Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Christian.
Hi Chelsea, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always loved taking pictures and being able to capture the special moments in peoples lives that they will hold onto forever. I started taking pictures just for fun in High School, that consisted of just random buildings, animals, nature, etc. A couple years after I graduated I went to Anoka Ramsey Technical College and I took a Black and White Film Photography Class which really peaked my interest again in Photography but with this class, I was able to take pictures on an old camera and hand develop my film, which was such an incredible experience especially being in a completely dark room, putting my film into chemicals and seeing the results was an experience I will never forget. After I passed that class and saved up some money, and in 2021, I bought a Canon Rebel T7 off of MarketPlace, took a leap of faith and started offering free and very discounted sessions, some sessions I offered were couples, and family sessions. A lot has changed since I first started taking pictures in 2021, I now as of February 2025, I became Chelsea Christian Photography, LLC. I offer many different sessions, here is a list of quite a few session types I offer: Family, Seniors, Fresh 48, Prom, Sports, Engagement, Maternity, First Birthday/Smash Cake, Business Branding, etc. I have many goals in mind over the next couple of years for my business and ways that I want to grow, I can’t wait to see what the next year will bring.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I am going to be completely honest, it hasn’t always been a smooth road. It has had its fair share of twists and turns, and rocks and bumps, but that is what makes this journey a great and meaningful one. One of my biggest struggles along the way has been balancing everything. I work full-time in the medical field for a credentialing company that credentials Imaging Technologists nation-wide. I am a wife, a mom, and a business owner as well. I am a busy body and always staying busy means, I am juggling many different things all at the same time. Sometimes that means, photo sessions while my family is having dinner, editing during sports practice, and editing once my son and daughter are off to bed. Once thing that has helped some of the struggles along the way are an incredible support system and a lot of caffeine!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Chelsea Christian Photography?
Chelsea Christian Photography is based out of the Braham, Minnesota area. I offer many different types of sessions; Family, High School Seniors, Sports (Baseball, Volleyball, Football, Soccer and LaCrosse), Engagement, Maternity, Fresh 48, Business Branding, etc. We pride myself on always being open to new ideas, I recently saw inspiration for a couples session in the Carwash, I booked my first one a couple weeks ago and wow seeing the love and bond between the couple was incredible, they were over the moon about the end results of the pictures as well! Another fun couple of sessions, I like to offer around fall time, are Pumpkin Head sessions and GoodBye Earl sessions.
Chelsea Christian Photography is all about providing an incredible experience and connection from start to finish with my clients, that means starting at the inquiring/booking process, to the session itself, down to the delivery of the album with the pictures on it. When you book me for a photography session, I am going to be 100%, hands down your hype girl, and best friend during your session, my goal is to have you and anyone else in the session comfortable and having fun during our session.
One thing I truly take pride in is, hearing how much fun my clients had during our session and how they can’t wait to see the sneak peeks, end results and already can’t wait to book another session. I love building connections with my clients and I get all warm and fuzzy inside when I get return clients or client referrals, means the absolute world to me. One thing that makes me giggle, is when I have a vision in mind and I capture that vision during a session, I get a wave of energy and excitement, that tends to make my clients laugh and smile, I like to say, “I have Golden Retriever Energy”, if you know anything about Golden Retrievers, you know exactly what I am talking about, just for reference, its like when they get the zoom-ies.
My #1 question I get from clients, friends and family is, “Chelsea, when are you going to quit your full-time job and do photography full-time?” My response will forever be the same, “I for one, absolutely love my full-time job of helping people every single day but additionally, I feel as if I was doing photography every single day, I would eventually get burnt out, which means, I wouldn’t have these deeply rooted relationships, connections, and such a love for photography as I do now. I get the best of both worlds doing what I do now. It gives me a break in my day and I even get to raise my babies while doing both my jobs. I am truly living the dream.”
When it comes to my brand, I take pride in knowing that my clients feel heard, knowing they are seen and showing them that they are truly cared about. Whether it’s on a professional level- or on a deeper personal level. I am always willing to go the extra mile no matter what that may be- sometimes that means, staying after sessions end longer to capture additional pictures, always sending sneak peeks within 24-hours of the session, sending more pictures once the albums are complete, etc. Photography is truly my happy place and I couldn’t thank my clients, supporters, family and friends enough for supporting me throughout this journey.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Stay persistent, and don’t give up. Some days are going to be more overwhelming and more tough than others and that is okay, take time for yourself, always. You will make mistakes, you just need to learn from them and accept that it is okay to make mistakes as long as you take the initiative to make things right and change. Always remember you are human.
Pricing:
- Family Sessions start at- $110.00
- Fresh 48 Sessions start at- $150.00
- Senior Sessions start at- $95.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chelseachristianphotography.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelseachristianphotographyllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chelseachristianphotography/
