READING TIME: 4 min 49 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/19/2024
UPDATED: 12/19/2024
“I’m Ellie McKinney, a wedding photographer based in Winston Salem, North Carolina, with a passion for capturing unforgettable love stories. With over a decade of experience in the industry, I specialize in blending editorial sophistication with genuine emotion to create timeless galleries that reflect your unique connection,” Ellie shares passionately. For Ellie McKinney, photography isn’t just a profession—it’s a calling rooted in her love for storytelling, her artistic vision shaped by years immersed in luxury fashion.
When you look at Ellie’s work, you don’t just see photos—you see moments. She has a way of capturing emotions that often go unnoticed: a tear wiped away during a quiet exchange, the joyful burst of laughter between a couple when no one’s watching, or the way sunlight spills through a window onto a lace veil. It’s these fleeting, unplanned seconds that Ellie turns into timeless art.
“I believe photography is more than just images—it’s about creating an experience. My hands-on approach ensures that every step of the process, from vision calls to the final delivery, is tailored to my couples. I’m fully immersed in every moment of their day, making sure they feel confident, supported, and celebrated,” she explains. For Ellie, every wedding is an opportunity to build trust, honor her clients’ unique story, and curate a gallery that feels deeply personal.
When asked to describe her style, Ellie is clear and intentional: “My photography style blends editorial sophistication with genuine emotion.” This isn’t a buzzword for Ellie; it’s a commitment to her craft. Her galleries boast bold, rich tones, complemented by soft highlights, creating an elevated aesthetic that mirrors the pages of a high-end magazine—but never at the expense of authenticity.
“My journey into photography was inspired by my love for storytelling and my background in luxury fashion,” Ellie adds, “This blend allows me to seamlessly capture the delicate details and bold, heartfelt moments that make each wedding day so extraordinary.”
Ellie’s images strike a beautiful balance: they’re polished, refined, and editorial while still feeling unposed and human. “Trust the process,” she says. “I’ll guide you through poses and prompts to help you feel confident and comfortable. Natural interactions often lead to the most authentic and beautiful shots.”
Ellie’s approach to her couples is hands-on and highly collaborative, rooted in clear communication and genuine connection. “I start by building a strong connection through vision calls and questionnaires to understand their unique story, style, and priorities,” Ellie says with a smile. “From there, I guide them with a hands-on approach during sessions, offering gentle direction and prompts to ensure they feel confident and at ease.”
Ellie also sends detailed questionnaires to gather inspiration and personalize her approach. “My goal is to not only document unforgettable moments but to ensure the journey to their final gallery feels just as elevated and meaningful,” she emphasizes.
Behind Ellie’s polished, sophisticated galleries is a commitment to precision and artistry. “I use the Sony A1 and the Sony A7iv as my digital cameras,” Ellie explains. “For film photography, I'm always adding new ones to my collection!”
Her editing process is just as thoughtful. “I focus on enhancing the natural beauty of each image while maintaining a timeless and polished finish,” Ellie says. She smooths skin gently, fine-tunes the colors for bold yet balanced tones, and ensures every photo feels cohesive and curated. “My goal is to deliver images that feel both elevated and deeply personal,” she explains.
When couples book Ellie, they’re not just booking a photographer; they’re inviting someone who will cherish their day as much as they do. “What I enjoy most about being a photographer is the opportunity to connect deeply with people and capture the authentic emotions that define their most cherished moments. I love being immersed in the creative process,” Ellie shares warmly. “Bringing out confidence in my clients, curating their unique stories, and transforming fleeting memories into timeless images.”
What drives Ellie the most? “It’s incredibly fulfilling to document love in all its forms and know that my work becomes a lasting part of someone’s legacy,” she says without hesitation.
Ellie takes on 15-18 weddings per year, ensuring she can pour her heart and soul into every couple’s experience. Her most popular package includes 10 hours of coverage—more than enough to tell a wedding day story in its entirety. “I believe every love story is unique, and I’m more than happy to work with couples to create a custom package that perfectly aligns with their vision and needs,” Ellie adds. “Whether it’s adding extra hours of coverage, incorporating a second photographer, or tailoring the focus to specific moments or locations, I’ll collaborate closely with them to ensure their day is documented to the fullest.”
“I absolutely do destination weddings!” Ellie beams. For Ellie, traveling to breathtaking locations and capturing couples against the most stunning backdrops is one of her greatest joys. “Recently, Ireland and Italy have been favorite destinations,” she says.
She paints a picture with her words: “Ireland’s lush, dramatic landscapes and timeless castles provide the perfect romantic backdrop, while Italy’s rich history, warm light, and breathtaking architecture create an unmatched ambiance. Both destinations offer a sense of magic and beauty that inspire me to capture elevated, unforgettable galleries that reflect the couple’s love story and the stunning surroundings of their day.” Whether it’s a Tuscan vineyard or the rugged cliffs of the Irish coastline, Ellie knows how to weave the environment into her storytelling, making each gallery as unforgettable as the destination itself.
Ellie knows that preparation can make all the difference in creating effortless, beautiful images. “Here are my top tips for couples,” she shares enthusiastically:
“Communicate Your Vision: Share your ideas, inspiration, and any must-have shots ahead of time. This helps me understand your style and tailor the session to your preferences.”
“Plan Your Outfits: Choose outfits that reflect your personality and complement the setting. Stick to neutral or soft tones with subtle patterns for timeless elegance, and avoid logos or bold distractions.”
“Get Rested and Hydrated: Feeling refreshed and hydrated will enhance your natural glow and help you feel your best during the session.”
“Trust the Process: I’ll guide you through poses and prompts to help you feel confident and comfortable. Natural interactions often lead to the most authentic and beautiful shots.”
“Consider the Details: Think about meaningful props, personal touches, or heirlooms you’d like included in your photos.”
“Embrace the Moment: Let go of perfection and focus on enjoying the experience. Authentic emotions and connection make for the most stunning images.”
“Starting in 2025, I’m proud to offer a streamlined 4 to 6 week turnaround time, ensuring couples can relive their wedding day memories while the excitement is still fresh,” Ellie announces.
For Ellie McKinney, the goal is clear: to deliver an elevated, seamless, and unforgettable photography experience that transforms love stories into lasting legacies. With her editorial eye, thoughtful approach, and heart for authentic connection, Ellie doesn’t just document weddings—she elevates them into art.
