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True Religion Photography bio picture

Hi, it's me, Chelsea

Thanks for stopping by my blog!  As many of you know - I'm not much of a blogger however the necessity for a blog is two fold:

1. It seems to be a cardinal rule of professional photographers - that if you are one, you need one.

and

2. My friends and family who don't live in Durango would really like to keep up with what our family is up to.

Thus, I embark on my adventure of semi professional writing whilst trying to display my truest me. Hope you like it!

For those of you who have no idea who I am...

If you are here to check out some of my newest work, Welcome, and bless your soul! I really appreciate you taking the time to consider me for your next photographer-needed-situation.

The drive behind my work is simple - I love to take photographs and create art. The mission behind my work is maybe not as simple. Here's the story:

I've always loved art - I used to paint (oil and watercolor primarily) but ran out of time for that about 2 and a half years ago when I had a child (our precious son Josiah - love him to death). My creative flow naturally transferred to photography and I found it was a welcomed artistic outlet for me which also allowed me to document Josiah's life. But there was still something missing in it for me.

I wanted God to be pleased with the talent or gift he had given me - I wanted to use it for him. I asked him for a year how I could do this. On February 25th, 2009 he gave me this idea:

True Religion Photography. James 1:27 says that True Religion is to take care of the orphan and the widow. I knew that God wanted me to start doing photography as a business (hmm scary) and to donate 50% of my profits toward taking care of those who were in need. I was so excited but I figured that since I had just quit my real estate career to be a full time mom it must be for another time.

However a few days later I got a call to do my first photo shoot (a commercial one for a new product) with no soliciting or advertising on my part. Then more inquiries and requests came in for photo shoots and I was convinced that the time was now.

So here I am, and here you are. If you like my work but not quite sure if you like me yet - read on :). Or if you just want to dive straight in and hire me for your next event, feel free to contact me through the contact form. If you're somewhere in the middle and just want to ask a few questions, feel free - I'd love to chat.

Thanks again for stopping by!

♥ C

Little J – sneak peek

This little guy is such a treasure and I was so excited to meet him. Merry Christmas little J…

couldn’t resist

just editing a few from today’s session with this beautiful family – there were too many faves to choose from – I just couldn’t stop myself from editing! Enjoy a peek:)

the clair family – durango, co family photographer

I won’t lie, it’s midnight and I’ve used up all my words on my 3 year old son that talks like a politician on election day. However, I will say this – the Clairs are one cute family…


mmm mmm lovin’ the girls’ creamy faces and bright blue eyes – watch out Joe you’re gunna have some heart breakers on your hands!

twins!-durango, co children photographer

I know, I know, I’m getting terribly behind on blogging my sessions – and there are so many beautiful people I want to show you! However we’re in the midst of a move (more on that later) so I’m just happy when I get finished editing a session:).

Here are two very fun little guys I had the pleasure of photographing recently. They are twins and about to turn 4 – very spirited to be sure!

stay tuned, it may be a little while til I catch up, but I will.

sweet little boy – durango, colorado children’s photographer

Lately I’ve had the opportunity to do a couple of sessions with adopted children – which is an issue so close to my heart – what precious families these are. No doubt that the parents are as blessed as the little ones who now have parents to love them. This little guy particularly stole my heart with his ever changing faces, his curiosity and his sweet, sweet smile.

I had told C’s parents that I would like to try to get a shot which would look like the balloons were carrying him away. C’s mom remarked that it looked like he was landing in his daddy’s arms- I liked that version better. So here he is, a special delivery all the way from Taiwan, straight into the arms who will love him a lifetime…

Absolutely love that smiley face

Thank you so much for the opportunity to spend the afternoon with your wonderful family – what a treat!!

nancee & justin sneak peek – boulder, colorado wedding photographer

Just a peek at what’s comin’ up. I’m so excited to introduce these guys to you – but not just yet!

tabitha & phil’s day after sneak peek – durango wedding photographer

It’s been a super long work day and I still have hours and hours to go – but first I wanted to get this little sneak peek up of Tabitha and Phil’s day-after-session which has been up on the true religion photography Facebook page for sometime. If you haven’t been there yet and want to see more photos, check it out – it’s more up to date than my blog!

But back to Tabitha and Phil – who were so great to work with. When I first met Tabitha last year at our consultation meeting I knew I would love working with her – and that we’d be fast friends, riding mountain bikes out on the trail – if only she lived in Durango! Sure enough I had a great time with them (I’ve been blessed with absolutely fabulous clients!!). I can’t wait to show you some of their wedding too – more coming – so it’s back to work for me!

the “b” family sneak peek – durango family photographer

I’ve been so very excited for this session because it has meant fabulous clothes by the seamstress extraordinaire Ellen of Ellzabelle, for my kiddos (I can’t wait to show you more on that later). But for now just a little sneak peek of their session…

meghan & walt’s first sight – durango wedding photographer

This was one of the most emotional weddings for me so far this season – I got all choked up when Meghan and Walt read their vows to each other during their ceremony at Sleeping Beauty Ranch- and for heaven sake – they’ve already been, technically married, since their e session back in January when they got hitched at the courthouse!! They are just so incredibly sweet together as you can see in their first sight pictures below…

After letting M&W have a few minutes together after seeing each other for the first time Meghan said that it was a moment she will remember forever. She was such a stunning bride, but I’m afraid you’ll have to wait, just a little bit, to see more of her!

meggin & kevin – durango wedding photographer

I’ve been working away – and am so excited to bring you part II of Meggin and Kevin’s wedding out at Blue Lake Ranch. You will recall their first sight photos from a few weeks ago. That was such a sweet moment too. When Kevin saw his bride he was just breath taken, clearly a romantic! So while I should wax poetic here, I’m going to let the photos tell the story…

The green tulle was so spunky and doubled as a dress protector as Meggin tromped through a bit of rain soaked earth throughout the day.

The flowers were gorgeous and ubiquitous!- Meggin’s aunt did all the arrangements for her as a special gift. Stunning.

Love the antique glass jars that Meggin bought up wherever she could – they made for perfect centerpieces to showcase … more beautiful flowers…

This little guy was so cute – he was the ring bearer and walked down the isle, unassisted, with his fishing pole, carrying two rings on the line – so amazingly cute. What might have been even cuter though was him having story time during the reception dinner.

These last two are of the best man (Kevin’s brother) preparing for his speech – I think public speaking could make just about anyone want a cigarette!

I honestly couldn’t stop putting photos together for this post – it was such a gorgeous wedding – I realized I had to edit it down when I pretty much had 10 photos inserted for each hour I was there. Lovely people, lovely day!