I’m Caroline. Mom of four and constant chaos tamer.
My oldest daughter was born in early 2014 and we made the huge decision that I was going to quit my marketing research job to stay at home with her full time, which had been my dream for as long as I can remember. I had always loved photography and had even done some “professional” sessions for clients (aka extremely trusting friends) when I was still traveling the globe with my corporate job. Staying home full time allowed me the opportunity to really play around with Caroline Merrill Photography – my 2nd dream job.
It’s been 10 years since she was born and in that time we welcomed twins in late 2015 and everyone’s favorite baby sister in the summer of 2018. We also moved from Cary, NC to Hillsborough, NC 9 days after our youngest was born. Super chill time of life – highly (do not) recommend.
I don’t need to tell you what happened in early 2020, but that led to a few bonus years of kids at home! I ended up homeschooling our oldest instead of sending her to virtual 1st grade with 3 little sibs at home, and we all fell in love with the flexibility, ability to travel, and time as a family. We continued homeschooling until the fall of 2023 when all 4 started public school in Kindergarten, 2nd grade & 4th grade.
I’ve had and continue to have alllll of the emotions about this huge transition, but I’ve also discovered how lovely it is to actually have time to work on my business not in the margins of naptime, quiet time or after bedtime. It’s been such a gift and has allowed me to get to this spot of launching a brand new website and really trying to grow this business that I have loved as a 5th child for so long.
There are not enough ways to say thank you to those of you who have supported me and my dream of Caroline Merrill Photography all these years. The trust, honor and privilege you gave me when I didn’t even have a legit website or enough time for good client management will never be forgotten.
I believe in myself and in what I can create with your families because of your continued choice to work with me, your kindness in welcoming me into your family, and your tears over your final images. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I can’t wait to see you and your beautiful families again this year!
continue exploring
let's work together!
Can your family cuddle and laugh and have fun doing some of your favorite things together? (Don't worry, this isn't a trick question - tears and occasional meltdowns are expected but not mandatory if toddlers are involved...) If you all can enjoy each other, I'll do the rest. As my kids always say, teamwork makes the dream work. I'm so grateful to be on your team.
dream work
teamwork makes the