A Messy, Sweet Mini Session | Chelsee & Ally
Highlights:
A messy, candid mini session
Growing together while navigating college
Creative and documentary leaning moments
Photos that focus on connection over perfection
Read Time: 2 minutes
Topics: Queer Couples, Mini Sessions, Documentary Photography
Chelsee and Ally’s mini session was one of those shoots that felt easy from the start. Not because everything was perfectly planned, but because it wasn’t. It was a very messy, a little chaotic, and full of the kind of love that shows up when two people are genuinely comfortable together.
They met in high school, which already says a lot about how deep their connection runs. Growing up alongside someone shapes you in quiet ways, and you can feel that history between them. Now they’re both in college, stepping into new versions of themselves while still choosing each other. They aren’t roommates, and I honestly love that detail. They have their own spaces, their own routines, their own independence, and still come together with so much intention.
Ally is an artist, and you can feel that creative energy in the way she moves through the world. There’s a softness and thoughtfulness there, paired with curiosity and expression. Chelsee balances that beautifully. The way she shows up feels steady and supportive without ever being overwhelming. Together, they feel grounded and playful at the same time.
Their mini session reflected all of that.
Nothing about this shoot felt forced. They laughed easily, bumped into each other, fixed each other’s hair, and stayed close without even thinking about it. There was movement everywhere, which made the photos feel alive. The messiness wasn’t something to correct. It was part of the story.
Mini sessions can sometimes feel rushed, but this one didn’t. Even with limited time, there was space for things to unfold naturally. A look that turned into laughter. Hands finding each other without planning it. Those in between moments are always my favorite, and Chelsee and Ally gave so many of them without trying.
Chelsee and Ally weren’t trying to look a certain way or fit into a version of what they thought photos should be. They weren’t chasing perfection. They showed up exactly as they are, and that trust made all the difference. The images feel honest and lived in, like you’re stepping into a moment rather than looking at something staged.
What stood out most was how safe they felt together. That kind of safety shows up in small ways. The way they leaned into each other. The way they laughed when things got a little messy. The way they stayed present instead of worrying about how they looked. That ease can’t be faked, and it’s why documentary leaning sessions feel so meaningful and why I love shooting them so much
This session wasn’t about a milestone or a big announcement. It was about this season of life. College. Growth. Creativity. Learning who you are while still holding space for the person you love. It was about choosing each other while also allowing room to grow separately.
The messiness was part of what made it so good. Wind in their hair. Movement that couldn’t be planned. Laughter that happened mid sentence. Those are the moments that last. Those are the moments that feel real when you look back.
Chelsee and Ally’s mini session is a reminder that love doesn’t have to be perfectly curated to be beautiful. Sometimes the best photos come from letting things be a little imperfect and trusting that what’s already there is enough.
Chelsee and Ally, thank you for trusting me with this piece of your story. Your love feels thoughtful, creative, and so easy to celebrate.
Ready for your Documentary Styled Session
If you’re drawn to photos that feel honest and a little messy in the best way, I’d love to document your story too. Whether it’s a mini session or something slower and more intentional, you can reach out through my contact page to get started.
