Becoming a mother will the most one of the most beautiful things you'll ever experience. And perhaps the biggest, most pivotal season in your life. You may be feeling such conflicting emotions at the same time -- already nostalgic for how little your babies were yesterday, yet anxiously awaiting the milestones they have yet to reach as they grow.
If only you could bottle up all of these sweet moments during these ever so fleeting days so that they never feel far away. To me, the closest thing to doing that is through photographs! Which is why I am so passionate about documenting your journey through parenthood with beautiful images.
If you are looking for a gallery of perfectly posed, everyone looking at the camera smiling type of images, then it might be best to consider another photographer. I would describe my style as candid and true to life and I love making my sessions about more than just the photos. We will play, laugh, tickle, swing, dance our way through the session so that it also serves as a fun memory and we capture real, raw emotion too.
a boutique photography experience for the sentimental mama
Sure, we will definitely try to snap a couple photos of everyone looking my way. But the rest of the session we will embrace your kiddos being little and capture you simply having fun together as a family. This creates images that are more like art because they capture the uniqueness of your family in this season that you are in. Years from now, I want you to look back on your gallery and FEEL every image.
If you opt for professional makeup, I will schedule + coordinate your appointment for you. All you need to do is show up ready to be pampered!
After your session is booked, I will create a custom style board for you. You'll have access to your choice of dresses from the client closet.
On session day, I'll guide you and your family the entire time. My goal is for your session to also become a sweet memory of your littles at this age!
Decide which images you'd like to invest in after viewing your online gallery. Choose from digital files, albums, and/or custom wall art.
the family session process
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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!
why I believe in bringing back the tangible...
It's so understandable when you have every intention of printing your 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.
- 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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- 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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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
investment
+ my time, talent, + creative direction
+ your session date + time secured on the calendar
+ access to client closet dresses
+ custom style board for your family
+ coordination/scheduling for professional makeup
+ exclusive portrait session guide
+ online gallery for viewing/ordering
*images are purchased separately - choose from digital files, heirloom albums, + matted wall art
the creative fee to book your session is $300 and includes all of the following:
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!
I'm so excited already!
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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!
Baby Registry Checklist!
