Capturing the magic of childhood.
Madison, Wisconsin
Connected, stress-free storytelling for families, brands & schools.
I'm in love with taking photos and films of everyday life. Big feelings, non-perfect houses, everyday clothes and all. The little things you never want to forget, that eventually become the things your little ones have outgrown.
I make films and photos of the beauty of your everyday life. Because there are moments you want to hold onto forever.
I offer lifestyle and documentary family photography, family films, and headshots & branding photography.
Schools & brands
Every small business has a story behind their product. Are you ready for unique images to elevate your social media and website?
Images that speak to your clients and tell your story.
Whether we're taking behind the scenes photos, product images, headshots, or photographs that showcase the beauty of your school or small business. I can't wait to work with you to make magic happen!
Learn more
Relive your family's sweetest moments with family film.
All family film sessions come with photos.
"Kelly is such a gifted photographer. She has an eye for capturing beautiful moments and magic - especially when working with children and families. I use her for business purposes and her communication, professionalism, talent, and quality are surpassed by none. I can unreservedly recommend McKenna Patterson Photography!"
-Erin Ruzicka Trondson
Head of School
Woodland Montessori School
"I would absolutey recommend McKenna Patterson photography! I have worked with Kelly twice to capture images of children using the handmade scented play dough that I sell online and have been thrilled with her work. I was in need of lifestyle photos for my website and social media, and the response to her work has been so positive and has driven customers to my site! It's not easy to photograph children, and Kelly is really able to capture their spirit in an unobtrusive way (not to mention my product as well!) Nothing is forced or contrived, so when you see the images they just come alive! Kelly is such a pleasure and her work speaks for itself."
- Kira Rama, owner of ZDough
I love telling your family's story through timeless photographs and family films.
I want to show the way your child curls their fingers in their hair when they grow tired. The way your littlest one nuzzles into that perfect place in your shoulder meant just for them. The way your kids twirl in the summer, jump in puddles or the way you dance with your partner in the kitchen. The in-between moments. The moments of connection, of life, of you.
My heart is in the details. During your session, you'll have fun, play, and be yourself.
Contact me to create your unique session!
Hi! I'm Kelly
Photo by Molly VanDamme Photography
“Kelly is so amazing to work with. I was feeling anxious about getting my photo taken, my husband was barking at the children - expecting them to be perfect angels for some reason, and the children were not perfect angels - they were rolling around in the grass and wrestling with each other. No matter for Kelly, she took all of our collective stuff on and normalized it and managed to wrangle all of us into some fantastic, realistic-in-the-best-way, lovely photographs. She is such a kind soul, a talented photographer, and perhaps the most patient person you will ever meet. 3 cheers and a gabillion stars for Kelly!”
-Lynn
Kelly is incredible. She is such a pleasure to work with and follows COVID guidelines for safety at all times. From the very first day, she made us feel so comfortable and her style is so warm and refreshing. She really is a storyteller with her photos and they speak to her immense talent. My family has done 5 sessions with her and they're all incredible. We are hooked for life and can't wait for the next session!
-Haylie
“Kelly was so supportive in selecting a location, even with flexibility at the last minute, that would be beautiful for the season and time of day. She is incredibly skilled at being flexible and playful with kids in order to keep them engaged and happy while capturing beautiful photos. Her gentle approach and artistic eye have resulted in keepsake images that our family cherishes every year!”
- Meg
I want to create a space that celebrates your families, abilities, genders, and skin tones. I am an lgbtq inclusive photographer and a fat positive photographer. I hope that you leave every session feeling joyful, having laughed and played to your heart's content.
"Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful."
- Thich Nhat Hanh
"Kelly is such a gifted photographer. She has an eye for capturing beautiful moments and magic - especially when working with children and families. I use her for business purposes and her communication, professionalism, talent, and quality are surpassed by none. I can unreservedly recommend McKenna Patterson Photography!"
-Erin Ruzicka Trondson
Head of School
Woodland Montessori School
"I would absolutey recommend McKenna Patterson photography! I have worked with Kelly twice to capture images of children using the handmade scented play dough that I sell online and have been thrilled with her work. I was in need of lifestyle photos for my website and social media, and the response to her work has been so positive and has driven customers to my site! It's not easy to photograph children, and Kelly is really able to capture their spirit in an unobtrusive way (not to mention my product as well!) Nothing is forced or contrived, so when you see the images they just come alive! Kelly is such a pleasure and her work speaks for itself."
- Kira Rama, owner of ZDough
connect over at @mckennapatterson.photography
