Natural-light photographer, fair-weather enthusiast, professional people wrangler, and the person behind Kelly Chess Photography. My photography is pretty simple: real people, real color, real connection. I’m a natural-light photographer, which means I’m always chasing good light, and yes, I’m absolutely a fair-weather photographer. I want golden evenings, wind in your hair, bare feet, movement, laughter and the kind of moments that don’t feel manufactured. You don't need to know how to pose. That's my job.

I use candid prompts to get you moving, interacting and forgetting about the camera, but don't mistake "candid" for "figure it out yourself." I'm bossy. Lovingly bossy. Stand here. Turn toward her. Grab his hand. Get closer. Nope, closer. YOU- yes, you- come over here. There's also a very good chance I won't remember anyone's name once we're rolling. Suddenly you're Mom, Dad, Brother, Little Sister, Grandma and YOU. YOU THERE. Somehow, it works. I'm outgoing. I laugh a lot. I cuss. I'll probably say something ridiculous to get a genuine reaction out of you, and I'm not interested in making your family stand perfectly still and smile at me for an hour.

When it comes to editing, I keep things true to color and true to you. I want your skin to look like skin, the grass to look like grass and your photographs to still feel beautiful twenty years from now. I'll enhance what needs enhancing and clean up the little distractions when necessary, but I'm not here to turn you into somebody else. Come as you are.

Bring the kids who don't sit still. Bring the husband who hates pictures. Bring your awkward laugh, your inside jokes, your wild hair and the people you love.

I'll tell you where to stand. You just love on your people.