Discover my laid-back, documentary-style approach for maternity, newborn, or family photography
Let's create the imagery of your dreams
LOOKING FOR FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY PORTRAITS?
LOOKING FOR FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY PORTRAITS?
Traditional studio photos where everyone’s smiling stiffly at the camera? Ehh, not for you… or for me. Moms like us prefer portraits that are a bit more organic, coastal, and “out of the box.”
Portraits that feel unique to your family, no one else’s. Photos that bring you right back to this happy, tender, love-filled chapter of your story.
You want photos that are natural, beautiful, and true to you
Because family photography portraits are too important to look “posed”
My passion is helping moms like you. Not just by giving you gorgeous photos, but also by holding your hand as you experience each emotional stage of motherhood. Through my podcast, mama resources, and exclusive client perks, I have cultivated an intimate community that goes way beyond photography.
And you want to work with someone you really resonate with
As a doula and mom of two, I aim to be more than just your photographer
It may not feel like it now, but in a few short months, your pregnancy will feel so far away. I’m sure you won’t miss the heartburn, but you might miss those little belly kicks. Soon, you may find yourself gazing at your perfect baby in awe, wondering if you really did carry them or if it was all just a dream.
Maternity portraits are tangible reminders that you did carry them. That your baby was safe and snug inside you. That you were as radiant as everyone said you were. When you look back upon your pregnant self, you will see a woman who’s strong, stunning, and already so in love with her baby. And when you show them to your child one day, they will see the same.
view my maternity work
So you never forget that beautiful baby bump
Maternity portraits
in Wilmington
view my newborn work
Can you believe your baby is almost here?! You’ve felt them grow inside you for months… now, it’s nearly time to welcome them to this big ol’ world of ours. And what they say is true: the newborn stage goes SO fast. One moment, your baby is placed on your chest; the next, they’re practically crawling.
We can’t freeze time, but newborn portraits are the next best thing. Working with me as your professional photographer, you will be guided through a personalized experience that leaves you feeling pampered and pretty, no matter how you feel about your postpartum body. When you see your newborn photos, all insecurities will melt away as you coo over every small, sweet detail of your sleeping, perfectly swaddled babe.
So you always remember those teeny-tiny toes
Newborn portraits in Wilmington
As a mom, you love looking at photos of your kids when they were younger (even when you’re supposed to be sleeping, am I right?). But as you scroll through your camera roll, you find very few pictures with you in them. Yet those are the ones you — and, one day, your children — will cherish the most.
Family photography portraits are the best way to preserve the image of your whole family (yes, you included!) in this current season of life. Whether you plan to use the photos for framed artwork, Christmas cards, grandparent gifts, or hopefully all the above, my goal is to give you a gift that will bless your entire family for many years to come.
view my Family work
So you can look back and smile at this joyful stage of life
Family portraits
in Wilmington
explore the milestone collection
Can’t decide between maternity, newborn, or family portraits? Bundle two or more sessions and save up to $1,100 with my signature Milestone Collection™. This customized, all-inclusive experience is perfect for expecting moms who want to document every stage of their pregnancy and postpartum experience. You’ll even get a gorgeous heirloom album designed and delivered straight to your door!
Bundle and save with my all-inclusive package for moms-to-be!
The Milestone Collection™
Want professional makeup? I will schedule and coordinate your appointment for you. All you have to do is show up ready to be pampered!
Booking Makeup
I’ll create a unique style board to help you dress for your session. We can even schedule a Zoom outfit consultation if you’d like.
Custom Style Board
No more shopping stress! My client closet is stocked with flattering clothing that both mamas and littles can rent for free.
Wardrobe Rental
You get exclusive access to my time, talent, and undivided attention over the course of your highly personalized portrait experience.
Creative Direction
Here’s what’s included in every portrait photography session
I left nothing out…
If you opt for an heirloom album (which I highly recommend!), I’ll design, order, and ship it for you.
Album Curation + Design
Within just 14 days of your session, I will email you a full online gallery, where you can choose which images to purchase.
Online Gallery
Nervous about swaddling? Don’t be — I’ve got it down! You can even rent one of my many adorable wraps for free.
Newborn Swaddling
I’ll walk you through everything you need to prep for your session in this comprehensive, helpful guide.
Portrait Session Guide
Everything above is included in the $300 creative fee required to book your session.
Images are purchased separately and are available via digital files, heirloom albums, and/or matted wall art.
- molly i.
I felt strong, beautiful, + powerful. Her passion for motherhood is contagious."
"Chelsea made me feel like a superwoman.
view next testionial
- courtney r.
Being a part of the Milestone Collection™ and having such beautiful photos that captured the most special seasons of our growing family is something I will forever cherish and value."
