About Kelly Butler

As a freelance photographer based in Pittsboro, NC (a historic small town on the outskirts of Chapel Hill, Cary, and Raleigh), I am honored to share my photographic journey with you.

My passion for photography sparked in my early teens when I discovered my parents’ old 35mm Minolta camera and experimented with various film. Then in High School, I accepted an opportunity to serve as the chief photographer and editor on the yearbook staff. Those two years led me to UNC-Chapel Hill, where in 1993, I completed a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communications, concentrating in Photojournalism and Graphic Design.

My college internship, which led to a full-time position after graduation, gave me hands-on experience in the field of commercial photography. I worked as a Production Assistant for Jim Erickson, an accomplished national photographer (www.jimerickson.com), who was then based in Raleigh, NC.

When my husband and I moved to Clearwater, Florida for 8 years, I searched for another photography studio, but my career path led to a printing and direct mail house, then an advertising agency, and lastly into global advertising and marketing for an international vacation yacht charter company (www.moorings.com). During that time, I was working with commercial photographers as a client. And I continued to shoot on my own, including some portraiture work and charitable opportunities.

After returning to North Carolina in 2001, I stepped away from the business world to help oversee our dream home being built and began a new phase in life - Motherhood! My husband, Sean, and I feel very blessed to share life with our two precious children.

Eagle Eye Photo was launched in April 2004. It has fulfilled my dream of being a stay-home mother while also nurturing my creative, career mindset. The business name is based on a nickname that a co-worker gave me, “Eagle Eyes.” I’m known to be observant and quick to catch things in the details of work and life.