You know… those first subtle flutters in your suddenly growing belly. The dozen delightful folds in your newborn’s little legs. The call of “Mommy, I did it!” as your baby — now a fully fledged child — runs toward you with pride. Those, to me, are some of life’s greatest joys. And I’m here to help you relish each one of them.


my mission is to empower you to fully experience + savor life's greatest joys

about chelsea hollis

While I'm a Long Island native, I consider myself more southern than northern these days, since I've been in beautiful North Carolina for over 16 years now. I absolutely LOVE where I live — and what I do!

In my first several years as a Wilmington NC photographer, I focused mainly on shooting weddings. But once I experienced pregnancy for myself, everything changed. I knew I wanted more time at home as a family. I also knew that I could serve my clients with even more purpose if I focused on my new passion of motherhood.

That led me to add two more titles to my portfolio: certified birth doula and photography business coach. My experience as a doula has given me a level of education, compassion, and emotional intelligence that serves my clients both in the delivery room and in front of the camera. And my experience as a business coach has allowed me to mentor other photographers who want the same freedom to be home with their families as I now have.

Wilmington NC photographer, business coach, & birth doula

Professionally, I’m one of three things

Here to learn how to be a stellar photographer? Click here to learn more about my mentoring services.

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From a Milestone Collection™ photography client

“We used Chelsea for our wedding in 2022 and we knew we wanted her to capture our next exciting life event. Our Milestone Collection™ consisted of maternity and newborn pictures and we couldn’t praise Chelsea’s work enough! She made each session so comfortable and made me feel so beautiful even when I didn’t feel that way in my new body. 

She has become way more than just a photographer, she is now such a sweet friend to us. She frequently reached out to ensure we were prepared and answered any last-minute questions we had. When we received our heirloom album we couldn’t help but let the happy tears flow! It is such a sentimental item that is tangible so that one day we can share with our little one. We highly recommend Chelsea and we wouldn’t want anyone else to capture these precious life events!”

- Brooke K.

the ones who taught me how to capture your family with so much more intention

my whole heart

I've held many different roles throughout my adult life (some more random than others!). Through it all, I've realized that I simply love helping people. My heart is full when I can capture your joy, make you feel less alone, or celebrate your unique story.

I'm married to the man of my dreams, Jordan, who is truly my best friend. Together, we have a little boy named Sylas and a baby girl named Irie. They are our greatest blessings and the inspiration behind everything I do.

Wife, mom, believer, fitness pro, horseback rider, chicken raiser, etc.

personally, i'm a lot more than that

One day I was finding out I was pregnant in a Harris Teeter bathroom… the next I blinked and we were celebrating our son's first birthday. It's true when they say you don't understand how fast time flies until you have babies. Because goodness, they don't keep. I believe in documenting these fleeting years so much that I have based my entire business around it!

From a photography coaching client

“I 100% felt valued, seen, and heard throughout our time together! I completely restructured my business. Chelsea didn't just help me figure out what I needed to be charging, she gave me so many resources and tools to truly provide an experience that reflects my pricing. Each call helped me to push myself so much further than I could've done on my own. The accountability was priceless! 

Chelsea's knowledge of her craft as well as the business side of things helped to push me to be my very best. I'm able to serve each client better and take on less. I'm able to be more present for my family because I'm not shooting a ridiculous amount of sessions each week. This has truly been life-changing for me and my business!”

- Madison Z.

rode on my college equestrian team

most people don't know that I

2 wing 3

my enneagram is:

faith, compassion, grace

values I hold tight:

vanilla latte - always hot

My COFFEE order:

morning walks + lattes from casa blanca

My version of self care looks like:

the baby cuddles + birth chats

came to take photos, stayed for

connection + friendships with clients

Favorite PArt of my job:

still in the clothes I slept in at 2pm

When I'm not working, I'm probably

Get to know me

in a nutshell

My journey from little horse girl
to wife, mama, photographer

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We are raising our two beach babes in this incredible town that we adore so much. It's the greatest blessing that I get to document and support other families through these precious, fleeting years!

Today

We welcomed our son Sylas and our daughter Irie in August of 2020 and August of 2022. Fun fact -- their due dates were only one day apart. What are the odds?! 

2020 – 2022 the most special arrivals

We got married in September 2019 here in Wilmington, and got pregnant with our son a few short months later. AKA the BEST surprise of our lives. Being pregnant and becoming a mama during the pandemic inspired my transition from the wedding industry to focusing fully on the sentiment of motherhood and family.



2019 – we tied the knot

Jordan proposed to me at the South End of Wrightsville Beach and a few months later we decided to move to Wilmington. We had been dreaming of  the change for a while and were so excited to finally make it a reality!



2018 – we got engaged on the beach

After getting my degree in Exercise Science, I got my first post-grad job back in Raleigh working full time in the fitness industry. It was around that time I met my now hubby on Tinder, and a few years later started my photography job on the side.

2014 – 2017 post college life

We made the big move from NY to NC when I was 14 years old. My high school years were spent in Raleigh before I started college at ECU.  I did two years there before moving to Wilmington and transferring to UNCW!

2006 –  OUR FAMILY MOVED TO NC

Growing up on Long Island, I think my heart has always belonged near the water. It makes total sense why I eventually found my way back to the coast!

circa 1992 – I was born

Whether you’re an expecting mom, an experienced mama, or a fellow photographer, I’ve got something special for you. Let’s partner on a project together!


I would simply love that!

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