Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Stockton.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Chelsea. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I wish I could say I was born with a camera in my hand! Truth is, in 8th grade I was required to interview an adult about their profession. I picked my friend’s dad because he was a photographer and that sounded fun. In 8th grade, I thought I wanted to grow up to be a wedding planner. After interviewing Warren Diggles, I decided I wanted to be a photographer!
After this interview, I did everything possible to learn as much as I could about photography. I joined yearbook in high school and advanced up through the photo classes. I asked for money as gifts so I could buy my own camera. I started with traditional black and white film on a second hand Minolta camera. I loved every second of capturing the world around me! I have gotten to travel the world, camera in tow.
I am a 2012, Colorado State University graduate with a BFA in Photo Image Making and a BA in Technical Communications and Journalism. I am formally trained in photography, graphic design, web design, and computer-mediated communications. During my time at CSU, I was the photo editor of CSU’s College Avenue Magazine for two years. I was also the Creative Coordinator at Sherpani Handbags heading up product photography and brand re-imaging. Previously I worked at James Enterprise in Pueblo, Co as the Media Marketing Specialist. My duties included social media content creation, photographing products, graphic design, and video editing.
In 2010 I started my photography business. PhotoChic Imagery & Design LLC is a Southern Colorado photography and design business offering services in Weddings, Engagements, Newborns, Families, Headshots, Seniors, Boudoir, Real Estate and Fine Art photography, as well as graphic design.
Of all the fun things I get to photograph, I am most proud of being the official pageant photographer for Miss Rodeo Colorado.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
This road is not an easy one! But it has always been worth it. It takes a lot of drive, dedication, late nights, early mornings, lots of laughs, and tears! You have to really be able to sit down and focus or you will never be able to get any work done. There have been many weekends where I have been stuck at home editing instead of enjoying the sunshine. That’s the honest truth but I truly love what I do.
Not only do I have to take the photos, I spend countless hours editing the final images. I am also the bookkeeper, social media content creator, I build and update my website, continue my education, invoice, email, and return calls, plus more! It’s a one woman show and I am fully responsible for my business sinking or thriving!
However, when I see the smiles of a family or a young girl who sees their photos, it all is so worth it to me! When I get an email from someone whose family member passed away and they were able to use my photos of them to remember their life, that makes it all worth it. When I get to capture a family pet in their last days of their life, that makes it all worth it to me. I get to stop a moment in time and that memory is forever captured.
My advice for younger women starting this journey is to learn as much as you can, find your niche or style, find a mentor to help you along the way (mine has become one of my best friends), learn from others, ask lots of questions, get organized, and follow your heart! And don’t be afraid to fail! Many times I have had to get a second job to help support my family and business. But I get to live and work my passion everyday and that’s such a blessing!
Please tell us about PhotoChic Imagery & Design.
While I take photos of many people and events, my favorite is for the Miss Rodeo Colorado organization. I am the official pageant photographer. These are young ladies in the rodeo and western culture who compete annually for the title of Miss Rodeo Colorado.
Five years ago, I was approached by a woman in need of a photographer for the pageant in Greeley, Colo. I jumped at the opportunity. This organization has been such a blessing to me and pageant photography has become my passion. Plus the people I have meet through this organization have turned into my family.
While the pageant aspect is fun and these cowgirls forever have their memories captured, what I love most is working with young girls and preteens. Some of these girls have never had professional photos taken. They are shy and reserved. Sometimes they don’t feel pretty enough. When I coach them through their photos and then show them a sneak peek on the back of the camera, their eyes light up! They can truly see their beauty and worth both on the inside and out. I just want to encourage all these young ladies to see their value in a society that can be really hard on them.
Anyone can take a good photo but it means more to me that I can encourage these young girls to see what I see in them. Their strength, class, beautiful souls and perfect smiles!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
I love LOVE creativelive.com. It’s my go to when I need to learn a new technique. There are so many helpful classes that teach you step by step how to achieve what you need/want to learn.
I am also a huge lover of self-help books. “Girl Wash Your Face” by Rachel Hollis is a must. I would recommend every photographer read “Worth Every Penny” by Erin Verbeck and Sarah Petty. It helps you see your worth in your work. “Daring & Disruptive: Unleashing the Entrepreneur” by Lisa Messenger is what I am reading now! It’s so helpful for any woman entrepreneur. And of course the Bible. We always need a little faith to help get through!
Pricing:
- Sessions start at $175
- Larger Session start at $250
- Wedding start at $1,200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.photochicimagery.com
- Phone: 9702180917
- Email: photochicimagery@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photochicimagery
Image Credit:
E.Moon Photography
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