Client Feature: Carly Piersol of Carly Piersol Photography

Feb 6

Celebrating authenticity, connection, and being truly seen

The Bud Collective is a curated series of interviews featuring Nikki Holbrook, founder of Flower Buds Creative, in conversation with podcast hosts, as well as interviews with Nikki and her own clients. Focused on the art and strategy behind branding and web design, the collection dives into Nikki’s process, client transformations, and the stories behind building standout online presences for women-led businesses.

In this installment of Flower Buds Creative’s interview series, founder Nikki Holbrook interviewed Carly Piersol, Founder of Carly Piersol Photography. Nikki completed a Brand Board and Website in a Week for Carly Piersol Photography.

Some photographers are experts behind the camera. Others are experts in helping people feel safe enough to step in front of it.
For Carly Piersol, the magic lives in the space between.
A portrait and branding photographer based in Philadelphia, Carly believes that being photographed should feel less like something to endure and more like something to celebrate. Her work isn’t about perfection or polish for the sake of it. It’s about honoring people exactly as they are, and helping them see themselves the way the people who love them already do.

From Curiosity to Calling

Carly’s relationship with photography began early, when she borrowed her mom’s old 35mm camera at just twelve years old. Introduced to film photography by her uncle, she learned an idea that would quietly shape her entire career: a photographer’s job isn’t to photograph something beautiful… it’s to see the beauty in the ordinary.

Though she spent years shooting on the side, Carly didn’t step fully into photography as her full-time career until her early thirties. That leap marked the beginning of a more intentional chapter—one that gave her the freedom to shape her work, her schedule, and her business around what mattered most.

A major turning point came when she moved her business from New York City to Philadelphia. That shift allowed Carly to slow down, get clear, and refine her focus. Rather than being a “Jill of all trades,” she honed in on portrait and branding photography, creating more meaningful images and a more thoughtful experience for the people she works with.

Photography as Partnership

What sets Carly apart isn’t just her technical skill… it’s the way she walks alongside her clients.

When someone books a session with Carly, they aren’t just hiring a photographer. They’re hiring someone who listens deeply, asks the right questions, and builds an environment where authenticity feels possible. From the music playing when a client walks in, to the way she directs and poses, to the final edits, everything is tailored to reflect who that person truly is.

Many clients come to Carly convinced they’re “unphotogenic.” In a world full of impossible standards and constant comparison, she understands why. Her approach is rooted in curiosity and care: what makes this person light up? What do the people closest to them love most? What story are they trying to tell?

Seeing clients leave a session feeling confident, seen, and genuinely beautiful is one of the most meaningful parts of her work. It’s also a reflection of the values that guide her business every day.

Building a Brand with Intention

Like many small business owners, Carly spent years working in her business before she had the space to work on it. Her website and brand shifted often, mirroring inspiration in the moment rather than a clear, grounded direction.

When she decided it was time to invest in her branding and website, Carly knew she needed someone who understood both design and small business ownership… and who would take the time to truly understand her work.

During her collaboration with Flower Buds Creative, one thing stood out most: openness. Early branding concepts with Nikki sparked meaningful conversations about what felt right and what didn’t, ultimately blending different elements into a brand that felt aligned, welcoming, and true to Carly’s voice.

Today, her brand reflects the heart of her business—warm, organic, inviting, and just playful enough to show her personality—while attracting the clients she’s most excited to work with.

Looking Ahead

As Carly continues to evolve her business, she’s excited to expand her branding offerings and deepen the ways she supports her clients (possibly even through future creative partnerships).

Her advice for fellow entrepreneurs is grounded and generous: understand why you’re starting your business, and identify the problem you’re uniquely positioned to solve. With clarity in both, it becomes easier to build a business and a life that truly fits.

Life Beyond the Lens

When she’s not photographing clients, Carly lives a cozy, plant-filled life in Philadelphia with her husband. She’s an “extroverted introvert” who loves hosting friends, exploring the city’s restaurant scene, and (perhaps most impressively) reading upwards of 100 books a year.

Surrounded by a deeply supportive circle of family, friends, and fellow creatives, Carly’s journey is a reminder that meaningful businesses are rarely built alone.

They’re built with care, community, and the courage to see beauty where others might overlook it.