My Photography Journey – Kellie Rochelle Photography

After spending all of my adult life as a working mother, I transitioned to a stay-at-home mom when I was pregnant with my 6th child, Max. I was terrified I would lose myself, my identity, without the challenge of working outside of the home as a pharmacist. During this life-change, my mother-in-law Roxanne was bravely battling cancer, so we were trying to spend at much time as we could with her because we knew time was limited. I found myself looking at pictures of her with my kids; incredibly grateful I had taken so many pictures throughout the years. Through the photos, I could almost hear them laughing together again, and I realized I wanted to take as many classes as I could to become a better photographer. The more classes I took, the more I wanted to learn. I’ve had my business, Kellie Rochelle Photography, going on 7 years now. It’s rare to see me without my camera because even when I’m not photographing clients, I’m at something for the kids- basketball, baseball, dance, football or soccer. I am almost always taking some type of photography class and I think it’s so important to keep learning and being inspired. This was a poem from a class I took a few years ago and whenever I read it, I can almost feel my childhood.

I am from high school sweethearts.

I am from lay me down to sleep bedtime prayers.

I am from thumb sucking and yellow ribbon on a soft blanket.

I am from thick braids and long hair.

I am from a metal swing set and banana boat bike seats.

I am from cross country drives eating out of a cooler, listening to my mom read where the red fern grows on a new adventure.

I am from the sound of rain falling on our tin roofed trailer.

I am from red lipstick on cigarettes at my grandma’s table.

I am from cassette tapes played in a pink ghetto blaster.

I am from peanut butter flavored frosting on angel food cake.

I am from long walks with my mom and treasured conversations.

A few other random facts about me are:

1. I have seven kids & been married for 20 years.

2. I joined the National Guards at 17 yrs and served 8 years.

3. I’ve been a matron of honor 5 times and bridesmaid 3 times.

4. I share my birthday with my oldest son, Drew.

5. My mom is my best friend, co-pilot for travels, & 2nd shooter.

6. I’ve taken my kids to Disneyworld once a year for 16 years with my mom.

7. Travel is my love language.

8. I’m a Diet Mountain Dew and Diet Coke fountain pop snob.

9. I HATE ticks.