I have a passion for people. I love the honor of photographing someone’s wedding, their pregnancy and then their babies. One photography session often turns into a lifelong relationship. What a gift, and huge responsibility it is to record someone’s most precious and personal moments. When I photograph a part of someone’s life, they have my complete dedications and attention. I respect the trust they give me.
When I was 21, I decided I wanted to be a photographer. I composed a very simple letter stating that I really knew nothing about photography, but I was a quick learner and had a good personality, and I was willing to work for $5.75 an hour. Then I opened up the yellow pages and sent my little letter out to all the photographers in the area. I amazingly got 3 job offers, and I took two of them. I ended up working for one of them for many years. Through her, on the job training, and through my endless studying of photography magazines and websites, I learned all about photography. I learned the business end, the customer service end, and the photography end. With these skills in place, I opened my own business. And the best part is, it’s going incredible well! I love working for myself.
Let me tell you a little about my personal life. I met my husband in Guatemala. I was there for a year commitment to do volunteer work. I built houses and brick stoves. It was the hardest work I’ve ever done, but the most rewarding. I had the opportunity to be a part of a family’s life while we built their house. I also created a small project of my own. I realized people didn’t have any photographs of their own families. That just wasn’t a priority when you’re trying to earn just enough money to feed your family. Through donations from family and friends, I photographed many families and gave them portraits. It was something so easy for me to do, but it meant so much to them.
My husband and I met at a salsa dance bar in the town of La Antigua, Guatemala. There was an instant attraction between us. We fell madly in love and I ended up staying there for two years. Everything about our relationship always worked out effortlessly. He fortunately was able to get a student visa, and we moved to the US and he began learning English and establishing himself here. We got married in 2002 and we now have 2 kids, Gabriel and Maya. We travel back to Guatemala every year to visit his family. We also love traveling as a family and have been to Japan, Morocco, Dubai, Jordan, Oaxaca, Thailand, Peru and more! I feel really lucky to have such a wonderful little family.
I look forward to working with you and your family.
Chelsea