CAPTURING YOUR growing family

meet shelby

Life's true beauty lies in the simplest moments.
The love of a family is life's greatest blessing.

WHY IT MATTERS

I’m Shelby, a family photographer, a boy mom, an aunt to three, and someone who understands just how quickly life moves when you're raising little ones.

I work with growing families who want more than just a few nice photos. My goal is not only to capture “Grandma’s picture” (you know the one—everyone smiling at the camera) but also to document the real, in-between moments. The giggles, the snuggles, the chaos, and the calm. Whether your session takes place on the beach as we splash in the water or at one of my favorite estates, my focus is on capturing your family's unique beauty and love.

My journey into photography began after the birth of my son, Jackson. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to have more children, so I became determined to hold on to every moment. With a camera in hand, I found a way to freeze time and rediscovered a sense of purpose. That experience still shapes how I approach every session. I bring empathy, patience, and the heart of a mother to everything I do.

I’m known for creating a relaxed, enjoyable experience for families and for delivering images that reflect not just what this season looked like, but what it felt like.

WHAT I DO

One day, you’ll pick up a toy off the floor and realize it hasn’t been played with in weeks. You’ll pull a shirt from the laundry basket and realize it no longer fits. The pace of parenthood is relentless, and the little things (the ones that feel ordinary now) will quietly disappear without warning.

That’s why this matters.

Photography isn’t just about having a beautiful image to frame. It’s about holding on to the pieces of your life that are changing right in front of you. The way your toddler curls into your lap. The scrunchy-nosed grin your child gives when they laugh. The way your family feels right now.

I photograph families because I know what it’s like to want to bottle it all up. To want to remember the way it felt to be theirs at this age, in this season. Not just for you, but for them, too.

Don’t wait for things to “slow down” or feel less chaotic. The truth is, these moments don’t wait. Your kids won’t stop growing until you finally have time. There will never be a perfect day, but there will always be the chance to remember it perfectly.

Let’s capture this season while it’s still here.

CAPTURE your moments

My biggest accomplishment is becoming a Mom to my redheaded freckled faced son Jackson. 

MY SON

I have a soft spot for animals and love bringing home new fur babies! Benny is our purebred Ragdoll Cat, Max is our yellow Labrador Retriever, Rocco is our Bloodhound, and we recently added Greg our Bearded Dragon to the group! 

MY FURBABIES

Our favorite thing to do as a family is cruise! At this point the Bahamas feel like our second home. 

traveling

In 2023, I picked up my first Colleen Hoover book and the rest is history! I now average reading about three to four books a month. If I am not reading you might find me crocheting a baby blanket or stuffed animal for fun. 

books + crocheting

If I wasn't a photographer I would love to flip houses! When I drive by an old abandoned home I can quickly see it's potential. The older the home the better in my opinion. 

old homes

Shelby McKimmie is a Southern Maryland and Northern Virginia photographer that offers a relaxed and stress-free portrait experience for growing families. Shelby offers maternity, lifestyle newborn, and family photography to her clients. 
Her most frequented locations include: Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary's County, King George, Fredericksburg, Richmond, Bowling Green, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Stafford.