"Words can't express how much I love our photos from Chelsea!
view next testionial
- brooke k.
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."
"We couldn't praise Chelsea's work enough!
view next testionial
- payton h.
during every photoshoot, and was even someone I could lean on to discuss my difficult delivery during the newborn session. The cherry on top was the beautiful heirloom album at the end!”
"Chelsea made me & my husband feel so comfortable
view next testionial
from the mouths of mamas
Select your date and reserve your desired session with a $300 creative fee.
book
How the portrait photography experience works
Let's break it down
Review your custom style board and rent pieces from my complimentary closet.
plan
If you want professional makeup, I’ll coordinate it so that you just show up and get pampered!
primp
Enjoy a fun session day as I guide you, your partner, and/or your child(ren) through it all.
shoot
View your online gallery & decide which images to buy via digital files, albums, and/or wall art.
marvel
For individual portrait sessions, please submit your inquiry through one of these booking links:
Book a maternity, newborn, or family session
Book the Milestone Collection
I will follow up ASAP with a customized proposal that includes your agreement, invoice, portrait session guide, and the link to reserve your client closet rentals, if applicable. The creative fee is nonrefundable and confirms your session on my calendar. You’ll have the option to choose which images you’d like to invest in once you’ve viewed your gallery.
- Your session date and time secured on the calendar
- My time, talent, and creative direction
- Access to my client closet for women and littles
- Access to wraps and swaddles for newborn sessions
- Custom style board for your family
- Scheduling and coordination of professional makeup
- Exclusive portrait session guide
- Online gallery for viewing and ordering
The creative fee does NOT include images. You will have the opportunity to choose which photos to purchase after I send your gallery.
The Milestone Collection™ does not require a creative fee; rather, you will need to pay a 20% retainer to secure your collection on my calendar year.
- Portrait sessions
- Due upon booking: $300 creative fee
- Due upon viewing your gallery: Whatever you choose to invest in digital files, heirloom albums, or matted wall art (see pricing above)
- Milestone Collection™
- Due upon booking: 20% retainer
- Due halfway between booking and your due date: 40% of payment
- Due within 2 days of your final session: 40% of payment
Additional quarterly or monthly payment plans for the Milestone Collection™ are available upon request. Please let me know in your booking email if you would like to set up an alternative payment plan that best suits your needs.
I'll be able to determine when the session is complete once we’ve captured the photos we needed. Family and maternity sessions typically last 30–60 minutes and newborns 90–120 minutes. 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 in as little as 20 minutes so that you can walk away with beautiful photos and a happy family.
I know you don’t want to wait to see your photos — and I don’t want to wait to show them to you! I’ll work quickly to deliver your online gallery via email within just 14 days of your session date.
Your online gallery will include a minimum of 40 images. Because I want you to be able to view your images before deciding which ones to buy, your creative fee does not include digital file downloads. Instead, you will be able to purchase digital file sets of 8 images, 20 images, or the full gallery for an incentivized price.
At this time, I am primarily serving the Wilmington, NC, and surrounding areas such as Kure Beach, Carolina Beach, Oak Island, Ocean Isle, etc. However, I do offer travel sessions in Raleigh and Durham on limited dates for an additional travel fee of $55.
I recommend scheduling your maternity session for anywhere between 28–35 weeks of pregnancy. Any later than that, and you risk the baby coming early and missing your session (which has actually happened to several of my clients!). That’s why I suggest scheduling your session 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 your baby is born. That way, you have time to settle into a routine, have started to learn your baby's cues and rhythms, and aren't as stressed about being “photo ready” too soon after birth. We will be able to capture those teeny fingers and toes up to 3–4 weeks if necessary. It's all about when you feel the most comfortable!
Not regularly. Mini session events exclusive and are only offered on specific dates and at specific locations. I typically hold a special mini event 1-2 times per year. If you’ve booked a portrait session or Milestone Collection™ with me, I will let you know when minis open up.
You deserve this, mama! Portrait photography is SUCH a worthwhile investment. I would be honored to be the one to provide you with the family photos of your dreams. Reach out to book your maternity, newborn, or family session today. I can’t wait to hang out with you soon!
the creative fee to book is $300. Images are purchased separately.
Ready to reserve your session?
download now
Wondering what you really need as a new mom? With a zillion baby products out there, it’s so hard to know. But after several years in the “biz,” I’ve got a few recommendations for expecting moms. Grab my list to make registering a little more fun (and a lot less overwhelming)!
I compiled a nice list here to help guide any expectant mamas out there who may be just as overwhelmed as I was!
Grab my free baby registry checklist!
Before you go!
