When I started Chantelle Elise Photography back in 2017, I was juggling a full-time job in childcare, studying my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education online, and dreaming big in between it all. Photography began as a creative outlet — something I squeezed in during weekends and golden hours, mostly shooting outdoor family sessions.
After a few years of capturing families under open skies, I felt a pull toward newborn photography. I tried a few in-home and outdoor newborn sessions, and while each one was special, I knew I wanted my own space. A place where I could control the light, create comfort, and welcome families without the chaos of packing up and travelling.
Back then, before kids, we had a spare bedroom at the back of the house — so I decided to give it a go. I put a little call-out online for practice newborn sessions and invited a few friends with new babies in. One session turned into another, then another. I slowly began upgrading the room, rearranging furniture, and investing in little touches to make it feel more like a studio and less like a guest room.
As my business grew, so did my family. The spare room setup — although once perfect — started to get a little tricky. The room was right at the back of our house, and I worked hard to keep the home spotless and professional for clients. But once my kids came along, keeping a clean house and tiptoeing around nap schedules became a challenge. I often had to plan shoots around nap times just to avoid waking them with my camera shutters and client chatter.
I always dreamed of having a space that was fully mine — somewhere calm, quiet, and separate, yet still close to the heart of home. And eventually, that dream became a plan when we decided to convert our garage into a proper studio.
It took a few months, but every detail was worth the wait. The new studio is light-filled, warm, and functional — a beautiful space where families can relax while I work my magic behind the lens. Best of all, it's separate from the house but still close enough that I can be nearby for my little ones.
These days, around 90% of my sessions are studio-based — from newborn to maternity to indoor family moments — and I’m loving the beautiful balance it brings to my work and family life.
My studio is more than just a room. It’s a space filled with heart, growth, and all the little pieces of my journey. If you’ve visited already, thank you for being part of this story. And if you’re new here — I can’t wait to welcome you in.
