Conversations with Chelsea Esslinger

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Esslinger.

Hi Chelsea, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I didn’t start out planning to become a photographer — it found me during a season of major change in my life. My photography journey officially began with a family session at our family farm, a place full of history, stories, and everyday beauty. That experience shifted something in me. I grew up with cookie-cutter photography, but that session opened my eyes to lifestyle photography and the power of capturing real moments in meaningful spaces.

What began as a creative outlet quickly turned into something much deeper. Photography became a way for me to reconnect with people, tell authentic stories, and document moments that would otherwise slip by too fast.

In the early days, I was learning everything through hands-on experience — lighting, editing, client communication, and the business side all at once. I invested in my education, sought out mentors, and worked tirelessly to improve my craft. What started as a small passion project grew into a full-time business through word-of-mouth, consistency, and an obsession with delivering quality work and an exceptional client experience.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing weddings, families, seniors, and special milestones all across Georgia. Each season of my business has taught me something new — how to serve people better, how to adapt to challenges, and how to build something sustainable instead of just creative. I’ve learned that success in this industry isn’t just about talent; it’s about reliability, professionalism, and heart.

Today, Chelsea Marie Photography is a licensed and insured business with over 15 years of experience behind it. I’m proud of how far it’s come — not just as a photographer, but as a brand built on trust, warmth, and genuine connection. My goal has always been to make people feel seen, confident, and celebrated in front of my camera. I don’t just take pictures; I help preserve stories that matter.

Looking back, I’m grateful for every step — the struggles, the growth, and the people who believed in me before I fully believed in myself. This business is a reflection of resilience, creativity, and the power of starting even when you don’t have it all figured out.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges was realizing that being a photographer meant learning far more than just how to take beautiful images. I had to teach myself the technical side of running a business — from equipment and lighting to editing workflows — while also learning marketing, SEO optimization, and website design at the same time.

In the beginning, it was overwhelming trying to balance creativity with the demands of entrepreneurship. There were many moments of trial and error, and plenty of late nights spent researching, testing, and rebuilding systems that didn’t work. I had to learn how to show up consistently online, communicate my value clearly, and create a brand that actually reflected the quality of my work.

Another challenge was building trust in an industry that has become saturated. I learned quickly that professionalism, education, and consistency matter just as much as talent. Being licensed, insured, and committed to continuing education became non-negotiable for me.

Those struggles shaped how I run my business today. They taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of doing things the right way instead of the fast way. Every obstacle pushed me to become not just a better photographer, but a stronger business owner.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work is rooted in lifestyle photography with a strong emphasis on storytelling and genuine connection. I specialize in weddings, families, seniors, and milestone sessions, focusing on images that feel natural, warm, and timeless rather than overly posed or trendy. I want my clients to see themselves in their photos — not a stiff or filtered version of who they are, but the real thing.

I’m known for creating a relaxed, welcoming experience in front of the camera. Southern charm and hospitality are at the heart of my business, and I treat every session like I’m inviting someone into my home. Many of my clients return year after year as their families grow and being trusted to document those seasons of life is something I’m deeply proud of.

What sets me apart is the way I blend experience with intention. I guide my clients every step of the way, from planning outfits and locations to helping them feel comfortable in front of the camera. My background in lifestyle photography allows me to capture honest moments — the laughter, the in-between glances, the quiet connections — while still delivering images that feel polished and purposeful.

What I’m most proud of is the community I’ve built through my work. My business isn’t just about photos; it’s about relationships. It’s about making people feel seen, cared for, and celebrated — and then giving them something tangible to hold onto long after the moment has passed.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was the farthest thing from creative. I was very academic and goal-driven, and I actually planned on going to Harvard and becoming a Supreme Court Justice one day. I was in the gifted program throughout my entire education and always focused on structure, achievement, and doing things “the right way.”

Personality-wise, I was curious, outgoing, and determined, but not especially artistic. I liked rules, routines, and having a clear path forward. Photography wasn’t even on my radar back then — I never imagined myself in a creative field. Looking back, I think that background shaped me more than I realized. It taught me discipline, problem-solving, and how to work toward long-term goals.

When creativity eventually found me, it surprised me. What started as something completely outside of my comfort zone became the way I connected with people and told stories. That contrast between logic and creativity is still part of who I am today — I bring structure and intention to a very heart-led profession, and I think that balance is one of the things that makes my work unique.

Pricing:

• Weddings from $1500
• Senior Sessions from $350
• Portrait Sessions from $150
• Boudoir from $250
• Events from $400

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chelseamariephotographyllc.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelseamariephotographyllc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exquisiteexpressionsbychelsea
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/JrdUs91Tgc

Image Credits

All images were taken by me.

My picture was taken by my son, Rhett Vaughn