Conversations with Chelsie Maurer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsie Maurer. 

Hi Chelsie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
Everyone starts somewhere. My first photography studio was in my basement, and I’d have to set it up and take it down in between each photo session. At that time, all of my clients were friends or family. I was doing photography on the side as something I enjoyed, all while working full-time at my corporate job. Life shifted, and I became a stay-at-home-mom, but I continued in my photography journey as an outlet I enjoyed. As the years passed, my little business continued to grow and I tried my hand at all types of photoshoots – family, maternity, newborn, seniors, branding, and so forth. I found what I liked and what I didn’t like so much, but then I fell in love with newborn photography. 

I jumped into education to learn more about newborn safety, posing, angles, and lighting. I also started traveling to people’s homes for their newborn sessions and brought all of my props and supplies with me. After a few years of that (it was a lot of work!), I jumped on the opportunity for a studio that was just right in size and location. I’ve been a storefront Downtown Utica now for about three years, and I aim to give my clients a relaxing experience at the studio while I photograph their babies. While newborn photography is my niche, I still travel throughout Metro Detroit for family, maternity, and senior sessions as well! 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I’ve certainly experienced the normal ebbs and flows in business, as any entrepreneur would. I’ve also had a slow and progressing growth throughout the years, but more recently the business is growing faster than I’m ready for! Growth is this amazing challenge that I’m thankful to have to face. When the pandemic hit, I had no idea what my small business would look like and how it would survive. In 2020, I had my best year in business, and then in 2021 I grew even more. I’ve gotten to the point every photographer wants to get to – the point where you actually have to turn inquiries down because you’re booked (if you’re a photographer or other creative, you know this desire!). I don’t see this as “I made it” though, I see this as a challenge of “How can I continue to grow and best serve my clients?”

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
While I photograph many families, I primarily photograph newborns and maternity. Working with newborns is, of course, the absolute sweetest but it also requires a high amount of patience and it’s a challenge in itself. There’s something about photographing brand new life, knowing that these portraits will be cherished for years. It’s truly an honor.

But there’s something else to newborn work besides the portraits. The newborn session itself is an experience for the parents. Prior to the baby even being born, I’ve met with the parents for a consultation to plan their baby’s session. They get to select colors from my prop selection so their photos are personalized to their liking, we talk about what they should wear for family photos, and we discuss how they would like to use these photos in their home or for keepsakes. And then the session itself is a relaxing and calm environment for both baby and the parents. It’s about three hours, and besides the parent/family photos, the parents both get to sit back, drink some coffee and take it easy while being able to watch me work with their babe. If you’ve had a baby, you know this experience sounds like a delicacy after giving birth and being sleep deprived.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and I wouldn’t so much call it being lucky or unlucky. Just like any other entrepreneur, I have tried and failed at things and also tried and succeeded with others. It’s all a part of the journey. What I’ve discovered that’s helped me most is finding a mentor to help guide me through or even just bounce ideas off. It’s been the biggest blessing for my small business. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.chelsiemaurerphotography.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/chelsiemaurerphotography
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/chelsiemaurerphotography

Image Credits
Chelsie Maurer Photography