Demi & Chance | Engagement Session | Charlotte, North Carolina
The story of Demi and Chance began in High school, but, and some would say more importantly, the story of Demi and Kelsey began 3 years ago in an abandoned field in Lynchburg, Virginia. I realize that sounds sketchy but it's not. I was taking photos for my sister and brother-in-law to announce their pregnancy and Demi was completing a senior session. We brought too much confetti to handle so we recruited Demi and she showed her confetti throwing skills like a boss.
The story of Demi and Chance began in High school, but, and some would say more importantly, the story of Demi and Kelsey began 3 years ago in an abandoned field in Lynchburg, Virginia. I realize that sounds sketchy but it's not. I was taking photos for my sister and brother-in-law to announce their pregnancy and Demi was completing a senior session. We brought too much confetti to handle so we recruited Demi and she showed her confetti throwing skills like a boss.
From there we started running into each other all over town and connected over photography, healthcare, and dogs. She even babysat #ourdoghenry and then got a sweet Schnoodle of her own. Fast forward to last August when Nate and I moved to Charlotte, then Chance did (for his own job, not because of us) and then Demi eventually moved as well. You see where this is going, right? We call this friendship fate and we're okay with it. Plus, it meant that I got to celebrate with Demi in person after their engagement this Spring!
It also meant that I had the incredible honor of photographing their engagement session at Champagne Manor. A seriously beautiful venue located in Monroe -- the outskirts of Charlotte. The weather was perfect, they were perfect, and their dog Winston was perfect which means these photos are perfect. So what're you waiting for?! Take a look! We're so excited for you Demi and Chance and I can't wait to stand next to you as a bridesmaid and celebrate your wedding this year!!
5 Reasons Why You Should Attend The Ordinary Workshop | Charlotte, North Carolina
Last week, registration for The Ordinary Workshop went live and a couple of those 8 spots have already been taken!! So you’re still on the fence? Let’s get you over to the other side, here’s 5 reasons why you should DEFINITELY COME.
Reason 1 | You don’t have to shoot film like me. But “whhhhhhhat? Isn’t this where I learn film?” Yes! BUT just like digital, two people using the same equipment and shooting the same subject doesn’t equal the same photo. So in film, if two people are shooting the same format, same film stock, and even using the same scanner, it doesn’t equal the same photo. Why? Because the biggest variable is YOU and your preferences.
Last week, registration for The Ordinary Workshop went live and a couple of those 8 spots have already been taken!! So you’re still on the fence? Let’s get you over to the other side, here’s 5 reasons why you should DEFINITELY COME.
Reason 1 | You don’t have to shoot film like me. But “whhhhhhhat? Isn’t this where I learn film?” Yes! BUT just like digital, two people using the same equipment and shooting the same subject doesn’t equal the same photo. So in film, if two people are shooting the same format, same film stock, and even using the same scanner, it doesn’t equal the same photo. Why? Because the biggest variable is YOU and your preferences. For example, here are two photos edited 3 different ways.
They weren’t even scanned different scanners - just edited according to different preferences. So come learn film with me but don’t think that what you shoot HAS to look like my work. Our goal is to help you explore and find your preferences!!
Reason 2 | The FIND Lab. They are freaking sponsoring this workshop and will be providing some awesomeness for attendees. They know their stuff and even if you don’t want to use them (seriously, no pressure), they are an INCREDIBLY helpful resource.
Reason 3 | The workshop is a business expense - read: tax write off. Investing in yourself and your business should absolutely be a priority. I could write a lot about this, but I’m jumping off my soapbox because there’s still 2 more reasons.
Reason 4 | Payment Plan. Look, We’re not stupid, this workshop is extremely affordable on purpose. We really love film and teaching and WANT to make this as accessible as possible -- and part of doing that is a payment plan. Don’t want to pay the full amount upfront? No problem. Three easy payments of $250 will get you where you need to go. Send me an e-mail here and I’ll get you set-up today.
Reason 5 | You get to learn from someone else! Surprise!! KC Lostetter will be joining us to teach sessions and help with the workshop. She’s another amazing film photographer and when I met her, she hailed from Hawaii. She just recently moved to Colorado with her adorable family and if you stand close enough, you’ll get a dose of her fantastic humor. She’s a serious color master and her double exposures and light leaks basically transport you to another world. Check out her Instagram here.
R - photo by KC Lostetter | L - photo by Annie Groves
So let’s go! Grab a friend, sign-up together, and let’s get this Ordinary party started
*Check out the FAQ's here to get the skinny on The Ordinary Workshop
So, We're Moving!
We didn’t expect this to happen so fast so we’re sad about the things we didn’t even realize we’d miss. It’s like even though hearing people chew is my NUMBER one pet peeve (To the point where I get angry), I find myself saying, “Lynchburg, I don’t care if you chew with your mouth open, I still love you!”
We’re moving to Charlotte, North Carolina.
