I've been a professional photographer for over nine years, but a camera has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. From albums overflowing in high school and college to capturing friends' weddings and new babies, photography has always been second nature to me. I can’t recall a time when I wasn’t documenting the world around me.
My passion for this business comes from one thing—memories. I truly believe that photographs tell your story, preserving moments that might otherwise fade with time. They capture exactly what life looked like in that instant. I'd love to be the one to help you hold onto those moments, not just in digital form but as tangible heirlooms—printed and displayed in a way that allows you to enjoy them every day.
Your Fine Art Portrait Photographer
Behind the Scenes images taken by Studio 557
Hi, I'm Kelly
I am currently living in Durham, NC, and moved here from a 7 year stay (and non-stop game of finding these flower fields) in Kingman, AZ...A far different environment from where I grew up in Western NY. The beauty I found in moving to the desert is just amazing to photograph. There are so many gorgeous and inspiring places! They were sometimes well hidden treasures, and you had to be patient and put in your time to find them....but the result was simply breathtaking. I am convinced that the 7 years that we lived in the desert made me a far better photographer, pushing me to see new beauty, lighting, color and creating a far more challenging place to push myself.
Since relocating back east, I am so excited to continue my learning and growth in the much greener surroundings. I do travel back to the desert to book sessions at least once a year. I also have expanded to including other travel destinations in my plans. If you have a gorgeous place you think that I need to visit, don't hesitate to share it with me!
"Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still."
– Dorothea Lange
My background story
his gorgeous field is a piece of me, my life in the desert. A place where I chased the wildflowers for years.
T
A Look into my
Life
Join My Free Facebook Group
This free group is an inclusive group for all kinds of moms (and moms to be) where you can feel safe to seek support, information, and fun with other moms nearby. I try to share fun things to do in the area, ideas for making life easier, and a good number of clever memes. The group is based in the triangle area of North Carolina, but we welcome moms from all over! Come on over and take a peek, introduce yourself, and let us know what you need from our supportive community.
In this group, I will also share portrait sessions, upcoming mini sessions, exclusive sales and limited edition events. I give you early access to book before the masses.
Candid
Supportive
Real
Join Today
This little family of mine breaths life into my soul. For years we moved along blessed with 3 beautiful children (hence the name Kelly Ann 3...) Then along came our sweetest little blessing. Our youngest, Hazel Grace was born with a bonus chromosome. She has Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). Following her diagnosis and birth, I "retired" from my professional career in Physical Therapy, and pursued my passion for photography full time. After all, it had truly been a longstanding love that needed tending to, along side of our sweet baby girl.
Along with our 4 children, and my husband (of 23 years, and high school sweetheart before that) we also have 2 dogs, and my extended family, who we are very close to. We love to travel, watch our boys play soccer, make Starbucks runs go shopping. My preference is online shopping....but my children remind me it's good to get out an about every once in a while.
Our oldest in now a 3rd year student in the engineering department at UNCC, and the next in line attends the North Carolina School of Science and Math, and lives on campus. The little ones get to hang with mom and dad (we both work from home now). And they all fill our days with fun, laughs, a bit of stress, and adventure!
My beautiful children
Family
My Favorite Things
Kelly is an artist. We have used her for our family photography year after year because she is patient, kind, and provides beautiful, artistic photos. We have several of her works hanging up in our home and we cherish the moments she captures for us. ~Nicole
"We had a really nice, and relaxing session with Kelly. It was so fun, and the pictures turned out more beautiful than we ever expected. It's a lifetime experience for us." ~Kim
"Kelly is hands down the best photographer. she is extremely personable and makes the experience feel very laid back all while paying incredibly close attention to every detail. My daughter felt like a true princess and these moments captured will be something our family cherishes for many years." ~Emily
"My family and I have enjoyed working with Kelly over the past several years. Our photos always turn out beautifully and are true works of art....I'm always happy! She takes the time to make sure that she understands the aesthetic..and that you understand hers. She is warm, caring, and a true professional!" ~Nicole
"Working with Kelly is always an amazing experience! She is helpful, kind, professional & incredibly talented. She always creates pure magic in her photos of my family! Kelly always brings my visions to life & her photos capture precious memories we will cherish forever." ~Samantha
"My family and I traveled from Florida to North Carolina so we could have a session with Kelly. It was completely worth it. We had a great time, and the images that Kelly delivered are stunning. Truly art that will be treasured for a lifetime! Looking forward to the next time!" ~Ashley
Kelly is amazing! She is able to capture our personalities in such an ethereal way. Portraits I will treasure for a lifetime! ~ April
Kelly has the best eye for photography! She is so amazingly patient and her family photos are a must have! She is also great with engaging little kids and their short attention spans to snap the perfect photos every time. Highly recommend!! ~ Sarah
Kelly is so wonderful to work with! She is patient and found a way to capture moments while we were just being us, the natural glances and smiles while walking with our children. Nothing felt posed it all flowed so well and relaxed. Her editing and gallery presentation is flawless!! So impressed! Thank you Kelly for sharing your gift of freezing these family moments in time!! ~ Christie
Kelly Anne 3 photography is amazing!!! She made everything easy. I was able to express the ideas I had and she brought them it to life. Amazing!! ~ Kelly
Kelly is so creative and great with kiddos! I loved the way she took the time to give suggestions on outfits and help with placement. She’s so patient. Our family will absolutely use her again! ~ Maggie
Incredible experience from booking the session to completing my professional business profile. Kelly has a unique eye and unmatched creativity! ~ Katie
Words
Kind
You Deserve the best
I am a Raleigh, North Carolina photographer looking to create an experience to reflect the beauty and magic all around us. I want your family to have heirloom artwork to treasure and reminisce on for generations to come. I know that I am just the person to bring that bit of magic home for you.
