Rising Stars: Meet Chelsea Marshall of West Michigan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Marshall.

Hi Chelsea, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
If you would’ve told me years ago that I’d be building a life and business out of capturing other people’s most meaningful moments, I might’ve laughed — not because I didn’t love photography, but because I didn’t realize how deeply it would end up shaping my identity.

I’m Chelsea, the heart behind Chelsea Marshall Photo Co. I’m a photographer, a storyteller, wife to my best friend and biggest supporter and a mom to four, ranging in ages from 3-16 — which means I’ve learned to find beauty in both the chaos and the quiet. My journey into photography wasn’t something that happened overnight. It started with dreaming and observing for years, then documenting my own family — the sticky hands, wild giggles, sleepy snuggles — the fleeting things. And it grew into something bigger than me.

At some point, I realized this wasn’t just about taking pretty pictures. It was about freezing time. It was about the way a groom looks at his bride when she’s not watching, the moment a mama pulls her baby close and breathes them in, the wild joy of a family dancing barefoot in a field. These are the moments that matter.

My style is a little bit retro, a little bit bold, and always rooted in emotion and connection. I don’t just show up with a camera — I show up ready to connect, to laugh, to cry with you, to tell your story the way it feels.

Building this business has been messy and magical. It’s been late nights, editing marathons, endless classes trying to perfect my craft, car snacks between sessions, and happy tears when a client says, “This is literally who we are.” That’s when I know I’ve done my job.

I believe photos should tug at your heart a little — that when you look back at them, you don’t just remember what it looked like, but how it felt. That’s the magic I try to deliver.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I started my photography business just over a year ago, and like most new business owners, I quickly learned that passion alone isn’t enough — it takes grit, growth, and a whole lot of learning on the fly.

When I launched Chelsea Marshall Photo Co., I didn’t have a roadmap. I had a camera, a deep love for storytelling, and a fire to create something meaningful — but everything else? I built from scratch. Pricing, editing, client communication, websites, marketing — every piece was a challenge I had to figure out one step at a time.

One of the biggest hurdles was managing the mental side of being new. It’s easy to fall into comparison or question whether you’re “doing it right.” But something beautiful happened early on: other photographers — people who didn’t owe me anything — showed up with support, encouragement, and generosity. The photography community welcomed me with open arms, answered my questions, cheered me on, and reminded me that there’s room for all of us. I’m forever grateful to them, and I truly love and appreciate them all to pieces.

Their kindness helped me build confidence and lean into what makes my voice and style unique. It reminded me that community over competition isn’t just a catchy phrase — it’s real, and it’s powerful.

Starting this business has stretched me in the best ways. It’s made me more intentional, more resilient, and more connected — not just to my clients and my art, but to a whole creative community I feel so lucky to be a part of.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work is rooted in connection, emotion, and nostalgia — the kind of imagery that feels like a memory the moment you see it.

I specialize in capturing families, couples, and everyday magic in a way that’s raw, real, and a little bit retro. My style leans into warmth, bold tones, and storytelling moments — the quiet ones you didn’t even notice happening, and the loud, joy-filled ones you never want to forget.

Whether I’m photographing a barefoot family running wild through a field, or a couple whispering inside jokes during golden hour, my goal is always the same: to create photos that feel like you. I want your gallery to be full of laughter, movement, and tender connection — not just posed smiles. Yes, we’ll get the “frame it on your wall” shot, but we’ll also capture the little forehead kisses, windblown hair, belly laughs, and everything in between.

I also have a special love for elopements and micro weddings — the kind of celebrations that trade tradition for intimacy. There’s something so powerful about stripping a wedding day down to just the people and the moments that matter most. I gravitate toward capturing the rawness of those days — the teary vows, the nervous giggles, the way your hand finds theirs when no one’s looking. These are the kinds of images that live on long after the cake is gone and the dress is packed away. The images your grandkids will look at of your day and the start of your legacy and say “grandpa and grandpa were so gnarly”.

At the heart of it, my work is about telling your story in a way that lasts. I want your photos to feel like home — warm, honest, and full of life.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
You can work with or collaborate with me by going to my website www.chelseamarshallphotoco.com and contacting me through there. Also, follow me along on instagram @ChelseaMarshallPhoto. Even if you’re not in the market for a photoshoot, chat and connect with me there – I love people, so connecting with anyone even by way of DM is so meaningful to me. I love true crime and reality tv (where are my bravo stans), reading books and animals – always down to chat about any and all of those things.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chelseamarshallphotoco.com
• Instagram: @ChelseaMarshallPhoto