Today we’d like to introduce you to Aleigha Kelley
Hi Aleigha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Aleigha Jade Kelley, and I am a photographer and the owner of Through the Looking Glass in Anderson, SC. I specialize in photographic storytelling and creative concepts.
The name “Through the Looking Glass” was born in 2008 during my senior year of high school, but my love for photography began much earlier. I got my first digital camera at 15, though my journey started even before that with film cameras. My mother was studying photography in college, and I often accompanied her to the darkroom at Anderson University. Watching her develop images, plan and shoot concepts for projects, and sometimes even being her model, inspired me deeply. My earliest subjects were my pets, and neighborhood friends, and by high school, I had moved on to taking artistic and dramatic photos of my friends—pretty bold stuff for our time!
In late 2010, I got my first DSLR, and that’s when my journey truly took off. I don’t love talking about myself or “tooting my own horn,” but I’m incredibly proud of the work and dedication I’ve poured into this passion. It has required immense sacrifice and willpower, but I am grateful that I never gave up. Through the Looking Glass: Artistic Imagery is forever a part of me.
Let me say this loud and clear—I will never fit into a box. I don’t care about trends, curated Instagram aesthetics, or portraying a certain image just to please others. That’s not me. If I’m doing my job right, my work speaks for itself. One day, I might be capturing a magical fairy tale wedding, and the next, I could be chasing Michael Myers through the woods with my camera—yes, I have done both! If you’re looking for a photographer who puts their heart and creativity into everything, then you’ve come to the right place. Whether it’s a timeless wedding, a one-of-a-kind concept shoot with handmade props and costumes, classic pinups, or an adventurous session in the mountains and waterfalls—dragons included—I am here to bring your vision to life. I am full of surprises, but above all, I am unapologetically me, and my work reflects that wonderful weirdness.
My purpose in life is to create art through unique and creative photography concepts while forming lifelong connections with my clients. I have been photographing professionally since 2010, and in 2024, I finally achieved my dream of opening my studio in Iva, SC. Over the years, I have been internationally published, traveled the country for photoshoots, and met clients who became lifelong friends. I have captured the first moments of life and the last, and nothing compares to the fulfillment, joy, and honor this journey has given me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has not been without struggles. Finding my own way and being entirely self-taught was a challenge.
I spent years developing my unique style and building something that would stand on its own—so that when people heard “Through the Looking Glass,” they immediately recognized my work. Taking the leap in 2015 to become fully self-employed was one of the scariest moments of my life, but I held onto the belief that it would all be worth it. I am incredibly proud to be a woman-owned business, and every obstacle along the way has only made me stronger. There were moments of doubt, financial hardships, and times when the road felt impossibly tough. But my passion for photography and my determination to create meaningful art kept me pushing forward. The sacrifices, the late nights, the endless learning—it has all been part of the journey, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work is more than just taking pictures—it’s about creating art that tells a story, evokes emotion, and leaves a lasting impression. I specialize in fine art photography, whimsical and conceptual storytelling, and timeless portraiture. I am known for my ability to bring fantasy to life, crafting unique and immersive experiences through carefully curated themes, handmade props, and creative lighting techniques. Whether it’s capturing a dreamy wedding, an enchanting fairy tale shoot, or a bold and empowering vintage pinup session, I approach every project with an artistic vision and a commitment to authenticity.
What sets me apart from others is my dedication to originality and storytelling. Every session is a collaboration, and I take the time to understand my clients’ visions, weaving them into something extraordinary. My work is not about producing cookie-cutter images—it’s about crafting something personal, something that resonates on a deeper level. I strive to make every photoshoot an experience, one that my clients will remember just as vividly as the images themselves.
I am most proud of the connections I have built through my work. Photography has introduced me to incredible people, many of whom have become lifelong friends. I have been privileged to document some of the most significant moments in their lives, from weddings to births to the legacies they leave behind. Knowing that my images will be cherished for generations is the greatest reward of all.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The COVID-19 crisis was one of the most challenging times for my family and my business. As photographers, we were not considered essential workers, and for months, everything came to a standstill. All bookings were put on hold, weddings were rescheduled, and the uncertainty of the future was overwhelming. It was terrifying not knowing what would come next. But instead of dwelling in the fear, I felt compelled to do something to lift the spirits of my community. That’s when I started the “Front Porch Project.”
I began driving through neighborhoods, photographing families as they stood on their porches or in their yards while I remained at a safe distance in the road. These small, simple visits became something I looked forward to, and they meant just as much to the families I photographed. Many of them had gone days without seeing anyone outside their immediate household. This project gave them a reason to smile, to dress up, to capture a moment in time that, despite the hardships, showed resilience and love.
Looking back, it’s wild to think about those days—the eerie stillness of the world, the fear, the unknown. But through it all, we found a way to create something meaningful. As grim as times were, we captured something real, something human, and most importantly, something hopeful. It reminded me why I do what I do—photography isn’t just about pretty pictures. It’s about history, about storytelling, about preserving the moments that shape us. And through every challenge, I’ve learned that creativity and community will always find a way to shine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://throughthelookingglassartisticimagery.mypixieset.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Throughthelookingglassartisticimagery
