Born in Alabama and raised in Mississippi, my family is full of creatives. I have artist and musician roots running through my veins. I attribute the majority of these genes to my mother and my grandmother. My mom (a Master’s in music) plays the piano beautifully by ear and pages of Mozart like it is nothing. It’s like a second language to her. My grandmother plays the piano so eloquently and for years she passionately painted her own art. I am so grateful for their influence and encouragement throughout my life.

At home, I have a wonderful husband, Charlie, who is my own personal chef and cheerleader. He keeps us all laughing and fed. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. He is the one who pushed me to actually make Elle Kay Photography a reality. In 2022, our son was born. I didn’t want to go back into the classroom to teach and leave him in childcare. So Charlie encouraged me to pursue this photography thing and turn it into more than a hobby. And I am SO grateful that he did.  

Between us we have six children total (woah, right??), but only four in the house with us–17, 12, 10 and our little end cap is 2 years old. When I tell my clients that I understand children, I truly do. Not only did I teach elementary music, I also was a preschool director for 7 years before that. Children are a part of me. I love making them laugh and getting amazing photos for families. It is life-giving!

All this to say, my job is an answered prayer. I am able to be at home with my children while also taking photos and making art for families, individuals, and businesses. Giving my children an example of building something from the ground up, showing them that their mom can build a hobby into a business, and being an example of the American dream means everything. I am utterly blessed and simply grateful!!

Rooted in Family

Rooted in Family

I often have clients ask why my photography business isn’t my own name. In 2019 when the very beginning of the business was in the works, I was going through a divorce and didn’t want to use my name for the business. It was too much.

So, I thought about what I wanted to create and how it would sound. “Elle” represents the first letter of my name Lauren. I just spelled out the letter L instead of using only the letter. “Kay” is my middle name and my grandmother’s name. I wanted to honor her and use a special family name that meant so much to me throughout my life. So the name “Elle Kay” was born and turned into Elle Kay Photography.

Those people you see walking around with their head down towards the sand? That’s me. I’m a shell hunter. I absolutely ADORE the little details of seashells. I’ll walk around with my children for hours finding little treasures.  

When I first moved to Pensacola, I started finding oyster shells. I didn’t think much of them and never picked them up. Until I discovered the beauty inside of these shells. The colors, pearly sheen, the beauty that makes them what they are. I feel like this is a metaphor for my job. I want to help you see the beauty that makes you what you are. I want to give you a new perspective and a fresh excitement in your life.

Why is your business name different than your name?

What is the story behind the oysters?