Today we’d like to introduce you to Pola Seeley.
Hi Pola, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My life has always revolved around babies. I’m originally from Poland, and after earning my bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, I came to the United States as a live-in nanny.
When I became a mother, I saw even more clearly how sacred and fleeting those early years are — the quiet newborn moments, the way children feel safe with you, the atmosphere of a home filled with little ones. I wanted to hold onto it all. That desire slowly grew into building a photography business here in Columbia, South Carolina.
Today, I photograph mothers in the maternity, newborn, and family seasons. As a homeschooling mother of three girls, my life and business are deeply intertwined. My work is shaped by my faith, my love for children, and my belief that motherhood is a calling. I don’t see photography as simply taking pictures — I see it as preserving legacy, something your children and even grandchildren will one day hold and say, “This is where I come from.”
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Almost four years ago, my family and I moved to South Carolina without knowing a single person here. Starting a business from scratch in a new state — with no connections, no built-in community, and no word-of-mouth — was humbling. Every relationship had to be built slowly and intentionally.
At the same time, I was homeschooling my children, walking through pregnancy, and raising little ones. Building a business while nurturing babies at home requires discipline and sacrifice. There were many nights I worked until midnight after everyone was asleep.
But those challenges also shaped me. They clarified why I do this. I know how important these years are because I am living them too. I understand the exhaustion, the beauty, the stretch. Serving mothers and preserving their stories isn’t just a business idea for me — it’s personal.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in in-home newborn photography, capturing babies in their first days. My sessions are calm, baby-led, and centered on connection rather than props or heavy posing. I focus on the way a mother holds her newborn, the way tiny fingers wrap around their father’s hand, and the quiet way they fall in love with their baby.
What sets me apart is that I truly understand this season. As a mother of three and someone whose life has always revolved around babies, I know how fleeting those first weeks are. I see photography not as creating perfect images, but as preserving a family’s legacy. I don’t rush babies, and I don’t expect toddlers to perform. I approach each session with deep respect for both the child and the parents.
I’m most proud of the trust parents give me when they invite me into their homes during such a tender time — trust I never take for granted.
Last year, I organized a group breastfeeding photoshoot in Columbia, and it was incredibly special. One mother shared that as a first-time mom with a four-month-old, she had felt very uncomfortable breastfeeding, and that the experience helped her confidence so much. She told me she is still going strong breastfeeding her almost 15-month-old. Hearing that meant more to me than anything.
I can’t wait to do it again this year and connect with more mothers here in Columbia.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I never wanted a career. I never dreamed about a job. I just wanted to be a mom.
Moving to a new state with an extremely saturated photography market made starting a business a real risk. Endless nights at the computer, editing pictures, building my website, and collecting Google reviews while serving mamas in Columbia was not an easy task.
But this business allows me to be with my children while also serving other mothers — and that’s what makes it all worth it.
That’s also why I’m writing this after I’ve finally put my kids to sleep.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ohmamaphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohmamaphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ohmamaphotography
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/oh-mama-photography-columbia
