GREETINGS
& SALUTATIONS
I’m Chelsi and I’m here for the wild & weird. Think of me as a weird mix of Ace Ventura and Indiana Jones - but a little weirder.
THE FACE BEHIND SUMMIT TO SEA
"WE ARE SO AWKWARD IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA, YOU'LL REALLY HAVE TO POSE US TO MAKE US LOOK GOOD."
This is the #1 thing I hear from my couples. I know what it's like to feel "awkward" in front of the camera - trust me, I like to be behind the camera, not in front of it. This is super helpful for me as it allows me to make it less awkward for you!
If there is one thing I strive for, it's for you to NOT feel awkward during your special day. I won't put you in any awkward poses or make you do anything you aren't comfortable with. I want to see how you really interact with each other - focus on each other and I'll be able to capture you authentically.
My shooting style is very laid back with a focus on real, authentic moments. The moments between the poses are the ones you will remember forever.
I'm inspired by couples who look at each other like no one else is in the room, as cheesy as that sounds, and people who have set out to be their 100% authentic self.
I'm highly enthusiastic, even at sunrise (this sometimes takes pure will!), and always seeking adventure. I'm based outside of Charlotte, NC but will travel almost anywhere. I primarily shoot in North Carolina and San Diego. Those blue ridge mountains and rocky beaches have a one-way ticket to my heart. I'm also a big fan of Carolinas beaches, the Smoky Mountains, California (in general), Austin, TX (my sister lives here so I love to visit any chance I get), and of course - National Parks. I'm always down for an adventure.
FUN STUFF ABOUT ME
IN MY FREE TIME, I’M USUALLY:
Practicing yoga; in the pottery studio; watching movies; playing disc golf; rock climbing; or reading something written for teens.
WEIRD THINGS ABOUT ME:
I don’t like bacon or coffee. Sue me - I will always be a tea lover. I don’t have any animals or children, nor do I ever want any. One time I almost bought a turtle at a reptile convention but then I remembered I’d have to take care of it. I’m terrified of ants, always have been. Clusters of holes really freak me out.
I WENT TO SCHOOL FOR:
Anthropology. I wanted to work with primates, but I definitely didn’t want to get a masters. I originally went for broadcasting to do video production but I couldn’t pass a media writing class so I pivoted. I never did anything with anthropology, but I did make my way back to video production!
FAVORITE PART OF A WEDDING DAY:
The moment after a couple exchanges their vows and realize they did it and get to celebrate the rest of the day! There is always so much nervousness in the air right beforehand and then once it’s official the vibe shifts!
EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT
Choosing to work with Chelsi for our wedding and engagement photos was one of the best decisions of our entire planning process. From the moment we met, Chelsi made my (now) husband and I feel so at ease. Photoshoots with her felt natural and were so much dang fun. She’s goofy and knows how to make you feel comfortable, yet structured in her work so you can walk away knowing you’re going to have some bomb photos, even if you’ve had no experience in front of a camera. Chelsi truly catered to us and our personalities in capturing our big day. She clearly knew the right questions to ask to figure out what was important to us because, in receiving our album, the pictures completely exceeded our expectations; telling a story through her artistry. She’s incredible and will capture your most precious moments in ways that are beautiful, elegant, and artistic!
— Miranda + Weston