Capturing Memories
Carmel-by-the-Sea & Big Sur Photographer
There is a specific kind of magic that happens where the Pacific meets the Monterey Peninsula. It’s in the way the fog clings to the redwoods in Big Sur and how the golden hour light dances across the white sands of Carmel.
With over two decades behind the lens, I don’t just see these landscapes as backdrops; I see them as witnesses to your story. Whether it’s the quiet wonder of a child’s first coastal visit or the electric breath before a "Yes" on a Big Sur cliffside, my mission is to transform these fle
Portrait photography without the stress
Making Memories
Families grow and change, but love always remains. Perfectly capture each person’s distinct character and real moments of family love. Our family portrait collection of custom art features your family and lasts a lifetime. Don’t leave precious memories behind; let them live out loud in your home.
MINI session Great way to capture all the little moments throughout the year.
Our Approach
Book a call to talk about your family portraits or engagement session.
Sign the portrait contract.
We will plan your session.
Pick a time, and your dream location.
Photograph it.
View your photos and order.
Photos arrive at your doorstep.
What to Expect
As a photographer, we want everyone to have the chance to have wonderful family portraits of their loved ones. We will go to beautiful locations that complement your style. From the mountains to the historical city.
Our portrait sessions are enjoyable and stress-free. Will give you helpful tips before we start. During your session, we take the time to let you get comfortable in front of the camera. We walk you through the poses and give you prompts to act out for a natural look.
We do consulting over the phone, video chat, or in person. Ever works best for you.
Whether it’s high in the mountains, on a beach near the ocean, in a forest meadow - you deserve to get married however you want to. I’ll be sure to help you plan and save those beautiful memories for the family and kids. Check out some of my favorite client stories from last year.
Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Before you share your story. Let me tell you mine.
Hello, my Name is Kris Connelly. My journey began in 1998, rooted in the timeless alchemy of black-and-white film and the intentionality of the darkroom. Guided by a lifelong calling, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Photographic Technology, specializing in portraiture and photojournalism. This academic foundation ensures that every heirloom image I produce is balanced by rigorous technical precision and an artist’s intuition.
With over two decades of professional experience—including a career-defining tenure as an award-winning wedding photographer and a cover feature for CTX Wedding Guide Magazine—I have refined my focus toward intimate family and engagement commissions. This intentional shift allows me to dedicate my creative energy to local sessions that honor your family’s unique timeline while allowing me to remain present for my own.
A Coastal Muse
Based on the Monterey Peninsula, my work is a love letter to the atmospheric elegance of the California coast. While a vibrant sunset has its charm, I am most inspired by the "June Gloom" and the cinematic evening fog that blankets the water. There is a profound, quiet luxury in the way low clouds dance against the rugged peaks and dramatic cliffs of Big Sur. This moody, natural grandeur is the silent protagonist in my storytelling, lending an editorial depth to every frame.
Editorial Storytelling & Authentic Legacy
My philosophy is centered on an editorial, journalistic approach designed to preserve your family’s legacy or the ephemeral spark of a new engagement. I curate exclusive three-hour portrait sessions, offering a spacious and relaxed pace that allows for genuine connection without the haste of traditional photography.
- Proposals & Engagements: I provide discreet, sophisticated documentation of your most pivotal moments, capturing raw emotion with an effortless, high-end aesthetic.
- The Family Portrait: We move beyond the artifice of forced posing. Instead, I facilitate a refined, relaxed environment where the focus remains on "showing love and affection." Through gentle guidance and natural interaction, I capture the true heartbeat of your family.
I invite you to step into a space where you can simply be, resulting in a collection of heartfelt, sophisticated images that serve as a testament to your story.
Education & Credentials
- B.S. in Photographic Technology | Daytona State
- Certification in Photojournalism | BCC
- Certification in Portraiture | BCC
- Certification in Photography | BCC
In the rush of everyday life, it’s easy to overlook how quickly our children grow and how fleeting each season truly is. Family portraits serve as a timeless way to pause, reflect, and preserve the love, connection, and personality of your family—just as you are right now. These photographs become more than just images; they are part of your family’s legacy. As the years pass and memories fade, portraits remain—reminders of little hands that once held yours, of laughter echoing through your home, and of the beautiful, ever-changing story of your family. Capturing these moments now ensures that future generations can look back and feel the heart of who you were together.
Family Legacy| Editorial & Fine Art Portrait Photography
Capturing stories & memories since 2005
The Experience: Rugged Beauty, and Service
Planning a session in the Monterey Peninsula should be as breathtaking as the views themselves. I provide a seamless, full-service experience so you can focus on the moment while I handle the mastery.
1. The Legacy Consultation
We begin with a private call to move beyond the "where" and into the "why." Whether you are traveling from New York or just down the coast, we discuss your family’s dynamic, your home’s aesthetic, and how to best translate your story into a physical archive.
2. Location Stewardship
Big Sur and Carmel require more than just a camera; they require an expert guide.
- Permits & Logistics: I handle all Special Event permits and California State Park fees for Big Sur sessions.
- The "Secret" Map: After 20 years, I have curated a private list of locations that offer the "Big Sur Drama" or "Carmel Charm".
3. Wardrobe & Styling Curation
The elements of the Pacific—wind, mist, and shifting light—are part of the art. I provide a dedicated styling guide tailored to these landscapes, ensuring your wardrobe complements the deep greens of the Redwoods or the soft creams of Carmel.
4. Technical Mastery in the Elements
The coast is unpredictable. My 20 years of experience means I am an expert in "the grit." I utilize high-end lighting and medium-format technology to ensure your skin tones are perfect and your features are sharp, even in the middle of a Pacific fog bank or a wind-swept cliffside.
5. The Reveal & Heirloom Design
Your experience doesn't end with a link to a gallery. We will meet virtually to view your curated images and design your custom-framed wall art or handcrafted Italian linen albums. Your legacy deserves to live in your hands, not just on a hard drive.
