For businesses who want imagery with depth, purpose, and connection.
Commercial photographer in Traverse City, Michigan specializing in lifestyle branding, food, hospitality and product photography for businesses throughout Northern Michigan.
Do you value imagery with substance? I take a thoughtful, collaborative approach to every project. Getting to know your brand, your values, and the story you want to tell. Every choice is intentional, creating images that feel natural, layered, and deeply aligned with your vision. I create story driven brand imagery that feels intentional rather than staged, so your audience can connect with the heart behind your business.
Hi, I’m Chelsea..
A commercial photographer drawn to the stories behind the brands. My work is rooted in a clean, modern aesthetic, but what matters most to me is creating imagery that feels honest, atmospheric, and deeply connected to the people behind it.
In the over 15 years I’ve been doing photography I have realized strong imagery is more than just beautiful, it is one of the most powerful ways a brand communicates who they are. That’s why I take a thoughtful, collaborative approach to every project, spending time understanding your business, your values, and the experience you want your audience to feel.
I create visuals that leave room for texture, movement, and the in-between moments that make a brand feel alive. Whether I’m working with a personal brand, a small business, or a product-based company, my goal is always the same: to create cohesive, story-driven imagery that feels elevated, intentional, and true to you.
For me, photography is about more than creating content, it’s about building trust, telling stories, and creating visuals that help your brand connect in a meaningful and lasting way.
Client Love
Caroline Rizzo – Communications Manager – Grand Traverse Resort
Chelsea is approachable, fun, talented, and extremely skilled. Working with her is such a pleasure. She has a fantastic eye and captures emotions, people, spaces, and atmospheres beautifully!
Northern Michigan Based – Available anywhere
Offerings
For businesses at every stage. Whether you’re launching, growing, or evolving, I create thoughtful imagery that reflects the heart of what you do.
When you work me, you’re getting more than someone behind the camera. I take care of the planning, creative direction, and production from the initial concept through final delivery, making the process easy for your team and giving you the space to focus on what you do best.
Production
I make sure we have a solid production timeline for the day to keep things moving and organized. Having experience with small and large productions I can handle any scenario we may experience during a shoot. I’m always looking beyond the individual photograph. I’m thinking about how the images will work together across your website, social media, advertising, editorial, and future marketing.
Location Scouting
This is one of my favorite things about a production is being able to explore different location and finding the perfect one for each brand. I utilize my knowledge of unique locations to give a fresh feel to each photo shoot.
Learning your brand/Creative direction
I take a deep dive in to your brand to get a good grasp of what the vision should be for your shoot. This helps tremendously with the creative direction for the photo shoot. Building mood boards that align with the vision.
Models and Wardrobe
I handle all model castings (I have professional agencies I work with) or I can also source real everyday people if preferred. I guide everyone on wardrobe and get them all set to participate in the photo shoot.
Lifestyle + Branding
Branding is more than just showing what you do it’s about telling the story behind it. The people, the process, the spaces, and the details all shape how your audience connects with your business.
My approach to brand and lifestyle photography is rooted in creating intentional imagery that feels honest, elevated, and aligned with who you are. Through a blend of natural moments, thoughtful direction, and a clean, modern aesthetic, I create visuals that capture the personality and atmosphere behind your brand.
Whether you’re a personal brand, small business, or product-based company, the goal is always the same: to build a cohesive library of imagery that not only looks beautiful, but tells your story clearly and creates meaningful connection across every platform.
Food + Hospitality
Food is never just food, it’s the experience surrounding it. The hands behind the craft, the atmosphere of the space, the movement of service, and the details that make it memorable.
My approach to food and hospitality photography is rooted in storytelling. I create clean, modern imagery that highlights not only what you serve, but how it feels to be there. From restaurants and private chefs to farms, beverage brands, and boutique hospitality spaces, my goal is to create visuals that feel honest, elevated, and deeply connected to your brand.
Through thoughtful styling, natural atmosphere, and intentional composition, we create imagery designed to strengthen your brand presence, connect with your audience, and tell the full story behind what you do.
Content designed to connect and convert
My work is rooted in a clean, modern aesthetic that leaves room for authenticity, texture, and atmosphere. From personal brands to small businesses and product based companies, I create intentional imagery designed to feel honest, elevated, and cohesive. More than just beautiful visuals, the goal is to tell a story, one that reflects the heart of your brand and creates meaningful connection with the people you want to reach.
The Photo Studio
Located in Traverse City.
My natural light photo studio is a bright, relaxed space designed to make people feel comfortable and completely themselves. The studio is equipped with studio lighting and a mix of backdrops. The possibilities in this space are endless.
Brand Stories
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Manta Collection Swimwear
Swimwear Editorial Miami Swim Noir When Jeneane, the owner/designer of Manta Collection approached me about doing a swim shoot she had a very clear vision for what she wanted. She described her collection as “swim noir” and wanted a Harpers Bazaar/Vogue editorial story. Swim noir generally refers to a design aesthetic that merges traditional swimwear…
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Travel Editorial – Bahamas
Travel Editorial Bahamas 700 Islands Co. This 5 day adventure through the islands of Eluethera and Harbour Island in the Bahamas. Vanessa Ansel was my guide on this epic trip and she had so many amazing stories to tell. She is a local Bahamian realtor and wanted to elevate her brand by organizing a travel…
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Wild Ones Design Co. Lifestyle Brand Photography
Wild Ones Design Co. Traverse City “Nature-inspired. Thoughtfully reclaimed.” I met the owner of Wild Ones Design Co., Amanda, at one of the awesome Northern Michigan Women’s Magazine events at Right Bower Kitchen + Coffee We instantly made a connection and chatted about how we both were new transplants here to Traverse City. Amanda and…
Say hello
If you’re ready for imagery that feels aligned, intentional, and true to your brand, you’re in the right place.
Whether you’re a small business, creative, or product based brand, I’d love to hear more about what you’re building and how I can help bring it to life.
Fill out the contact form below with a few details about your project, and I’ll be in touch soon with next steps, availability, and more information.
I take on a limited number of projects to ensure every brand gets a thoughtful, personalized experience.
I can’t wait to hear what you’re working on.
MAGICAL
PASSIONATE
MAGICAL
Monthly Newsletter
Stay connected and inspired by signing up for my newsletter, where I share the latest happenings at my photo studio, practical tips to elevate your commercial photography, and exciting wins from my clients. It’s a behind the scenes look at real projects, creative insights, and the strategies that help brands stand out. Delivered straight to your inbox.