Inspired by your connection,
photographed with soul
Life gets crazy, (especially with little ones) some days it's a challenge just to do the "normal" tasks. Although crazy, these moments are fleeting and precious.
I strive to make magic from ordinary, chaotic, and messy moments. Your family photos are your real life, real moments, your real story. By helping you with every step: what to wear for the whole family, makeup for mom, heirloom albums, gallery walls, and statement art delivered to your door, I've created a simple and fun family photography experience and taken all the things off your plate that you just don't have time for.
Serving Charleston since 2016, specializing in maternity, newborn + family lifestyle photography
Why Choose Kelsey Halm Photography?
Booking a Charleston Family Photographer
Your family changes so much, even just in one year! That is why as a Charleston family photographer and mother myself, I encourage every family to schedule family photos at least once a year. This is the perfect way to document your children's growth, but also the relationships between all the members of your family. Your portrait session will capture what makes your family unique and create memories for years to come.
With my family photography sessions, I provide a full-service experience so that you can relax and know the details are taken care of. Taking care of a family is hard, so I make the family photo planning experience easy.
My Charleston family photo sessions can take place outdoors or in your home. They include a virtual planning and styling consultation, plus location guidance. They're simple, relaxed, and full service - from session styling to hanging artwork and designing your family's story year album, I've got you.
If you're interested in working with a Charleston family photographer to capture memories of your growing family, get in touch to begin the experience!
FAQ
"I'm not sure if our home will be good for in-home family photos"
I've photographed families in every sort of home, and the same thing is always true: the beauty of shooting at home isn't really about the house, but rather the people inside it. We'll chat ahead of time about light in your home, and which rooms might be the best options. Here are a few good rules of thumb to prepare for a session in your home:
1. Choose a space with the most natural light. (big windows, light colored walls, etc)
2. Less is more and simple is always beautiful. You don't have to have a professionally decorated space for it to photograph beautifully, just a neat, tidy space will be perfect.
FAQ
Who will be included in our session?
Who is included depends on the session we've booked. For the Parenthood collection the session will include immediate family (yourself, your partner, and any other children you have). For the Storybook collection this is customized, and can include extended family as well if they are in your everyday life. Let's chat!
**Pets are always welcome, but I do suggest that if you're including a dog in any session not held at home you bring along someone who's not in the photos to handle your pup when they're "on break".
FAQ
What should I/we wear for our photos?
Once you've scheduled your sessions you'll receive a styling guide for basic styling guidance. I've also partnered with a professional stylist, so we can add styling services to your chosen session at any time. Please contact me for further styling information.
I do always suggest simple and timeless wardrobe choices. It's always a good choice to avoid clothing with logos or distracting patterns, as well as very bright colors (they can cause a color cast on faces/skin). Go with light colors and patterns, and pieces that are comfortable to move around in. Always think coordinating, not matching.
FAQ
How far in advance do we need to book our family photo session in Charleston?
I open my booking calendar one year in advance (ie. you can book your October 2025 photos in October 2024, etc). My current clients generally schedule their sessions on a yearly basis, but new clients usually inquire and book three to four months in advance. Depending on the season I might have shorter notice availability - it's always worth reaching out, if I can accommodate your request I will.
FAQ
What if it rains on our session date?
During the summertime in Charleston we get many days with rain, but it is usually a quick-passing shower. If there is rain in the forecast we will keep an eye in the days leading up to your session, and make the call to reschedule or go ahead with the session by 12hrs in advance.
If we cannot reschedule then we can shoot in the rain! This might sound crazy, but I have photographed many rainy sessions, and they are magical!
A little different...
These moments fly by. When I became a mom the song It Won't Be Like This For Long by Darius Rucker made me cry every time I heard it because it is SO true. The days-weeks-years pass so quickly it can feel like a flash, so let's slow down.
My sessions are tailored to your family 100%, in a done-for-you way. I've created an experience that is simple (because what parent has time for anything extra?!) and customized to you, from booking until the artwork is hung in your home.
During your session I capture the connections you feel in these deepest moments through a journalistic eye, gentle prompts, and intentional composition. Fifty years from now, when you share your albums with your grandchildren, the spark of these memories will pull you right back as if it happened yesterday.
These sessions are
Offering both setting options in order to serve your family best.
What is your family's story? Does your home have significant meaning for you? Do you have a home filled with beautiful light and minimal distractions - allowing for your space to enhance the story we are telling and keep your family as the main focus? If so, an in-home session may be the right choice for you.
Are you a nature-loving or active family? (or do you just love Charleston's gorgeous scenery?) If so then an outdoor session is probably a great fit for you.
Helping you choose the best option for your family is part of my process, so if you're still unsure don't worry! We will design your session aesthetic together.
In-Home or Outdoor session?
Session Scheduling Details
Outdoor Sessions
Outdoor sessions take place year-round, in a few of our favorite locations in the Charleston, South Carolina area. Some of these places are: Historic Downtown, Hampton Park, Isle of Palms Beach, etc. Your session design will guide the exact outdoor location. I travel often, so please contact me if you'd like to book a session outside of Charleston.
In-Home Sessions
In-home sessions are scheduled year-round within the Charleston area. These sessions are generally scheduled midday, depending on the light in your home. Homes with lots of natural light and a minimal design aesthetic photograph best with my photography style.
Family portrait sessions are perfect for documenting your family as the years go by. Family sessions are photographed on-location either in Charleston's historic downtown, at one of the beautiful parks, or at one of two beaches. (Folly Beach or Isle of Palms Beach)
We schedule on-location outdoor family sessions year-round, for sunrise or sunset.
Family Photo Session
Photo Session Details
HOW THIS WORKS
- Getting Started: You can book your session immediately or reach out through a standard inquiry. Some clients know exactly what they want and prefer to secure their session right away. Others want to ask a few questions or tailor things more closely before booking. Both options are available.
- Getting to Know You (As Much as You’d Like): I love learning about the people I photograph so the session feels personal and true to you. If you’d like a more story-driven experience, we can talk through what matters most to you ahead of time. If you’re simply looking for beautiful photos in a beautiful place, that’s perfectly fine too. There’s no required process here.
- Session Prep: You’ll receive clear guidance on what to expect and how to prepare, including timing and location considerations. I’m always available for questions, but there’s no pressure to overthink things.
- Final Check-In: A few days before your session, I’ll check in to confirm details and keep an eye on the weather. If anything unexpected comes up, we’ll adjust as needed.
- Your Session: Sessions are relaxed, natural, and unrushed. I’ll offer guidance when it’s helpful and step back when things unfold on their own, focusing on real moments and genuine connection rather than stiff posing.
- Image Premiere: About three weeks after your session, your full gallery will be ready. All final images are included for you to download and enjoy. From there, you’re welcome to choose favorites if you’d like to create an album or prints.
- Album Design (Optional): For clients who want more than a digital gallery, I offer custom album design to turn your images into something you’ll actually revisit. I handle the layout and flow, creating a cohesive story from your session, and you’ll have the opportunity to review and refine it before it’s finalized.
Session investment begins at $950, with options based on session length and group size.