Meet Chelsea Humphreys

We were lucky to catch up with Chelsea Humphreys recently and have shared our conversation below.

Chelsea, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

GOTCHA—still have it, lol! Imposter syndrome isn’t something you “get over” like a cold. It’s more like a shadow that follows you around when you’re stepping outside your comfort zone. For me, it’s not about pretending it doesn’t exist, but recognizing it for what it is—a sign that I’m growing and challenging myself.

When that doubt creeps in, I take a step back and remind myself of all the moments that have brought me here. I’ve invested time, energy, and heart into my craft, and I’ve seen firsthand how my work impacts people. That’s my proof. Plus, I’ve learned to laugh it off when necessary. Whenever the voice of imposter syndrome tries to make me question my worth, I give it a wink and remind myself, “I’m here because I earned it.” But honestly, that’s kinda a lie too… I text my best friends and let them tell me that. Sometimes ad nauseam. Sorry y’all.

At the end of the day, I’m driven by my passion to capture moments that mean something. And that’s stronger than any self-doubt could ever be. So sure, imposter syndrome still pops up from time to time, but it doesn’t run the show—I do.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Hey there! I’m Chelsea Humphreys, the CEO and photographer behind CMHstudios in San Antonio. I specialize in weddings, events, and branding, and honestly, the thing I love most is capturing those real, emotional moments that tell a story. Whether it’s a wedding, a branding session, or a special event, I’m all about making sure my clients feel seen, celebrated, and a little bit like rockstars. The goal? For you to look at your photos years from now and still feel that spark of joy.

What really sets CMHstudios apart is that I don’t just show up and snap photos—I’m here to create an experience. From our first chat to the moment you see your gallery, it’s all about building a connection and making sure you feel comfortable and excited. And, of course, I like to throw in a little surprise at the end of the wedding night because who doesn’t love an instant sneak peek of the magic?

I’ve got some fun things coming up too—I’m heading to Pensacola and Los Angeles for a couple of destination weddings, and I couldn’t be more pumped. There’s something so special about capturing love stories in these stunning locations, and I’m all about bringing the magic of the moment and the vibe of the place together in the photos.

At the end of the day, I want my clients to feel like they’re hanging out with a friend who happens to be really good with a camera. That’s what makes CMHstudios different—it’s not just about the photos, it’s about creating memories you’ll cherish long after the day is done.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I’d say the three biggest things that helped me the most on my journey were resilience, creativity, and the ability to connect with people.

Resilience: There were times when things didn’t go as planned (hello, failed portrait studio!), but I learned to keep going, pivot when necessary, and not let setbacks define me. Resilience isn’t about never failing—it’s about getting back up, learning from those moments, and keeping your eye on the bigger picture. My advice: don’t fear failure. Use it as fuel to keep pushing forward.

Creativity: This one is a no-brainer for a photographer, but creativity goes beyond just taking pretty pictures. It’s about constantly finding new ways to tell a story, to make someone’s experience unique, and to see the world with fresh eyes. For anyone starting out, my tip is to explore everything. Try new techniques, experiment with different styles, and don’t be afraid to step outside the box. The more creative risks you take, the more you’ll grow.

Connection: This one is huge for me. I’ve always felt that connecting with people on a personal level is just as important as the technical skills. People don’t just hire me for my photography, they hire me because they feel a connection—like they’re working with a friend who genuinely cares. My advice: focus on building relationships, not just clients. It’ll make your work more fulfilling, and you’ll find that those relationships open doors you didn’t even know existed.

For anyone just starting out, I’d say invest time in all three. Embrace the ups and downs, never stop learning and creating, and remember that people are at the heart of what you do. Whether you’re a photographer, entrepreneur, or artist, building those genuine connections will take you further than you could imagine.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely! I’m always looking to collaborate with amazing wedding planners who really understand the power of photography—not just for documenting the day, but for helping couples tell their love story in a way that feels authentic and meaningful. I’d love to create some special packages that bring our creative talents together to elevate the entire wedding experience for couples. If you’re a planner who’s all about creating those magical, unforgettable moments, let’s team up!

Also, I’m really itching to shoot an engagement! So, if there’s anyone out there who’s ready to pop the question, I’ve got my camera prepped and my ghillie suit ready to hide in the bush (LOL, I’m only half-joking). Let’s make it epic, surprise-filled, and totally unforgettable.

You can reach me through my website at cmhstudios.co or slide into my DMs on Instagram @_cmhstudios! Let’s make something amazing together!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

chelsea @cmhstudio.co

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