Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chandler Elliott. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Chandler , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Everyone has crazy stuff happen to them, but often small business owners and creatives, artists and others who are doing something off the beaten path are often hit with things (positive or negative) that are so out there, so unpredictable and unexpected. Can you share a crazy story from your journey?

What was the craziest thing that’s happened to you/your business (positive or negative)? Give us the backstory, paint the picture for us so we can really understand what it must have felt like, what the circumstances and context were and the emotions you must have been going through Back in January of 2021 I was traveling to Georgia to stay at an INCREDIBLE Airbnb property with a yurt, airstream RV, and a tiny house. While I was there enjoying their unbelievable space I also got to spend some time adventuring and hiking. I was by myself and I decided to visit Bell Mountain which is a huge mountain top covered in graffitied rocks and it has one of the most amazing views.
Luckily since it was the winter season, there weren’t a lot of people there but I did spot a young girl and guy up at the top of the viewpoint together. I didn’t know them and I was extremely nervous but I went up to them and asked them if they would be interested in doing a fun, quick photoshoot. Even though they were a little caught off guard, Kelley and Sebastian agreed!!!
Kelley said it was only their second date but Sebastian insisted. They got comfortable with each other so quickly in front of the camera and they were SO much fun! At the end of me posing and directing them Sebastian looked at me and said “Hold on, hold on, one more!!!” and he went in for a kiss right there on top of the mountain!!! The photos were priceless and it was such an incredible experience.
The CRAZY thing is that when I sent her the finished photos in February she told me they started dating!!! THAT is what I want my photography to really embody and portray – capturing real people, in real time, telling stories, and making people feel beautiful and worthy, special and seen, and like their love story truly matters. TO THIS DAY, two years later, they are still together and I have the great joy and pleasure of following them on social media and watching them travel, grow, and continue to write their unique love story. One of my favorite, craziest, and coolest stories ever!!!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

HEY! IT’S ME, CB :) I’m Chandler Elliott. A Travel Lifestyle + Wedding Photographer obsessed with capturing authentic, real people through adventure, love + laughter all around the globe. Born + raised in Indiana but now call Nashville, TN home. Spontaneous road trips, crazy adventures + meeting new people is what sets my soul on fire. I love intentionality, authenticity + connecting with others who dare to dream. I live for the small moments, collecting memories + storytelling through authentic connection, real emotions, raw vulnerability, candid moments, and photos that actually look + feel like you.

Can I tell you a secret? I actually do not loveeee getting my photo taken. Yep, that’s right – ya girl is totally uncomfy in front of the lens. I felt so uncomfortable during my senior photos + in turn I didn’t really like the photos within my gallery. I thought to myself – dang, so many people probably experience this…paying so much money for an awkward experience + then not enjoying your photos. That’s when I first felt what I believe is my divine calling + purpose to be a photographer.

I have always been a people person. I love making people laugh, I love good conversation + people just light up my life. I have also always loved creating. I love art. I love to admire it, I love to dream with it + I love to create it.
My motto is – authentic, real, raw, candid, you – I want to capture you for who you truly are..in real time & real moments. Moments that are candid. Moments that make you laugh. Moments that make you smile. Moments that make you, you. Your unique story is one that deserves to be captured, remembered + thoroughly enjoyed. Let’s create some magic!

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

When I first started out on my photography journey I truly felt all alone. I didn’t know what I was doing, I didn’t believe others understood my mission, or even my desire to become a creative and ditch the 9-5 workspace. Even though I felt alone I KNEW that this was my calling and purpose in life. I started to do everything I could to learn about photography and not just the creative, artsy side. I started learning about business, marketing, communication skills, how to read body language, and how to truly connect with other people. I would youtube all kinds of videos on composition, lighting, posing, and how to create compelling art. I’ll never forget that first season of begging my sisters and friends to model for me and practicing my manual settings every chance I got. I joined a photography mentorship/subscription that was $67 at the time and even though I really had to scrape together EVERY month to make that payment…I did. And every day I would watch a new video from that subscription, take notes, and ask questions on anything I didn’t quite I understand. I soaked up all the information like a sponge. I started listening to free podcasts, downloading free courses, meeting other photographers at coffee shops and just connecting with them. I truly did everything I could to learn how to create a photography business. Little by little I saw my dreams come to life. I had a decent portfolio, I started using a Client Management tool, I bought contract templates and made them my own, and even created my own Pricing Guides, What to Wear Guides, and Bride Guides. The journey was not easy and I would be lying if there were days were I felt utterly alone and misunderstood. But to this day I would never take back my decision to just START and go for the life I’ve always dreamed of. Within the past two years, my love for photography has allowed me to travel to over 10 different states throughout the US for photography projects, collaborated with AMAZING Airbnb owners, and meet SO so many outstanding people that I now call friends. I wouldn’t trade the world for this career and the pure joy it brings my soul.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me has always been referrals. Instagram, tiktok, and Facebook are incredible social media tools to grow your business and connect with others out of state or that you just wouldn’t have known but for me referrals and word of mouth has always been my best source of new clients. For that, I am so extremely thankful. As a photographer who cherishes their clients and really tries to provide a great customer experience, nothing makes my heart happier than knowing I did my job making someone else feel special and beautiful and they want others to feel the same way as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://hellocbphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbphotography__/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chandlerelliottphotography/

Image Credits
CB Photography, Amanda Tallon Photography