Your Family Session
authentic. candid. Soulful
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
authentic.
Less Forced, More
candid.
Less Curated, More
real.
Less Perfect, More
Behind The Lens
I’m Kelsey, a mom, adventure-lover, and traveler who’s drawn to culture, good food, and meaningful experiences. I can’t wait to help you tell your story through beautiful photographs, shared through heirloom albums, art pieces, and prints.
Charleston Maternity, Newborn, and Family Photographer
More about Kelsey...
Kelsey
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.
Signature Sessions
We recommend scheduling between 28 - 34 weeks
Maternity sessions are such a sweet time of celebration. Baby will be joining your family in just a few short weeks and life is about to get a whole lot sweeter (and a little busier!). My favorite recommendation is for you to plan a "babymoon", and schedule your maternity photos then!
We schedule outdoor maternity sessions year-round, for sunrise or sunset.
Maternity Photo Session
We recommend scheduling 2 - 3 weeks after baby is born
Baby has arrived! These sweet, snuggly sessions are held in your home, between 2 and 3 weeks after baby is born.
To schedule a newborn session let us know when your due-date is so we can put a tentative timeframe on the calendar. As soon as baby arrives let us know, and we will book the exact date. Parenthood Collective members get priority dates.
We schedule newborn sessions year-round, generally in the midmorning or midafternoon.
Newborn Photo Session
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
Due to the custom nature of these sessions a limited number are available
It's not often that the whole family & extended family are in one place, so vacations are the perfect time to schedule family portraits!
Our vacation sessions include your immediate and extended family, up to 15 people. Please let us know if you plan to have more than 15 family members attending.
We schedule vacation sessions at sunrise or before sunset from. I am also available to travel for sessions outside of Charleston.
Vacation & Travel Sessions
Your family is unlike any other family, so why have the same photo session as hundreds of others? Family story sessions are custom-tailored to tell your family's story, at this moment in time.
Story session location depends on your family, and is determined during the planning process. Some locations include: In-home, on-location, and destination.
We schedule family story sessions year-round, and timing is dependent on the session plan.
Family Story Sessions
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.
maternity - newborn - 6 months - 1 year
Story Year Collective members receive 2 or 3 Signature Sessions & 1 Premier Session within a 15 month period, a savings on their session fees, priority booking, and an album credit.
The Story Year Collective
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
I'm expecting, when should I book my maternity/newborn session?
Congratulations! Typically I recommend scheduling maternity sessions around the 7/8 month mark, when you have a visible bump, but aren't too uncomfortable. If you're already past that point, no worries! We can get you scheduled asap. Typically, newborn sessions are scheduled within the first two weeks after baby comes home, while they're still pretty sleepy. We'll confirm a specific date for our session once your little one has made their appearance. Baby already here? I'm happy to schedule sessions for babies older than two weeks.
FAQ
I'm expecting, when should I book my maternity/newborn session?
Congratulations! Typically I recommend scheduling maternity sessions around the 7/8 month mark, when you have a visible bump, but aren't too uncomfortable. If you're already past that point, no worries! We can get you scheduled asap. Typically, newborn sessions are scheduled within the first two weeks after baby comes home, while they're still pretty sleepy. We'll confirm a specific date for our session once your little one has made their appearance. Baby already here? I'm happy to schedule sessions for babies older than two weeks.
A "done for you" experience
Your memories belong in your home, not forgotten on a hard drive.
What would it feel like to be able to show your children that you invested in their legacy and emotional future? Far too often photos end up collecting digital dust, forgotten on a hard drive. These photographs are your family legacy made art, and deserve to live in your home and on your walls.
As a mother myself I fully understand how precious time is. This is why I've crafted a "done-for-you" experience: from wardrobe styling and session location, to creating beautiful heirloom albums, to designing and installing gallery walls for your home. Simple and easy for you, with beautiful results.
