📸 My Journey Into Photography

This is one of the first photos I took with my new camera in 2019 of my family using a tripod and editing in Lightroom before I really knew what I was doing

If you had asked me ten years ago where I’d be today, "full-time family photographer" probably wouldn't have been on the list—but now, I can't imagine life any other way.

I've always had a deep love for taking photos of people—capturing emotions, freezing sweet details, and creating little tickets back in time. Photos have always felt like magic to me, giving us direct access to memories we might otherwise lose along the way. But it wasn't until I became a mom myself that this passion truly ignited.

Motherhood showed me firsthand just how quickly the days turn into years. My own kids were changing so fast, and I realized how desperately I wanted to hold onto every little thing—the freckles, tiny hands, chaotic afternoons, and sweet snuggles. But I didn't want stiff, posed portraits; I wanted the real-life moments—messy, imperfect, and genuine.

As my children grew and started preschool, I decided it was finally time to take my hobby to the next level. I signed up for a local photography class to learn manual mode, and once I got comfortable behind the lens, I offered my very first mini-sessions: free "hot cocoa minis" for my neighbors. It was there, surrounded by giggles, marshmallows, and joyful families, that everything clicked (literally and figuratively!).

From those first sessions, things took off faster than I ever dreamed. I upgraded my camera, bought new lenses, invested in a laptop, and threw myself headfirst into mastering Lightroom and Photoshop. I attended workshops, joined mentorship programs, and soaked up every bit of knowledge I could find. Each step pushed me further—and I loved every minute of the journey.

One of my first paid family sessions back in 2019

Now here I am, entering my sixth year as Photos by Kelly Lynn, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Every family I meet, every story I tell, and every memory I help preserve reminds me exactly why I fell in love with photography in the first place. It’s about connection, storytelling, and holding tight to the fleeting moments we treasure most.

Same family 5 years later in 2024

Photography isn’t just my job—it’s a part of who I am. I feel incredibly blessed that families trust me to capture their stories, just as I capture my own family's chaos and joy-filled seasons. I wouldn't trade this life for anything.

My family back at Harlinsdale Farm in 2025 (shot by my dear friend Lisa Rhea Photography and edited by me)

Thank you for being part of this journey with me—I can't wait to see what stories we’ll capture next.