Every year, these 6 sisters get together to celebrate their birthdays with a getaway of sorts. This year, they decided Bald Head Island was the perfect spot. I was honored when they asked me to photograph a portion of their evening together. They shared champagne and fine cheeses, exchanged gifts from faraway lands, and laughed. Boy oh boy, did this group of amazing women know how to laugh!
It was inspiring to spend time with people who have their priorities in line. Time with family is so important and I think we would all be a little happier if we took the time for each other that these sisters do.


























Ladies, thank you so much for making me feel welcome! I had a wonderful time with all of you!
When Courtney started working for Millie Holloman Photography as a second shooter, she was only a few months pregnant. Fast forward a year, dozens of weddings, a delivery, and a wonderful holiday season and I finally got to meet her beautiful daughter, Juliet, for their family photo session. I pass this beautiful location every day and have been wanting to do a session here for about as long as Courtney has been assisting me. This gorgeous spot did not disappoint, and neither did the light that day! Enjoy.














Courtney, you made this session so special by bringing your playful dog (Rucca), the stuffed bunny your mom made, and the beautiful quilt you made while Juliet was still in your belly. I remember you working on that quilt many times while we were staying overnight on location; I know Juliet will cherish this quilt with as much love as you put into it.
i heart Rachel <3
These are sooo lovely! The light is awesome and what a little qtpie!
These are exceptionally exquisite!!!
Wow, beautiful! Great session!
My good friend, Hannah, has two of the most adorable children. During their latest visit, I spent about 20 minutes in the park (just a couple of doors down from my house) photographing them with my Contax 645 and a couple rolls of Kodak Portra 400 film.









I purchased myself an extra special Christmas present this year. It’s something that had been on my wish list for quite some time. A medium format film camera, it’s a Contax 645 and it arrived to me days before Christmas in mint condition. I pulled it out of the box and stared at it for a while, then I spent the next several days reading and reminding myself of everything that I had not practiced or remembered for years, shooting film.
Right after Christmas, I called some friends and asked if they would mind modeling for me for a little bit at their home while I took a stab at shooting film again. Lindsey and Gray were happy to allow me to test out my skills on little Tilley-Gray, it was her first Christmas. I must have told them 100 times that this could be a total flop because it had been 7+ years since I shot film. I managed to get 16 shots of them before Tilley-Gray was done being patient with us (although you’ll see from the photos she had her moments).
When I shipped the film off to Richard Photo Lab in California I held my breath and hoped for the best. I honestly expected the worst. I could envision them laughing while they were scanning my solid black “images”. When the email came in late last week saying my film scans were complete a wave of nervous anticipation rushed over me. I instantly downloaded the files and opened them up and there they were… a beautiful set of perfectly colored images, I was shocked, I guess I’ve still got it and something about it just feels right. So here it is, my first roll of film in years, shot with my Contax 645 and Fuji Pro 400H film. Completely untouched, no photoshop here folks. enjoy!







they look great. especially the coloring. excited to see more. was it hard to focus?
I LOVE the med format! Digital will never be able to compete with the wonderful and soft quality of film!
Wow, these are beautiful!
Shannon, said so well =-) Millie, your images are amazing and beautiful, looks like the film camera is going to be added to the amazing arsenal of tools that you have to perfect your craft. I absolutely love shooting (and developing) film, have fun with your new present =-)
This is one beautiful family. I was wondering if you could ask Lindsey where she got her moses basket & stand that was featured in the nursery shots that you did for them. I would like to get one for my son & his wife’s new baby. Many thanks!
I love it! Film is amazing and I was so jealous when you posted photos of your Contax I can’t wait to see what else you do with it!
SUPER CUTE!!!! love that you used film. I just bought a film camera and I think its broken
((((
Thank you so much Millie for taking these precious pictures of my family! We are so lucky to have you as a photographer but more so a friend! Thank you again! xo
Millie! You are such a wonderful photographer, of course your film pictures would be just as amazing. But it is so cute that you shared your insecure moment about them laughing at your black images.
#millieforpresident
Millie! It’s great that you showed the film and camera who is boss! However, regardless of the technical stuff, your ability to capture special moments that people share is phenomenal! We wish you could take our picture every week! Two thumbs WAY up!
Beautiful! These are awesome for your first time in years!
Wow! These are beautiful! What lens did you get to go with the camera or is it interchangeable with your Canon lens?
way to go!!!!!!!!!!! the risk was worth it. yay for not living in the numbing neutral zone, but instead, the vibrant wild ride where something could either fail or soar. clearly, this was one of those times where, yup: it soared. it was worth it.
Beautiful family! These are SO lovely and perfect, Millie! I love the tones and softness of them all. I didn’t buy a film camera yet, but I am currently borrowing one from a friend for a few weeks and am terrified to send away the film for the exact reasons you mentioned! Plus I cannot stop myself from looking at the back of the camera. I laugh at myself every time I do it!
These are so absolutely beautiful. I love love love the film.
Oh my gosh, Millie! These are beautiful! What a sweet sweet family! AND you did a great job!
The McGee family holds a special place in my heart. Seeing their sweet faces takes me back to memories of being in high school. They were my youth pastors through those teenage years. I’ve served alongside them in many roles; from their babysitter to Bryan’s assistant. I’ve watched them grow from a family of three to a family of five, and seeing them all so happy brings a smile to my face.










On this day what I remember most are the laughs you shared and the way you hugged with such a full embrace… as if your arms could not squeeze tight enough to convey the love inside. Oh… and that little alligator that joined us right as we were wrapping up.
I’m late to the party with these. But, let me say… “Millie, you’re my hero!”
Once again, you have done an amazing, splendiferous job with these pics. Thank you so much for being awesome!
All the McGees love you!
Thru the years you have captured the story of our family. Thank you!
such a sweet family session. Yummy light and precious moments. ♥ The last one is my favorite
Could they have asked for anything more?! These pictures are amazing and ones that they will cherish forever!
Mills, these are wonderful pics of the McGees! Bryan, Jenn, you have a great looking family!
Wow! What an amazing set of photographs. My favorite is the one of the mom + son on the bench with that gorgeous sunflare.
Great photos!
LOVE LOVE LOVE. Not sure I’ve ever loved any other session more. Perfect.
Oh how sweet! I have seven sisters ranging down to age 6… I can only imagine in 20 years when we get to take this same kind of vacation together! Love the photos!
These are just incredible. What a great reminder – to cherish our family and to make them a priority.
Oh my gosh! This is amazing Rachel. I truly loved this and I hope that my sisters and I can do something like this one day!
absolutely AWESOME!!!
Love this! These women inspire me and I don’t even know them. They are so fit and look like they know how to have fun. Makes me want a big family. Great photography as well.
This is so awesome, what sweet sisters! the light is absolutely amazing as well!
Rachel, amazing! I felt like I was there!!
Wow, I’ve got a little envy going on. Such a great commission, great location, and amazing final photographs! Kuddos to these fab sisters and their ever so amazing photographer!
SO much fun!!!