It may not feel like it now, but in a few short months, your pregnancy is going to feel so far away. I'm sure you certainly won't miss the heartburn or the sore hips, but there is something so special about feeling those little movements, kicks, and the security of your baby safe inside you. The reality of it all quickly starts to fade the moment your baby is in your arms. Suddenly all of the hard parts of their pregnancy become distant memories, and oh-so worth it.
In a year or two you may find yourself staring at your perfect little baby in awe and wonder if you really did carry them or if it was all just a dream. Now that they are here and you know them so well, the thought of their pregnancies can feel like even more of a mind-blowing miracle. You will grab your photo album from the coffee table and begin to reminisce on the pure wonder of those days.
a boutique photography experience for the sentimental mama
Looking at your pregnant self in those images, you wish you could tell her just how incredible her child will be, how beautiful she is, how strong she will become, and that she's about to meet a whole new version of you when she steps into motherhood. How special that you will have these incredible portraits to reflect back on? When your baby is grown, they too will look at these images of their resilient mother and know how incredibly loved they were from the very start.
It's more than just a portrait session. Let's make the process itself a precious memory, too.
My "style" is telling the truth by photographing your story in the way that it really happened. No perfect posing or manipulation.
You 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 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.
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 partner the entire time. My goal is for your session to also become a sweet memory from your pregnancy!
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 maternity session process
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Do you plan to document your family after your baby arrives? The Milestone Collection TM is an exclusive, personalized experience that tells the whole story to your little one. It allows you to bundle your maternity + newborn sessions (and more) at an incentivized price. All Milestone Collections include a minimum of two sessions and an heirloom album of your favorite images.
learn more about becoming a milestone mama
+ pregnancy announcement session
+ gender reveal session
+ maternity session
+ doula services + birth photography
+ newborn session
+ family session(s)
+ 10 x 10 handcrafted heirloom album
+ unconditional love + support throughout
customizable packages may include:
after you meet your bundle of joy...
- 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
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.
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!
Ready To Work Together?
book the milestone collection
book a maternity 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!
Baby Registry Checklist!
