Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Turner
Hi Chelsea, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
After the birth of my second daughter I felt a profound sense of responsibility—not just to care for her, but to be a role model to both of my daughters. I wanted to show both of them that it’s never too late to pursue your passions and dream of a better future. This newfound motivation inspired me to go back to school with a newborn and toddler at home. With determination, grit, scholarships, long days and nights, and a lot of tears I achieved a Bachelor of Arts in English at UCI with a minor in creative writing. While I attended classes, and exercised a part of my brain that had been stagnant for too long I gained the confidence to delve into photography, a field I’ve always been passionate about.
I had always planned to do photography on the side, but the more I learned about myself and poured myself, experiences and interests into my work the more I grew — and so did my business. I think the coolest thing I learned about myself is that I am storyteller by nature, and that nature needed to be nurtured. I really like having that quality and other people like that about me too. I try to tell the stories of people, relationships and human connection with images, and I am genuinely interested in knowing about people. You could say I am a bit of a feeler, and that shows in my work.
Starting my own photography business was a way for me to blend creativity with practicality while balancing my family responsibilities. I knew that if I wanted to inspire my daughters, I needed to lead by example but we also needed money to survive. I wanted to demonstrate that it’s possible to follow your dreams and build a fulfilling career, all while being a dedicated parent.
Moreover, I feel a strong calling to empower women. By stepping into the role of a business owner and pursuing my dreams, I hope to encourage other women and mothers to do the same. I wanted to show that with self investment and hard work, we can achieve our goals and create opportunities for ourselves and our families. There is such a stigma for women and mothers to be everything to everyone, but you have to be everything to yourself first. Being a role model isn’t just about showing success; it’s about illustrating that the journey is worth it, and that we all have the power to shape our futures.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Any road worth traveling is never easy, and I have been met with plenty of obstacles. Going back to school after the birth of my second daughter while starting my own photography business was definitely a challenging balancing act. Juggling motherhood with academic responsibilities and the demands of launching a business required a lot of organization, resilience, and support.
One major obstacle was managing my time effectively. In the beginning I had a newborn and toddler at home and had to find quiet moments to study and focus on coursework — it was tough. I had to become incredibly disciplined with my schedule, often studying during nap times or late into the night. The lack of sleep and the constant need to stay on top of both schoolwork and business tasks tested my endurance. Building a client base, creating community, and learning the ins and outs of running a business while keeping up with my studies was overwhelming most of the time. I had to prioritize and sometimes make tough decisions about where to allocate my time and energy.
Additionally, starting a new business is always a challenge. I had to find a way to support myself, that allowed for a flexible schedule, as most mothers do. We find ourselves in these side hustles, or part time positions to satisfy feminine demands as well as a pull to contribute financially. Silent labor holds no value in this economy and I was so eager to be heard. I really had to break free from the grip society holds on women and fight to get where I am today.
Even though I know this to be true I was still met with much adversity from others who are close to me, and from myself. I questioned my choices to do something outside of motherhood, fearing that it was too selfish. I really had to thrust my mindset into the future and see all the benefits my family would receive from the happiness and success that I earned for myself.
Support from family and friends was crucial. My dad played a significant role in helping with childcare, which allowed me to focus on both my studies and business. Additionally, finding a supportive network of fellow photographers, mothers and business owners provided me with valuable advice and encouragement. I am forever grateful to them for supporting me on this journey, and they are the real MVP’s.
Despite these challenges, the experience taught me a lot about perseverance and time management. It also reinforced my commitment to being a role model for my daughters, showing them that pursuing your goals, even in the face of significant obstacles and adversity, is worth the effort.
My daughters are currently seven and eight, and we have come such a long way together. The road has been long, but now I see many new paths in front of us. I am so proud of them, and proud of this journey.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a wedding and portrait photographer, I specialize in capturing moments that genuinely reflect my clients’ stories. My work focuses on couples, weddings, maternity, and motherhood, with an emphasis on authentic storytelling.
What sets me apart is my dedication to portraying real emotions and connections. I take the time to get to know my clients so that I can create images that truly represent who they are. Whether it’s the quiet intimacy between a couple, the excitement of expecting parents, or the everyday beauty of motherhood, I aim to capture these moments in a way that feels both genuine and unique.
I believe that the best photographs come from a place of trust and connection. By building a relationship with my clients, I’m able to bring out their true selves and create images that feel personal and meaningful. It’s this approach that allows me to tell a distinct and cohesive story through my work.
I’m especially proud of how I’ve grown as both a person and a photographer. Over the years, I’ve honed my ability to capture genuine emotions and vulnerabilities, which is reflected in my work. My clients often appreciate the effort I put into making them feel comfortable and understood, which shows in the final images.
In a field where many photographers focus on techniques and trends, I find my strength in the connections I build with my clients. It’s this genuine approach and the care I take in every session that make my work stand out.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, I’m excited about the possibility of blending my passion for photography with education. I envision a future where I can help foster young creative minds, guiding them as they explore their own artistic paths. The idea of teaching and mentoring aspiring teens is something I’m really passionate about. I want to share the knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years to inspire and support the next generation of creatives. My education isn’t over, and I still have credentials to obtain in the near future — but I never plan to stop learning and seeking knowledge, as well as expertise from all different perspectives.
One day, I hope to create a personal photography studio that will serve as a creative space for both my work and community projects. This studio will be a place where I can fully immerse myself in my craft, while also providing a space for collaboration and learning. It’s important to me that this studio reflects the same values of authenticity and connection that I bring to my photography. I hope it will become a hub where creativity thrives and where I can continue to grow both professionally and personally.
Overall, these plans are driven by my desire to give back to the creative community and to build a space where others can explore their own artistic passions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://turneracrephoto.com
- Instagram: @turneracrephoto
Image Credits
Chelsea Turner – Turner Acre Photo – turneracrephoto.com – @turneracrephoto
