Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Simmons.
Hi Kelly, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m Kelly, the photographer behind Photos By Kelly.
My work is rooted in a photojournalistic approach, focusing on genuine moments, thoughtful composition, and natural light. I aim to do as much as possible in-camera, using editing as a way to enhance what’s already there rather than reinvent it.
I began my photography career in 2004 and later earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication and Design, with a focus in photography. After relocating to the Charleston area in 2009, I continued building a career that spans weddings, portraits, and commercial product photography. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with couples, families, and brands, documenting everything from intimate milestones to carefully styled commercial work.
I bring more than a decade of professional experience to each session, along with a calm, guided approach that allows people to feel comfortable and present. While I’m always happy to offer direction, my priority is creating space for real interaction and honest connection.
Outside of photography, I’m a mom to the greatest child (yes, I may be biased), and my family is a constant source of encouragement and support. You may occasionally see my daughter nearby, learning the craft with her own camera and discovering the joy of creating something meaningful.
I believe deeply that love is love, and I’m honored to photograph couples and families of all kinds.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Just like almost any other industry, there are always ups and downs. There are slower seasons and busier seasons, so I have to be sure that I’m planning for both. I save from the busy season so that I don’t have to have supplemental work during the slow seasons. The biggest challenge for me has simply been the economy. When people do not have as much disposable income, things like photographers are low on their lists of priorities. It’s understandable, I don’t expect people to have to choose between a photographer and a grocery trip, but it does present its own challenges.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a wedding and portrait photographer based in Charleston, with additional experience in product photography for ecommerce and social media, as well as select fundraisers and gala events. My work is grounded in a photojournalistic approach that prioritizes genuine moments, intentional composition, and the beauty of natural light. I strive to create as much as possible in camera, approaching editing as a tool to polish and enhance what was authentically captured rather than to redefine it. The final image is meant to be a refined reflection of the real moment, not a recreation of it.
I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication and Design with a concentration in photography from Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne. After relocating to the Charleston area in 2009, I built a career that bridges weddings, portraits, and commercial product photography. That range has shaped my ability to move fluidly between documenting unscripted emotion and crafting thoughtfully styled imagery for brands.
Inclusivity is central to my work and my values. I believe deeply that love is love, and I am honored to photograph couples and families of all backgrounds and identities. Creating an environment where clients feel safe, respected, and fully themselves is not an add on to my process, it is foundational to it. When people feel comfortable, their joy and connection unfold naturally.
My approach is calm, steady, and gently guided. While I’m always happy to offer direction when needed, I rely more on prompts than rigid poses, encouraging authentic interaction over staged perfection. I never want clients focused on achieving a “perfect” shot. Instead, I focus on capturing the real laughter, the quiet in between moments, and the atmosphere that makes each day unique.
What I am most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Whether I am documenting a wedding day or photographing a product for a growing business, I understand that I am being entrusted with something meaningful. Preserving those stories with honesty and care is both a responsibility and a privilege.
Outside of photography, I am a mother, and my family is my constant source of inspiration and support. Occasionally, you may see my daughter nearby with her own camera, discovering the joy of storytelling through images. Watching her creativity unfold reminds me why authenticity and connection will always matter most in my work.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
One of the most valuable ways to find a mentor and build meaningful connections in this industry is through second shooting. Larger, more established wedding photographers are often the ones who include second shooters in their collections, and working alongside them offers an incredible opportunity to observe how they structure a wedding day, interact with clients, and solve problems in real time. It is hands on education in its most practical form.
I still second shoot occasionally when my calendar allows, and I continue to learn every time I do. Working with a variety of photographers exposes you to different techniques, workflows, and creative approaches that you may never have explored on your own. Not everything will align with your personal style, and that is okay. Seeing a wide range of methods helps you refine what truly resonates with you and what does not. Growth often comes from exposure.
Another path that can open doors is assisting at portrait sessions or weddings. While assistant roles do not typically pay much and often involve behind the scenes tasks like carrying equipment, adjusting details, or helping with logistics, they provide a close up view of how a professional runs their business. Assistants also demonstrate reliability and work ethic, which can naturally lead to second shooting opportunities and mentorship over time.
For photographers who are just starting out, my advice is to reach out thoughtfully and professionally. Introduce yourself, share a concise portfolio, and express genuine interest in learning rather than immediately asking for paid work. Even offering to assist first can create a natural pathway toward second shooting opportunities. Respect for someone’s time and craft goes a long way.
I also strongly believe in collaboration over competition. There are plenty of weddings, families, and businesses in this area for all of us to succeed. When photographers approach each other with generosity and a willingness to share knowledge, everyone benefits. I have found that supporting others in their growth often leads to stronger professional relationships, referrals, and a more positive creative community overall.
Ultimately, networking is less about formal events and more about showing up consistently, being dependable, and contributing to a culture of encouragement. The relationships built through shared work and mutual respect tend to be the most meaningful and lasting.
Pricing:
- Elopements starting at $1200+
- Weddings starting at $2000+
- Portrait Sessions starting at $250+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pbkpix.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/pbkpix
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/pbkpix
