I’ve been a professional photographer off and on since 1999, but full-time since 2018. However, my love for photography began at 2 years old, when I took my first portrait; a polaroid of my Grandmother. I was obsessed with her photo albums and knew there was more to it. Since then photography has been my passion, my obsession, and an integral part of who I am. I truly believe in cultivating a good life and documenting it. After 10 years of service in the United States Navy and a year working for the Department of Defense, I decided to pursue my photography passion as a career. Without any pointed effort, the clients I drew naturally gravitated toward the U.S. Naval Academy. It seemed happily predestined that I would be reconnected to my naval service by documenting Midshipmen during their time at the U.S. Naval Academy. So in 2019, I decided to specialize in Midshipmen portraiture. The results make my inner 2-year-old and former sailor self very proud.
Hi, I’m Kelly!
Wife, Mom of Four, Navy veteran, Annapolis USNA photographer, and lover of sunrise!
My favorite part of this job is when the Midshipman or parents send me their feedback and I can tell I have created photos they love. I like to imagine the photos on a family wall in 20 years when the Midshipman’s own children can walk by and marvel at the beginnings of their parent’s careers.
Aside from photography, my family is everything. Our family loves to be outside. I personally am an outdoors enthusiast who loves to hike and explore. But, I also am an indoors enthusiast who is completely happy to crochet a hat, read a book, or start 1,000 creative projects at once! I am usually very silly, I talk a LOT, and I generally just enjoy this beautiful life.
I’m incredibly grateful to do what I love as a job and have been blessed with the world's best clients. I would love a chance to get to know you and work with you as well!
Book your session →
This or That:
mountains
I have Never:
beach
Hitchhiked - Skydived
Scubadived - Bungee Jumped
Been Vegan - Gone Hunting
Chipped a tooth - Ridden a Camel
Written a book - Gotten a tattoo
Cats
Dogs
Text
Call
Sunbathe
Cannonball
Tacos
Pizza
Book
Movie
Pirates
Ninjas
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I love the smell of bleach and hate the smell of perfume.
10 Things about kelly...
I used to work on a scuba diving boat on Guam, Hafa Adai!
I talk a lot. Like, A LOT.
My middle name, Coetta, is Cherokee, as were my ancestors!
Purple things are my favorite.
Lifeguarding and teaching swim lessons were my first real jobs. Then I joined the Navy.
I'm an INFJ / bleeding heart/ squishy empath of a person.
I have ADHD and I am convinced it is a superpower.
I've climbed Half Dome multiple times!
I crochet hats all winter long.
My Babies are
My Everything
I had heard good things about Kelly…they were understatements. ~ Kelly J.
Kelly is an amazing photographer whose work speaks for itself! She made sure that I was comfortable throughout the shoot which made it easier for me to smile without having to fake one!
~ Lee M.
Kelly’s kindness is much appreciated and the pics of my son are nothing short of AMAZING!! ~ Kim D.
Kelly really cares and does fantastic, professional work! ~ Melanie P.
You want photos of your Midshipmen, but they are so busy, they hate the camera, or you can’t find someone specializing in portraits who is allowed on the Yard? Maybe you don't want to pay thousands of dollars for two poses in a studio when the USNA campus is so picturesque and close to your heart. Have no fear parents, I can get this done for you!
Here’s the way: Contact me and we schedule a date. Then I work with your Midshipmen directly as the day gets closer. Your Midshipmen and I will take photos in multiple significant locations on the Yard while I make them laugh and relax into the session. A short time later, you receive a gorgeous, private, online gallery of photos in your inbox. You are free to print from my store or wherever you would like. No extra fees for more poses or prints. It’s that simple.
Book your session →
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