About Kelly

I live & breathe art.

Light on a face. Movement in a moment. The expression that appears before anyone knows it is there.

I'm Kelly—a Minneapolis-based photographer drawn to mood, light and the quiet current beneath a moment. Photography is how I hold onto what I notice and help other people see themselves a little differently, too.

Kelly, founder and photographer at Muddy Flowers Photography, standing beneath an umbrella at the beach
The person behind the camera

Instinctive by nature. Intentional in every frame.

Muddy Flowers is an extension of how I see the world. I'm inspired by natural light, earthy tones and the beauty found in imperfection. Whether I'm photographing a senior, a wedding, a portrait or a creative concept, my approach is intentional and intuitive.

Photography should feel personal, unforced and rooted in trust. I offer direction without forcing the moment, leaving room for movement, instinct and the unexpected.

I will create the images you've come to expect. I will also be capturing the movement, laughter and quiet details that make the gallery feel like your life—not somebody else's mood board.

Kelly holding her professional camera
The journey

Years of portraits. An artist at the core. No interest in standing still.

My downtown studio became a place where portrait, boudoir and senior sessions could unfold without pretense. Through those years, I saw what becomes possible when people feel safe, understood and free to be themselves.

That experience now shapes everything I photograph. I know when to direct, when to simplify and when to step back because something real is already happening.

Natural directionClassic + creative portraitsStory-first approach
Personal work

Making photographs for the love of seeing the world as a beautiful place.

Kelly's conceptual black-and-white self portrait in a flowing dress
Black-and-white portrait of Kelly
Kelly's conceptual self portrait using a cardboard box

I keep pushing myself through personal projects and 52Frames, a global weekly photography community. My work has been selected multiple times by other photographers, including a #1 overall image. That practice keeps my eye curious and gives me room to study light, deepen my knowledge of manual mode, explore different styles of photography and notice the details that turn a technically good photograph into one you remember.

52Frames #1 OverallMultiple 52Frames PicksConceptual self portraiture
Emotional. Unforced.
A little unexpected.

I love images that are beautiful without feeling fake or overly staged.

Today

Seniors. Couples. Weddings. Creative stories.

Muddy Flowers brings years of portrait experience into every session, balancing professional guidance with enough openness for your own energy to come through.

Work with Kelly