Hola, I’m Kelley.

My name is Kelley Deal and I’m a leftie, a new mom, a travel partner to my husband (Matt), and a wedding photographer. I like a dry sense of humor and terrible tv, and I am best-served behind a camera on the dance floor.

I grew-up in the midwest and it shows - I say pop, I’ve visited a giant field of 8’ tall corn statues, and I pretty much refuse to eat a slice of pizza without ranch on the side. Matt and I have a little one (Anna) who’s maybe the pudgiest baby girl you’ve ever seen. She learned to crawl by chasing-down animal crackers and loves to be in front of the camera (thankfully). I spend my free time bribing Anna with animal crackers, playing with our giant dog Georgia, and filling my instagram stories with both of them.

I photograph your friends and families like I photograph my own - with patience, love for silly and messy, and a lot of love. I heard someone say something like, “you never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” If I had to put a reason to my “why,” that’s it. I take photos to keep those memories fresh, for you, for me, and for everyone around us.

What else??

I’m a Leo, sometimes an Enneagram 3 / sometimes a 6, David Rose is my spirit partner, and a terrrrrrible baker. But I make a mean guac.

My favorite latest read is “Over the Top” by Jonathan Van Ness, but my usual go-to is any kind of futuristic dystopian drama, especially those written for young adults - I am who I am. I can probably recite every word of Twilight (since we’re admitting embarrassing details..), have a few tattoos and think they’re generally really great (with high hopes of adding more as time and inspiration permit) and, as cliche as it sounds, love me some good coffee.

I love…

...Outdoor weddings, real laughter, candid smiles, adventurers, sunrises and sunsets, the details, guys who show emotion, sunrise in the city, elopements, unplugged moments, brick walls, timeless traditions, when brides ask my opinion, artistic flexibility, bold colors, cool people and cool places.

I DON’T love…

...Heart-shaped shadows, people in the middle of your aisle with iphones, traditions that don’t mean anything to you, stiff poses, selective coloring, couples who focus on me instead of their wedding, studio set-ups, matching outfits (unless it's for the sake of humor..), naked babies in baskets.

HEY WAIT! LET’S BE FRIENDS.

Being photographed can be stressful - especially if you're the bride or groom! It's so important that you find a photographer (and other vendors, for that matter) that are going to make you feel comfortable. I've been a bride - I know it's pretty awesome but can also be pretty overwhelming - and I love making folks feel at ease. I've helped zip a dress that wouldn't zip, I've helped rehearse vows, I've poured drinks for groomsmen and calmed lots of nerves. I'm the only person who isn't a friend / family member that will be with you throughout the ENTIRE day!

Long story short, I’m here to help.

During our shoot, I'll give you some pointers so you don't feel lost, but I'll keep it loose so you still look like you! We'll joke around, I'll probably show you pictures of my puppy, and promise to laugh at a good handful of your jokes! I'll tell you about the conversation I had with my dad while we walked down the aisle, I'll make jokes with your wedding party, and help you remember the best moments of your day. My focus is always on the candids, but there's still something really beautiful about formal family photos and a few dramatic shots of just you two.Whether you're looking for a photographer for your wedding, engagement photos, or just a day in your life, finding the right style and price are probably your top priorities. Above all else, I work to keep my photography authentic. I do everything I can to be exactly what you need - far from intimidating, relaxed when nobody else is, and attentive to YOU. Kind of like your best friend for the day.

What else do you want to know?

Ask away!