Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsey Hernandez
Hi Chelsey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
When I was a little girl my dad used to love taking photos with his minolta 35mm camera- this was back before digital cameras. I think initially I just really loved the joy he got out of it because he worked a lot and rarely did anything that brought him true joy like that, but I would always beg him to let me take photos with his camera. Sometimes he would let me and in those moments I felt truly connected to my dad and loved taking photos. As I got older I got the opportunity to start a new video year book program in my technology class with Mr.Ron Blades at Seymour High School, he purchased a Nikon D40 and I grew obsessed with taking photos with it. He even let me take it home. I loved it so much that a friend and I even founded a photography club together at the school. After high school I had saved up enough money working weekends at a pizza place to buy my own camera. My younger brother was two grades below me and when it was time for him to graduate I took his senior photos and began getting a lot of requests from others as well. That year I also shot my first wedding! After many years of honing my skills, taking classes, gaining experience, teaching myself marketing, and finding my niche I made it to where I am today. Five years ago I was able to quit my full time job after doing photography since 2011 and solely work for myself. It was the best decision I’ve ever made. There’s truly nothing I love more than getting to authenticity capture people’s most special moments. There’s a level of trust and appreciation that is extremely rewarding.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The photography industry is very challenging because it is so saturated and there is just so much amazing talent in our area for people to choose from. I think the challenges that come from finding my place within this industry and making genuine connections have been the most difficult part of the job along with just trying to decide to keep up with the ever-changing trends or keep the style it has taken me so long to develop.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in elopements, surprise proposals, and large extended family sessions. I love elopements because I feel like they are so much more intimate and truly allow the couple to focus on themselves and why they’re there instead of getting lost in all the hustle and bustle of a big extravagant wedding day. I love them so much that i completely stopped offering full wedding coverage last year so I could focus on making the experience for my elopement couples extra special. Proposals are also very near and dear to my heart- the reaction gets me every time!
I think what sets me apart from other photographers in the Smokies is my style and service. I have an assistant, Natalie, that helps with replying to everyone and creating their contracts and everything so we are able to be very responsive to people and be in constant communication which I think is very important. She is also my rock with helping me keep everything organized. There’s also very few people in the area with a style like mine- most are more film inspired or dark and moody. My style is vibrant and timeless. And the last thing is that I am a native- my family has been here since the first settlers and there’s not a lot of smoky mountain native photographers in the area. I feel like I know the area very well and it helps with choosing the right locations for the right time of year.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I was very outgoing- I loved to sing (specifically Shania Twain) and spent many years in choir, act (I was in drama and debate), and I never met a stranger. I have always been a people person and truly love people. One thing that’s extremely important to me in my business and in life is equality. I accept and love people no matter who they are, where they’re from, what they believe, or the color of their skin. It honestly breaks my heart when people inquire with me asking if I will take their photos because they’re a same sex couple or POC. I don’t think anyone should have to ask those questions to hire a photographer and it is my goal to make sure everyone knows they have a safe place around me and my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.capturedbychelsey.photography
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/captured_by_chelsey
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/capturedbychelseytn