We didn’t expect this to happen so fast so we’re sad about the things we didn’t even realize we’d miss. It’s like even though hearing people chew is my NUMBER one pet peeve (To the point where I get angry), I find myself saying, “Lynchburg, I don’t care if you chew with your mouth open, I still love you!”
Yesterday Nate and I talked about how there wasn’t time to mentally prepare for all of our “lasts” here. That if we had known that it was our last time at the Market, our last snow day, the last time our community group met, or the last time enjoying our favorite meals with friends then we would’ve savored those times more. But maybe there’s a sneaky lesson in there – not the cliché live every moment like it’s your last – but live in every moment because that’s where joy is found. In the ordinary moments that are so familiar, they are often overlooked. When we learn to embrace, pause, and welcome them, we’re freed up to live in joy.
Lynchburg is all our marriage has known. I mean we moved 2 days after we got married! Lynchburg is where we grew our business – where we met incredible #kncouples and were privileged to celebrate the start of their marriages. It’s where #ourdoghenry joined our family. It’s where people we love live.
The great news is that Charlotte is the ONLY airport that Lynchburg flies to aaaaand if you play your cards right, you might get stuck there. Now, you’ll have a friend to call when you do.
When are you leaving?
Okay take a deep breath with me. We’re leaving tomorrow – as in Saturday. Nate starts his new job on Monday so as soon as this post is up, I’m going to finish packing the kitchen.
That’s not enough time?!
I KNOW. But we’re still okay with it. It’s been about 10 days since we were 80% moving and 5 since we were 100%. If we had any doubts that this isn’t what we’re supposed to be doing, I would protest. But we know that we know that we know that this is our next step.
Will you be back?
You can’t keep us away from this little slice of off-highway heaven. Again, people we love live here and we still have sessions and weddings all over Virginia. AND there’s a workshop that I’m over the moon excited about.
Will you still run your business here?
Absolutely! Since I have sessions, I’ll be back up for a week at a time until December. So my “goodbye” is drawn out and I’m okay with that. We’ll still service Virginia (Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Richmond, DC) while expanding to Charlotte. SO – if you know people in Charlotte, start sending them our way!
And The Ordinary Workshop?
So glad you asked! It’s still happening and you can early-bird it and sign-up here!
Where will you be living?
We’re moving in with our favorite 16-month-old, Linus. My sister Kathryn and her husband Drew have so graciously opened their home to us while we search for a new #schwenkspace. This makes transitioning so much easier because we’re not forced to reactionary buying. It also means that we get to be a part of Linus’ growing up and that is invaluable. We’re also looking for renters to take over the best loft right on Lynchburg’s Main Street – you can e-mail me here if you’re seriously looking!
What will you be doing?
I’ll still be doing this! Families, couples, weddings, and film photography – that won’t change! We’ll still do wedding films (as in video) as well! Nate will be working full-time at Elevation church managing the social media for Elevation Worship. I’m incredibly excited and proud of him as he continues to grow his gifting and passion for communications and marketing.
And finally, why Charlotte?
Because it’s the happiest place on earth! Just kidding – that’s the beach. We knew we wanted to stay on the East Coast because being close to family is a priority for us no matter where that is. (Check out this article that solidified our thoughts last year) Moving further north was not an option because winter. We wanted to still be able to service VA with our business and live close to an international airport. When Kathryn and Drew moved to Charlotte, we already knew eventually we would make our way down to the Carolinas. I just never thought it would be this soon.
I’ve felt the feelings in a week I normally feel in a month; so if you catch me tearing up, you know why. We’re excited, incredibly hopeful, slightly overwhelmed with packing up our loft that we’ve loved so much, sad, and confident. We’re confident that this is our next step and new home. And really Charlotte isn’t that far…from anywhere because there’s an airport that has more than one airline which will be one thing we will NOT miss.
So if you’re reading this, chances are we love you and are grateful for you investing in our lives and we’ll see you soon.
Much Love,
Kelsey, Nate & Henry.
Miller Family | Lifestyle Session | Charlotte, North Carolina
I’m not sure that words can properly describe how much I love this session. Not only does it fulfill my dreams of doing an all film, family lifestyle session in an all white kitchen, but it features the cutest toddler in the world. Linus is my nephew and I like to think he takes after me in awesomeness – you see it, right?
I’m not sure that words can properly describe how much I love this session. Not only does it fulfill my dreams of doing an all film, family lifestyle session in an all white kitchen, but it features the cutest toddler in the world. If you're new to the blog, Linus is my nephew and I like to think he takes after me in awesomeness – you see it, right?
Kathryn and Drew just moved to Charlotte, NC and since we’re about 3 hours away in Lynchburg, each time we visit, photos are in order. This session is one that Kathryn and I dreamed up together and gave some thought to beforehand. We knew we wanted their family doing something normal in their house – preferably their kitchen – and we knew we wanted Linus to be able to be part of it. Check, check, and checkout what’s in their oven. It’s a good one.
