READING TIME: 2 min 45 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/06/2025
UPDATED: 02/06/2025
Some photographers capture images; others, like Chelsea Reece, capture emotions, stories, and the essence of fleeting moments. With over 12 years of experience, Chelsea has built a career on authenticity, connection, and an unwavering passion for preserving memories. Whether documenting love stories in the Midwest or traveling the world for destination weddings, she infuses each frame with warmth and honesty. Her journey as a wife, mother, Christ follower, and entrepreneur has shaped her approach, allowing her to create images that feel deeply personal and timeless.
For Chelsea Reece, photography is more than just a profession—it’s a calling. “The God-given talent and ability to create for other humans has never been taken lightly to me,” she shares. Chelsea’s journey began over 12 years ago, and since then, she has dedicated her life to preserving the raw, emotional, and fleeting moments of others.
Born and raised in the Midwest, Chelsea has traveled across the globe, capturing love stories in diverse landscapes. Beyond photography, she is a devoted wife, mother of two, and Christ follower. In 2023, she expanded her creative influence by establishing a chain of rentable studios, offering a space for fellow artists to bring their visions to life. “It has fulfilled me with another passion I didn't even know burned inside.”
Chelsea describes her photography style as documentary, true to life, and a bit classic. Her goal is to create images that feel timeless and real. “Something about their natural beauty, very minimally edited, is what I go for in post-processing,” she explains.
To achieve this, Chelsea relies on her Canon R5, staying loyal to Canon equipment throughout her career. Her editing approach is light and natural, using Lightroom with only 20-30% enhancements to preserve the authenticity of each image.
For Chelsea, photography is more than just capturing beautiful images—it’s about forming a connection. “Just being invited into people's lives. Seeing their raw moments and vulnerability,” she says. “It is so important to remember anything I take is THEIR moment and THEIR images, not mine.”
Listening to her clients is the foundation of her approach. “Always listening to their heart and what draws them in,” she explains. “I also bring myself back to things I love in imagery as well too... and a huge one in that is how we look and feel in them.”
Chelsea’s passion for travel is reflected in her work, with 75% of her weddings requiring travel. Among her favorite destinations, Costa Rica holds a special place in her heart, though she still dreams of photographing a wedding in Hawaii. “Yes, I do. 75% of my work I travel for. Costa Rica is my favorite place I have ever been but I still totally have Hawaii high on my bucket list!” she shares.
Looking back on her journey, Chelsea offers invaluable advice to those starting out: “Two feet in, always. Keep going. Have faith. Work hard. It almost always works out if you are passionate and driven about something. 90% of people talk about doing it, only 10% of people actually do it. Always stay being that 10%.”
For couples preparing for their big day, Chelsea encourages them to embrace their unique essence rather than replicating someone else’s vision. “Inspo is great to have but don't get caught up in that and desire to want to create your OWN look/feel of who you are in photos, not someone else,” she advises. “Relax. Yes, I will help you pose :)”
Understanding that every couple has different needs, Chelsea is always open to customizing packages to fit their vision. Whether it's an intimate elopement or a grand celebration, she ensures each experience is thoughtfully tailored.
With an unwavering passion for storytelling, Chelsea Reece continues to create timeless memories for her clients. Her ability to see and preserve authentic human connections sets her apart, making her not just a photographer, but an artist devoted to capturing the beauty of life’s fleeting moments.
