Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanda Williams.
Chanda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been a photographer my whole life, and studied photojournalism in college. Fast forward five years, and I was working back in Atlanta as a birth Doula, when I realized that I wanted to combine my love of telling stories through photography with the work I was already doing with families. I began offering maternity and newborn photo sessions, as well as offering birth photography to my Doula clients. That was in 2010, and since then, I’ve added videography and subscription family photography to my offerings.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being a self-employed creative definitely has its challenges!
One of the hardest things for me to realize is that I should not offer types of photography that I’m not passionate about. Saying “no” to potential clients who reach out for wedding or headshot photography, for example. I was put on earth to be a Mother, and to witness, walk alongside, and document the stories of other parents, and that was an important aha moment. I adore families and the messy beauty of family life, and those are the stories that I want to tell.
Another challenge that comes to mind is that being a birth photographer and Doula means being “on-call” for up to a month at a time, 24/7. In 2018, I reached out to two other birth photographers, and we formed The Birth Story Collective in order to share clients and have a life/work balance. That was a game changer for many reasons.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The style of photography and videography that I offer families is known as “Documentary” family photography. While I think portraits are an important heirloom to have, it’s the candid moments that include the spaces we live in and the way we live that interests me the most. So sessions with me are laid back! There is zero pressure to perform, and I tag along with families as they enjoy time together, to find the beauty in their everyday.
I most enjoy the subscription family photography I offer families. With my Year in the Life projects, I have multiple sessions throughout the year with a family, and then deliver a gorgeous photo album at the end full of favorites. This is such an incredible project that I wish I had for my own family, and I’m so excited to be able to give this to others.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memories are the trips I took with my Mom and brothers. Never anything fancy and usually in tents, my Mom instilled a love of travel and adventure. While I have personally stopped sleeping in tents, I still have a love of travel and a huge appreciation for visiting and photographing people in other places.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chandawilliams.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chanda_williams
Image Credits
Chanda Williams
