My "style" is telling the truth by photographing your story in the way that it really happened. No perfect posing or manipulation.
I value those raw moments that you cannot imagine not being able to relive. My mission is to create imagery that you'll look at to be taken right back, and feel exactly how you did in that very moment. Beautiful. Happy. Joyful. Empowered. Loved.
I'm especially passionate about documenting the sentiment of motherhood. Because in our day-to-day, we are so wrapped up in taking care of everybody and everything. Feeding, changing, coordinating schedules, maintaining the household.
I bet if you opened up your phone right now there would be a camera roll full of photos of your little one(s), but very little of you with them. These are the days and the tender moments of mothering that you will want to look back on forever. And your children will want to see their mama in these images one day too.
My hope is that each of my clients allows for their images to live on past a hard drive or online gallery. Sure, it's nice to share our favorites with loved ones on social media. But if you are investing in such quality imagery, it should certainly serve more purpose than a single Instagram post, right?
Did you know that studies have shown that when children see themselves displayed in images in the home, they have an improved sense of self, belonging, and confidence? If something as simple as that can make such a difference, then I know we will forever be filling our walls with favorite photos of our precious babes!
It's so understandable that mamas can have every intention of printing our images or creating albums, but then life can get the best of you and next thing you know two years have passed and not a single image has been printed from your gallery. Let me take that off your plate by designing your albums and artwork for you to be shipped directly to your doorstep!
These pieces are made to stand the test of time, and you will love knowing that your children and their children will be able to cherish them for the years to come.
- erin a.
your little one will cherish them one day.
Chelsea did such an amazing job, made us feel so comfortable and natural (I tend to be very awkward in front of the camera) and truly captured some of the most special moments in our lives."
"The first piece of advice I got when finding out I was pregnant was to do maternity photos.
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- becky r.
and her passion for a positive birth experience made us feel so at ease during our rollercoaster of a labor."
"Chelsea's talent with photography is second to none
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- sheila s.
There are no words to justify Chelsea's dedication to her clients + ability to document those special moments. She is amazing at her job!"
"She has a way of making you feel so comfortable in front of the camera.
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- abigail k.
She was able to capture beautiful, candid moments as well as specific ideas I showed her. She is so creative, naturally talented, and an instant friend. I was also impressed with how quick the turn around was. You can tell she truly loves what she does!
"We worked with Chelsea for our newborn session and absolutely love her!
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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
THE PROCESS
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choose your session type, then select a date + time on my booking link that works best for you. I'll be so excited to see your name pop up on my calendar!
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once I see your calendar booking come through, I will send over your customized proposal which includes your agreement, session invoice, exclusive portrait session guide, + link to reserve your client closet dress picks!
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I'll set up your makeup appointment and bring your client closet picks. All you need to do is show up ready to be pampered. Expect to leave saying "that was easier/more fun than I thought it would be!" I will bring some product samples to your session so you can decide before purchasing any heirlooms!
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Grab a hot cup of coffee or glass of wine and enjoy browsing through your special moments! I can help you decide on which images will look best in an album or on the walls of your home.
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You may choose to purchase digital downloads, heirloom albums, or matted gallery prints. I can help you decide on which images to include for which items depending on what you plan to do with them or where to display them in your home!
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Once you have decided on your products, I will send you an invoice for the products and images you have selected. If you chose to include an album, I will begin curating its design and you'll approve it via an online slideshow before it goes to production!
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It usually takes 3-4 weeks from when the order is placed for albums and matted prints to arrive at your doorstep. But it will be well worth the wait and will feel just like Christmas morning when you get your hands on these beautiful pieces!
These 8x8 press printed albums are made by printing millions of tiny dots of ink on top of paper. Press printed albums come with layflat binding and a variety of linen colors only. These albums are included within portrait collections II and III.
Press Printed Albums
These 10 x 10 albums albums use a true photographic printing process - the images are developed into the paper using silver halide and other materials- just like in a darkroom. They come with layflat binding and a variety of linen and leather colors. All Milestone Collections include one 10x10 legacy album with 10 spreads.
Legacy Albums
Each image will come pre matted in black, white, natural, or walnut frames. I can help you decide which images to use and how they would best look displayed on a design consult!
Gallery Frames
heirlooms to last a lifetime
more about albums
more about albums
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Submit your inquiry through my booking link, and I will follow up ASAP with more info and availability. You'll be able to select a date and time from an attached calendar link. Then I'll send over your customized proposal that will include your agreement, invoice, portrait session guide, + the link to reserve your client closet dress if you wish to rent one. Your creative fee will act as a non refundable retainer to to secure your session date and time.
The short answer: it depends! I no longer tie my portrait collections with a specific session time. This is because after photographing hundreds of maternity, family, and newborn sessions over the years, I've come to find that every session requires a different amount of shooting time. What's most important is the end result we create--the art! I'll be able to determine when the session is complete once we have captured what we needed. Family and maternity sessions will typically last 30-60 minutes and newborns 90-120 minutes. When it comes to family sessions, I like to let the little ones lead the way. Once they are tapped out, we can be done! I'm an expert at getting a wide variety of images for your final gallery in as little as 20 minutes so that you can walk away with beautiful images and a happy baby/toddler.
You will receive an online gallery for viewing your images at a maximum of 10-14 days from your session. This gallery will allow you to view your images before deciding on which products/downloads you would like to invest in! You'll have 3 days to choose your favorites (or the full gallery) and download them to your desktop/mobile device in high resolution when they are purchased. Albums and matted prints will be delivered within several weeks of ordering.
Your online gallery will include a minimum of 40 images but the exact number will range depending on the session. You will have the option to view all of your images before deciding on which ones you'd like to invest in. Digital files are sold in sets of 8, 20, or the full gallery at an incentivized price.
At this time I am primarily serving the Wilmington, NC and surrounding areas. However, I do offer travel sessions in Raleigh/Durham on limited dates! A travel fee of $55 will be added for sessions in Raleigh.
I recommend scheduling your maternity session for anywhere from 28-35 weeks of pregnancy. There have actually been several times where my mama client's have had baby come early and we missed the opportunity for their maternity sessions! So I suggest scheduling it for late second or early third trimester when you have an adorable bump to show off but are still comfortable being on your feet!
I typically suggest scheduling newborn sessions for about 7-14 days after baby is born. This way you have time to settle into a routine, learn your baby's cues and rhythms etc. and you aren't as stressed about being photo ready too soon after the birth! We will be able to capture those teeny fingers and toes even up to 3-4 weeks if necessary. It's all about when you feel the most comfortable and ready!
Mini sessions are not included in my regular offerings. Mini Session Events are only available to existing clients when I’m able to set a specific date and location and shoot many families within that timeframe back to back. I will typically hold minis 2-4 times per year, usually seasonally.
INQUIRE
Inquire
For more details on the portrait experience and to book your session please contact me below and I will get back to you with more info as soon as possible!
book the milestone collection
book a PORTRAIT session
GRAB YOURs FREE!
Gosh, I remember how OVERWHELMED I was when it came to putting together a baby registry when I was pregnant. I wasn’t sure what we REALLY needed, what we would end up using, how much of everything to get, etc.
I compiled a nice list here to help guide any expectant mamas out there who may be just as overwhelmed as I was!