Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Merritt
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my photography journey in 2019 as a hobby and to take my own images of my kids and pets. I really enjoyed it and started offering sessions after practicing for over a year. I’m also an artist so already having an understanding of composition, light and color has helped tremendously in my journey.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’d say photography itself has been a smooth road, connecting with clients has always been something I’ve been great at and I love delivering images that make them glow and excite them. I offer a wide range of services which also includes boudoir.
The biggest struggle I deal with is my chronic illness. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Hypermobile Ehler Danlos syndrome and POTs about 6 years ago, these conditions are quite painful and exhausting so I don’t always have the energy to keep up on the social media side of things .
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Photographer who likes to focus on Artistic portraits, Boudoir, and Pet photography. I do offer a wider range of services though. One service I’m particularly fond of is end of life pet photography. I offer these free of charge or by donation ( I do charge for travel if it’s outside 20 minutes to cover cost of fuel ) These sessions are incredibly emotional and hard but also healing.
With Boudoir I love helping my clients feel how beautiful they have always been. It’s hard to see ourselves in a positive light sometimes and love our bodies when social media is always pushing non realistic body image ideals.
What makes you happy?
My kids of course, animals and art. I had a pretty rough childhood and wasn’t close with my parents. So having the relationship I have with my kids is something that brings me a lot of joy and also healing for myself. Animals because they were really what kept me grounded growing up and gave me the love I needed so badly. Art was always an outlet for the emotions I wasn’t allowed to express and it’s near and dear to my heart. I’ve always drawn and painted and now photography is another artistic outlet I have at my disposal. I don’t need much to be happy.
Pricing:
- Basic 1 hour sessions start at $300
- Boudoir sessions have a minimum investment of $1500 – payment plans available
- Mini sessions when available $150
- End of life Pet services – Free
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thistleandroseportraiture
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thistleandroseportrait
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/thistleandroseboudoir
