Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly McPhail.
Hi Kelly, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I didn’t start my photography business with a big plan or a background in the industry. I started as a mom who didn’t want to miss anything.
When my kids were little, I found myself constantly reaching for my camera, trying to hold onto the way their tiny hands fit in mine, the way they laughed, the way our everyday life felt. What started as a creative outlet slowly grew as friends and other families began asking me to photograph their moments too.
But the turning point for me came in 2018.
I was asked to photograph a six-month-old baby named Mackenzie. She had a serious heart condition and was about to undergo surgery, and her parents didn’t know what the outcome would be. They asked me to come to their backyard and document their family—just simple, quiet moments together with her big brothers.
After I delivered their images, her mom reached out to me in tears, telling me how much those photos meant to their family… that no matter what happened, they now had something to hold onto.
Thankfully, Mackenzie made it through surgery and is doing so well today. But that experience stayed with me. It shifted something in me. It made me realize that this wasn’t just about taking photos—it was about preserving moments that truly matter, especially the ones we can’t get back.
In 2019, I officially launched my business with that perspective at the center of everything I do.
Since then, my business has grown into a full-time career serving families through maternity, newborn, family, and senior photography. I’ve had the privilege of building a multi-six-figure business doing what I love, and one of the things I’m most proud of is the experience I’ve created for my clients—guiding them through every step so they can feel relaxed, confident, and truly present during their session.
In 2024, our family made the move from Indiana to North Carolina (to be closer to our family), and I essentially started over in a brand new market. Within the first year, I was able to rank on the first page of Google here as well, which was a huge milestone and a reminder that consistency and intention really do pay off.
Today, I continue to serve families across the Triad, NC area, and I’ve also begun mentoring other photographers—helping them build sustainable businesses and create work they’re truly proud of.
At the heart of it all, it’s still about what that experience taught me all those years ago—these moments matter, and they deserve to be remembered.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road—and I think that’s true for most small business owners, even if it doesn’t always look that way from the outside.
One of the biggest turning points (and challenges) in my business came when I shifted to an in-person sales model and significantly raised my prices. It was something I knew I needed to do to build a sustainable business, but it also came with a lot of fear. I dealt with a huge amount of imposter syndrome—questioning whether I was really “worth it,” and wondering if anyone would actually say yes.
And at first… a lot of people didn’t.
There were plenty of no’s in the beginning, and I had moments where I questioned if I had made the wrong decision. But over time, I realized that I wasn’t losing the right clients—I was creating space for the ones who truly valued the experience and the artwork we were creating together.
Another major moment came in 2021 when my husband left his job to join me in the business full-time. That was both exciting and incredibly heavy. Overnight, the business became our family’s sole source of income, and I felt a deep responsibility to make sure it worked—not just for me, but for all of us.
And then, in 2024, we moved our family—and my business—from Indiana to North Carolina. That meant starting over in a brand new market where no one knew me. No built-in client base, no word-of-mouth, no familiarity. It was both humbling and challenging, and there were moments where it felt like I was back at square one.
But that season stretched me in the best way. It pushed me to lean into everything I had learned—refining my SEO strategy, building new connections, and showing up consistently even when it felt slow at first.
Looking back, those seasons of discomfort were some of the most important in shaping both my business and my confidence. They taught me that growth often comes with doubt—but that doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a family, newborn, and senior photographer serving the Triad area, and I specialize in creating a full-service experience for my clients from start to finish.
From the very beginning, my goal has been to make this process feel easy and enjoyable—especially for busy moms who are often the ones coordinating everything. I walk my clients through every step, from helping them choose outfits (including access to a curated client closet) to selecting beautiful, meaningful locations that fit their family’s style.
During the session itself, I provide plenty of gentle guidance so no one is left wondering what to do, while still leaving room for natural, candid moments to unfold. It’s always a balance of creating something that feels both polished and genuine.
Where I really set myself apart is what happens after the session.
Instead of simply delivering digital images and leaving clients to figure out the rest, I guide them through a personalized reveal and ordering appointment where they can see their images for the first time and choose how they want to enjoy them in their home. Whether that’s a custom album, framed wall art, or pieces designed to be passed down for years to come, my goal is to help them turn their memories into something tangible.
Because of that, I don’t offer mini sessions or a quick, one-size-fits-all experience. I’ve built my business around providing something more intentional—something that allows families to slow down, be present, and walk away with images that truly mean something to them.
What I’m most proud of is the experience I’ve created. Hearing clients tell me how relaxed they felt, how much they loved the process, and seeing their emotional reaction when they view their images for the first time—that’s what matters most to me.
In a saturated industry, I think what sets me apart isn’t just the final images, but how my clients feel throughout the entire experience—and long after it’s over.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite parts of childhood was traveling with my family.
We spent time exploring new places around Europe, camping across the U.S., and experiencing things I didn’t fully appreciate at the time—but now treasure so deeply. I can still picture my mom pulling out her Lonely Planet travel book, reading about the history of a particular castle or piece of art. I’m sure I rolled my eyes more than once, but she was so intentional about showing us the world.
Looking back, those trips gave me so much more than just memories of places—they gave me a sense of connection, curiosity, and appreciation for time spent together.
Those moments have stayed with me in such a meaningful way, and they’re a big part of why I value what I do now. Because I know firsthand how powerful it is to have memories you can hold onto… long after the moment itself has passed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kellymcphail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellymcphailphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellymcphailphotography
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kelly-mcphail-photography-greensboro
