Asheville Elevated Photography

About

Meet Carly — Founder of Asheville Elevated Photography

Hey, I’m Carly — the heart behind Asheville Elevated Photography.

I started this business in 2020 because photography isn’t just my job — it’s my passion. I believe in capturing real, meaningful moments and creating images that truly reflect who you are. There’s something magical about freezing time in a photograph, giving you a way to look back and relive the emotions, connections, and beauty of a fleeting moment.

I often hear people say, “I wish I had taken more photos.” That’s exactly why I do what I do — because life moves fast, and these moments deserve to be remembered with intention. Our phones can snap a quick picture, but professional photography is so much more. It’s storytelling. It’s emotion. It’s seeing yourself, your people, or your work in a whole new light.

I grew up in Nashville, TN, surrounded by art and creativity. My mom was a fine artist and graphic designer, and my dad was a commercial photographer — so visual storytelling has always been woven into my life. I moved to Asheville in 2017 and instantly fell in love with its beautiful landscapes, vibrant creative community, and the people who make this place feel like home.

When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll probably find me exploring the outdoors, traveling somewhere new, spending time with friends and family, or planning my next adventure. Alongside photography, I also work as a nurse practitioner — a role that keeps me connected to this amazing community in another meaningful way. I love popping into local shops, seeing live music, checking out art events, or just wandering around town to soak up everything Asheville has to offer.

I’m so grateful to do what I love and to meet the incredible people who invite me to help tell their stories. I’d love to connect and help you capture the moments that matter most — let’s create something beautiful together.

A woman in a floral two-piece outfit holding a camera, smiling and leaning against a white wall with a green background.
A woman in a cream-colored suit standing behind a curved wooden reception desk in a modern, brightly lit room with mounted lights and potted plants.

What others have said…

  • Close-up of a man with dark curly hair, clear glasses, a nose ring, and a beard, wearing a dark green sweater, sitting indoors with a neutral background and a plant in the background.

    "Carly is such a delight! We always think of her first when it comes to our photography needs and she never disappoints. She creates a warm and inviting experience the moment you meet her, and her ability to capture beautiful moments is unparalleled."

    Atlas Beauty

  • Close-up of smiling young Asian woman with shoulder-length black hair, wearing a blue top, in a green indoor garden.

    "Carly was great to work with! We partnered on portraits and images for my website and she brought insightful suggestions and made me feel at ease. Her turnaround on edits and a professional gallery was quick. I would absolutely work with Carly again and would recommend her to others."

    Rose Schepps

  • A man with dark curly hair, glasses, and a nose ring smiling in a casual indoor setting with a plant in the background.

    "I needed new headshots fairly quickly, and Carly came to the rescue! She knew exactly which background and lighting would be best, and was very responsive when editing the final shots. I knew I was in good hands the entire time. Thank you Carly!"

    Alison Lyke

  • A woman with curly hair, glasses, earrings, and a striped shirt smiling indoors.

    "I’m not sure where to even begin. Carly’s work never ceases to amaze me. When I got my gallery back I spent 20 mins just trying to pick some faves to post and it was next to impossible because I loved them all SOOOO MUCH!!! She’s so so sweet, like one of the sweetest people I know. So fun and personable too. Carly made us feel so confident and comfortable in front of the camera too! I truly can not say enough good things about her. She’s truly an angel of a human and her eye for photography is unbeatable. 10/10 cannot recommend her enough!!!"

    Courtney Looney

  • A smiling woman with dark hair and a scarf, sitting on a bed in a colorful, decorated room.

    "I had a fantastic photo session with Carly. She made me feel at ease during the session and delivered photos that absolutely blew me away. As a visual artist, it can be really intimidating to take that next step to have your work professionally documented. After working with Carly, I was able to see my work in a new light, and am already looking forward to booking her in the future. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a talented and thoughtful photographer!"

    Katie Nugent

  • A woman with red hair sitting on a bar counter in an elegant, well-lit lounge, holding a cocktail glass, wearing a gold and beige embellished dress.

    "We had the pleasure of collaborating with Carly here at Zelda Dearest, and the work they delivered was nothing short of exceptional. The images feel like they came straight out of a magazine. They were elevated, editorial, and perfectly aligned with the character of our space. Carly has an incredible eye for composition and atmosphere, and they captured the mood and style of Zelda Dearest flawlessly. Professional, creative, and a true storyteller behind the lens. We’re beyond proud to showcase their work and can’t wait to collaborate again!"

    Erika Donaldson

Your Experience

From our first conversation to the moment you receive your stunning gallery, I’m here to make your photography experience seamless, fun, and unforgettable!

Let’s Connect!

Communication – After you fill out the contact form, we can chat over email or set up a phone call to discuss your vision and plan the perfect shoot.

Choosing the Perfect Location

We’ll pick a setting that matches your style and needs. Whether it’s a breathtaking adventure session with a 3-mile hike, a large family gathering with varying mobility needs, or an urban backdrop with a modern feel—I’ve got you covered!

Timing Matters

Outdoor Sessions: Golden hour (within two hours of sunrise or sunset) provides the most flattering natural light. If that timing doesn’t work, no worries! I’m a queen with light and bring all the equipment needed to make you look your best.
Indoor Sessions: We’ll use a mix of natural light and professional equipment, so timing is never an issue.

The Details

Not sure what to wear? Need help with props, hair, or makeup? I’m here to help with any questions so you feel confident and prepared!

Our Partnership

Once we finalize the details, I’ll send you a contract, invoice, and all the information you need for your session. A 50% retainer is due at booking, with the remaining balance due 7 days before your session.

Session Day!

We’ll meet at the set location, and after a quick introduction, we’ll dive in! I’m all about making photography sessions fun, relaxed, and stress-free—whether you're a little camera-shy or a total natural. I’ll guide you every step of the way, so you feel comfortable and confident in front of the lens. We will start with some posing, but by the end, your natural, candid self will shine through.

Enjoy Your Photos

Your beautifully edited gallery will be delivered via email:
✔ Portrait & Family Sessions: 3-4 weeks
✔ Wedding Galleries: 8 weeks

You’ll receive an online gallery where you can download your photos to any device. Want high-quality prints? You can easily order them straight from your gallery and have them shipped directly to you.

Let’s have some fun and create stunning photos—whether for your Instagram feed or the walls of your home!