape, and that changed the entire trajectory of the project. The client kept asking for more, the scope kept shifting, and the budget pressure was real. Mary helped us translate evolving ideas into clear scenarios — conceptually and financially — so we could show what was possible before committing to anything.
She was calm, unfazed by constant changes, and deeply embedded with the team. Having her involved early meant we could ask questions in real time, pressure-test ideas, and avoid the painful cycle of over-promising and value-engineering later. The process was remarkably smooth and enjoyable, even under intense constraints.”
— Gala Delmont-Benatar, Senior Project Manager at 2x4
“Mary is a high-touch producer who combines real aesthetic intelligence with meticulous attention to detail. She’s the kind of partner who ‘gets’ the creative intent quickly, then helps shape a path to execute it without compromising the work.
Her superpower is how she collaborates: calm, constructive, and solutions-oriented. Even when constraints are real, she doesn’t crush the idea — she helps refine it into something achievable. If you want a producer who feels like part of your team (not someone who just says no), Mary is exceptional.”
— Elliott Walker, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Otherward
“From the very beginning of a project, working with Mary feels thoughtful and grounded. Prep is thorough without being overbearing, communication is clear without being rigid, and there’s a real sense that she’s paying attention — to the work, the people involved, and the larger arc of the shoot. On a shoot, that care translates into calm focus. Things move smoothly, decisions are made decisively, and if something unexpected comes up, it’s handled quickly and quietly, without throwing the energy of the day off balance.
Beyond any single job, Mary has consistently shown up as a true collaborator. Since the large Microsoft project she produced, she’s continued to go out of her way to support me on other opportunities, offering help, insight, and advocacy whenever possible. That kind of follow-through speaks volumes. Working with her never feels transactional — it feels like being part of a well-led, professional team where the process genuinely supports the work, and where people are treated with care and respect.”
— Richard Renaldi, Photographer