Grace & Cole Photography

05/06/2023

The client closet is now live!!! Scoop up some beautiful dresses! Rules in pics:

04/23/2023

Part 4: Because of that - and because I no longer feel the need to GET OUT AT ALL COST- I no longer feel the need to drive this train.

To add to that, our lives have also gotten increasingly busier as our kids get older. Games, tournaments, shows, performances. More sports means more practice… which means *less* time for shoots and for editing. And while I like to think of myself as a superwoman who can do it all- I simply can’t. And that’s ok.

It has been an absolute joy capturing sweet moments for you over the years. Thank you for trusting me with your memories. I (literally) couldn’t have done this without you, and I’ll be eternally grateful to you all for helping me find my joy again. You have no idea the impact you all had on my mental health.

I’ll still be shooting… but now it’ll be soccer games, performances, horse shows, and landscapes. And maybe a few newborns for friends… you didn’t think I could entirely give up the teeny ones, did you?

If you’ve made it this far, thanks for taking the time. I wish all of you nothing but the best moving forward.

Xoxo,
Kel

04/23/2023

Part 3: I landed at one of the most prestigious hospital systems in the world, and was able to work PRN (for those in the biz, we know how precious it is to finally get to just work PRN).

Before I knew it, my new boss (who was an angel) decided to retire. Before she did, though, she sat me down and had a long talk with me. She had recognized something in me that had been long overlooked. A natural leader with energy and empathy, who truly wanted to make healthcare a better place for everyone. Not just the patients, but for the workers as well. Someone whose joy comes from hard work, challenging the status quo, and fighting for others. And so, when she retired, she asked me to take over her role.

Since that time, I have found more joy in my day job than I can explain. I am surrounded by a rockstar staff of women who back each other up every step of the way. I have an incredibly supportive boss who allows me to try out my (sometimes) wild ideas, listens to me when I tell him we need more to do *better* for our patients, and supports me when I need backup. I have never felt more fulfilled, respected and supported.

04/23/2023

Part 2: There are a few reasons I’m ready to do this, so let me explain the main one.

When I lived in North Carolina it was all I could do to build this business and scrape, claw, and grind to make it happen. I put thousands of hours (and dollars) into growing it. And while I loved and had passion for the craft of photography (still do), the reason I pushed so hard to make the business happen was directly related to lack of contentment in my day job. I would do anything to get out, including building a business up from the bottom.

I needed joyful work. Work that make me feel worthy. That recognized my talents. That gave me true satisfaction. And I certainly wasn’t getting that in my regular gig. In fact, had we stayed in North Carolina, the plan was to leave my day job and go full time into photography the very next year. Why not? I had already replaced my salary income, photography brought me joy and made me feel wanted, talented, and supported.

And then… the universe had other plans for us. We picked up and moved across the country.

04/23/2023

Part 1:

I promised some big news, so pour yourself a cup of coffee and get comfy.

I’ve never been one for dramatics, so I’ll cut to the chase. After over 7 years of doing business, I’ve decided it’s time to hang up my camera straps. Well, the business aspect of it, at least. And I feel like I should be BIG sad about this decision, but I’m actually (surprisingly) very at peace with it.

Photography continues to bring me joy. And to say that I have been honored with watching all of your families grow through the years would be a massive understatement. Knowing that, I’m sure you’re wondering why I’m choosing to stop.

Let me be clear when I tell you that I did not take this decision lightly. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for months now, likely close to a year if I’m being honest.

03/27/2023

✨Teeny tiny little toenails. Impossibly small.✨

When you have older kids like I do, it’s easy to forget those details. It’s hard to remember just how small they once were.

As a photographer and a mom, I want to document those details for you.

Why? Well, I can tell you this from experience: Time is a thief.

You’ll wish you could freeze time more often that you think over these next few years. You’ll think they’ve reached your ✨favorite✨ age, and then they’ll grow some more and you’ll realize you have a *new* favorite age.

You’ll look back on the photos from when they were this little and be amazed all over again- at their impossibly small toenails, their elfish ears, the tiny swirl in their hair. The details that are now seemingly so fuzzy in your mind.

And while you’ll wish *so* much to go back to these moments - you’ll also be grateful for the moments you have with your kids as they get older.

For the conversations you can now have with them, their developing sense of humor, their incredible new talents, and their uniqueness.

So… soak in that newborn phase while you can, mama. It really is the longest, shortest time. ✨

03/25/2023

Oh haaaaaiiiiii ✨ Haven’t posted in a hot minute, but I’m back!

✨Check out this little cutie, Tatum ( ) ✨ She was the sweetest little thing with the *best* head of hair I’ve seen in awhile!

02/03/2023

Out of the office til Tuesday, y’all! Trying to balance out some stress hormones, recharge and relax. 🌵✌🏻🏜️

All correspondence will be returned when I get back!

07/22/2022

Solid work, you two. He’s ::chef’s kiss:: PERFECT. 🤌🏼💋

07/03/2022

Update: SOLD OUT IN LESS THAN TWO HOURS!

ONE spot left for North Carolina Sessions over Thanksgiving weekend, y’all! Click the link to snag the last spot!

I’ve had so many families reach out to ask if I’ll be back for Fall photos. Well, you lucky ducks, I’m on my way! Grab your spot while you can… sessions are VERY limited and are first come, first served. Keep those fingers crossed for those beautiful Carolina skies, and we’ll make some mag...

07/01/2022

Dad jokes, toddler giggles, and newborn snuggles. 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 So thankful to be able to document the big, little, and in-between moments of your lives. ♥️

06/28/2022

Just giving little bro a tutorial on the *awesomeness* of matchbox cars 🚗 🙌🏻🚙

Another favorite thing about newborn lifestyle sessions: I get to document your real life. Sometimes it’s sweet moments between parents. Sometimes it’s a whole family pig pile on the couch. Sometimes it’s matchbox cars. Anything goes!