About the Photographer



Lifestyle Photographer in Charleston and Moncks Corner, South Carolina

A detailed grayscale illustration of a turtle with a patterned shell, outstretched legs, and an expressive face.
Smiling female photographer with freckles holding a Nikon camera with pink flowers behind her.
Hand-drawn sketch of a scallop shell, starfish, and small clam shell in gray tones on white background.

Hi, I’m Kailey!



Read more about me

 

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About Me



Hi, I'm Kailey Bugarin!


I was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, and now call Moncks Corner home with my husband, our two little ones, and our growing zoo of animals.


I earned my degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina and spent one year teaching first grade before trading the classroom for motherhood.


Today, I'm a full-time mama and photographer. Motherhood completely changed the way I see the world and deepened my appreciation for the little moments that so easily become the memories we treasure most. It's why I'm so passionate about documenting genuine connection over perfect poses.


I've always been a nature lover and feel most at home outdoors. Whether I'm on the lake, hiking a trail in search of birds, photographing wildlife, or simply soaking in the fresh air, being outside is where I find inspiration.


I survive on big dreams and lots of hot coffee.

Smiling couple dressed in formal attire posing together in front of a lush green hedge backdrop.
Family of four hiking on wooded trail with children carried in backpack and front baby carrier.
Happy young child in yellow rash guard splashing in ocean waves on a sunny beach day.
Smiling toddler girl in green striped swimsuit playing in splash pad water fountain outdoors.
Family of four wearing matching baseball jerseys posing together outdoors with two young children.
Two young children sitting on a gray couch, with an older toddler reading a picture book to a smiling baby.

Photography & Me


I got my first camera in 2018 and quickly fell in love with capturing the beauty of the natural world. That passion soon expanded as I began documenting the milestones of friends and family, learning to always keep my camera close so I wouldn’t miss a moment.


For the first six years, I explored portrait photography on and off while continuing to grow my skills behind the camera. Then, in 2024, I took a leap and turned my passion into a full-time career. Becoming a mother completely changed the way I see the world. It deepened my love for storytelling and inspired me to focus on motherhood and family photography. I’ve felt firsthand how quickly the little moments pass, and now I’m honored to help other families preserve those memories with warmth, heart, and honesty.


Today, photography has been a part of my life for eight years. While it has become my career, nature still holds a special place in my heart, and I continue to photograph it as a beloved hobby.

Young woman smiling on wooden boardwalk in lush green forest holding camera equipment outdoors.
A detailed sketch illustration of a baby alligator or crocodile in a crawling pose, drawn in gray tones.
Female photographer wading through shallow water in a cypress forest while holding her camera.
A graceful red-crowned crane in flight with wings spread wide, rendered in elegant gray line art illustration.

Life Beyond the Lens

Things that shape how I see the world.



Birding

Always looking up.

Family

Making memories outdoors.

 

 

Sketch of a family camping under stars with a tent, crescent moon, and parents sitting with two young children.
A woman in a bucket hat uses binoculars while a small bird perches on a book beside her.
Detailed pencil sketch illustrations of farm animals including a pig, rooster, hen, and turtle on white background.
Animals

Our house is never quiet.

Detailed pencil sketch illustration of a large dog standing beside a small sitting cat on a white background.
Homestead

Learning as we go.

Lake Life

Where I feel at home.

Sketch of a girl with long hair paddling a canoe, wearing a backpack with a heart, viewed from behind.
sports

Cheer. Softball.  Rugby.

Sketch illustration of a cheerleader with pom-poms, a baseball, and a football, representing sports and athletics.
Gardening

Watching things grow.

Line drawing of a wooden raised garden bed with vegetables, carrots, lettuce, and gardening tools on white background.
Coffee

Two cups a day.

Hand-drawn sketch of a steaming hot coffee cup on a saucer, illustrated in gray tones.