Hola, I’m Kelley.

My name is Kelley Deal and I’m a leftie, a “cool mom”, a travel partner to my husband (Matt), and a 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 quickly becoming funnier than me. 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 glitter nail polish, playing with our giant dog June, 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, guys who aren’t afraid to get dirty, sunrise in the city, elopements, unplugged moments, brick walls, timeless traditions, big families, artistic flexibility, bold colors, tiny babies, cool people and cool places.

I DON’T love…

...Heart-shaped shadows, traditions that don’t mean anything to you, stiff poses, selective coloring, families who focus on me instead of each other, 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 new to this! It's so important that you find a photographer thats going to make you feel comfortable. I've been a bride, a mom, in front of the camera - I know the results can be awesome, but the process 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 calmed fussy babies, I've shown you how to cuddle together and calmed lots of nerves. I’m probably the least stressed person around you while you’re making memories and showing off your love for each other.

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 teenagers, and help you remember the things you love most about your people. My focus is always on the candids, but there's still something really beautiful about formal family photos and a few dramatic shots of the folks you brought with you. Whether you're looking for a photographer for your elopement, newborn, 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.