Hi, I'm Emily
I'm Emily Chappell, the photographer behind OhThatEmily, based in Columbia, South Carolina. This little corner of the web is where I share my photography work, personal life updates, and the everyday stories that inspire what I capture behind the lens.
I specialize in family, children, senior, and maternity photography, and I love documenting the seasons of life that feel the most fleeting. From the glow of a growing belly to a toddler's sticky-finger grin to a senior's first big step toward what comes next, I aim to photograph the real, in-between moments families want to remember.
Emily Chappell is a Columbia, South Carolina based photographer whose work centers on the people and seasons that shape a family. With a focus on family, children, senior, and maternity sessions, she approaches each project with an eye for the small gestures and unguarded expressions that often go unnoticed in everyday life. Her goal is to document the in-between moments, the kind that feel ordinary while they are happening but become treasured memories in hindsight. From a toddler's sticky-finger grin to the quiet anticipation of a growing belly, Emily's images are meant to preserve what matters most.
The visual identity of the site reflects a straightforward, utilitarian sensibility, pairing a saturated teal header with bright yellow-green accents and soft blue widget panels. Set against a warm, off-white canvas, the layout leans into dense typography and tightly packed blocks rather than airy spacing or decorative flourishes. Sans-serif typefaces, clean borders, and flat rectangular buttons give the pages a functional, editorial feel that keeps the focus on the photography itself. Solid color sections divide navigation, sidebars, and content, creating structure through contrast rather than ornament.
Beyond client sessions, the blog serves as a space where Emily shares personal updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and the everyday stories that inspire what she captures behind the lens. It functions as both a portfolio and a journal, weaving together recent photo posts, slideshow features, and seasonal reflections throughout the year. Readers can follow along month by month as new work is added to the archive, getting a sense of the rhythm of her craft and the recurring themes that guide it. The result is a site that feels less like a storefront and more like a working studio.
How I Got Here
What started as a love of taking pictures of my own family slowly grew into something I couldn't put down. I began learning everything I could about light, composition, and connection, and eventually turned that passion into a photography business serving families across the Columbia, SC area.
Faith & Family
Faith is a steady thread running through both my life and my work. I'm connected to New Hope Church, and the values I hold there shape the way I treat the families I photograph: with patience, warmth, and a genuine interest in their story.
Let's Connect
If you'd like to chat about a session, a story, or just say hello, head over to the Contact page. I'd love to hear from you.