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

Chloe, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

The short answer: yes! It’s no surprise that owning a business comes with its own set of challenges. I did work regular jobs before getting into wedding photography, so on days where I’m deep in my editing cave and my eyes feel like they’re going to fall out of my head from staring at the screen so long, sometimes I’ve thought about those past jobs and how easy it was to clock in, clock out, and be done for the day. You go home and work doesn’t cross your mind until you’re clocking back in. When you work for yourself though, especially as an artist, life becomes your canvas and it’s everywhere.

However, that’s also the beauty of it. Your life, seeing beautiful scenes or noticing things about people, plays a role in the art you make. The art you make improves your life, like your creativity and imagination. I always remind myself of how thankful I am to have a job I’m genuinely passionate about. Memories are so deeply special—not just to me, but to everyone. It’s an honor to have a job that keeps me active, physically and mentally challenges me, and allows me to express creativity in more ways than I could’ve anticipated. On top of that, documenting someone’s legacy, one that future generations will look back on, is a privilege that still blows my mind.

Your wedding day, surrounded by your favorite people in one room cheering you on, only comes around once. To be trusted with something as precious as that will always make me feel so grateful.

Chloe, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started my business in wedding photography during the pandemic. I always had a love for the arts and photo was one of the hobbies I had picked up in my late teens. In 2020, my best friend got engaged and asked me to do her engagement photos. Of course, I said yes. That session sparked a love for photographing couples and weddings that inspired me to start my business.

Since then, I’ve worked with so many amazing, sweet, precious couples that have trusted me with these once-in-a-lifetime moments. With each of my couples, I really love getting deep into the visualizing process. I love collaborating on Pinterest boards, sending over inspiration I think matches your wedding aesthetic, and make working together feel like a true creative partnership.

A major part of my work is the approach I take behind the camera. I feel that each moment should be documented authentically, as the room felt in that moment. For quieter, candlelit dinners, I love having a documentary, fly-on-the-wall approach and catch the photo of grandpa laughing, a glass of wine being refilled, or the glow of the table decor. Those small, detail-oriented moments play a major role in telling a story. On the other hand, when the dance floor is getting hype or my couple wants funky portraits of them with their wedding cake, I live for a more editorial, paparazzi-style approach. Adapting each photo to the scene gives so much variety and authenticity to a wedding gallery.

Ultimately, I believe your wedding day should be something you should fully soak in. I strive to make sure all my couples feel relaxed, unhurried, and at ease throughout their day. If you feel good, you’ll look good.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding part of my work is seeing the reactions of my couples when they receive their full gallery. I’ve had couples tell me they had their entire family over and made it the centerpiece of their evening together to go through their wedding gallery. I’ve had brides text me in tears (and in all caps) about how much those photos mean to them. I’ve also had couples call me very last-minute for photos with their loved ones that they knew didn’t have a lot of time left. To have that privilege and honor and to see those photos displayed at weddings, in coffee table books, and in frames in their homes is an honor beyond what words can express.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Honestly, I think being genuine, a hard worker, and a skilled photographer has helped me build a strong reputation. Traits like honesty, kindness, and being a diligent worker were instilled in me from a very young age (thanks mom & dad!) and have benefitted me both as a person and a business owner.

I work with some amazing couples, fellow photographers, and wedding vendors that I truly love and respect. When working together feels genuine on both ends, everything falls into place. I’m deeply grateful for all the dream couples I’ve gotten to work with and for the industry professionals I’ve worked alongside that I trust, admire, and respect.

Contact Info:

• Website: chloelechel.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/chloelechelphotography
• Other: TikTok: @chloelechelphotography
  Pinterest: @chloelechelphotography