Capturing memories
May 01, 2024
Chelsea Warren turned her focus from science to photography to fulfill her creative drive and run her own business.
- Name: Chelsea Warren (formerly MacMillan)
- Age: 36
- Hometown: Victoria, BC
- UVic degree: Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, 2010
What I used to be: A scientist. I was planning to pursue further science studies after my Biochem degree.
Then I had the idea to: Use my creative passion in photography to make a career that I fully control.
Why I did it: I bought myself a new camera as a graduation gift as I have always loved photography and the creative arts just as much as I love science. The same summer I graduated from UVic, I photographed my first wedding alongside another photographer. I never looked back—looking forward through the lens of a camera was an instant comfort for me. The flexibility and creative aspects of a photography career were appealing and allowed me to develop business knowledge while doing something I truly enjoyed.
How I did it: I took on smaller jobs photographing families and weddings and continued to hone my skills while growing my business and portfolio. It was a steep learning curve to become a business owner and all the additional responsibility that comes with it, but it has been absolutely worth it.
What I love about my new life: I love being a business owner, and I love being connected with people and our community. Being invited into so many intimate and important moments in peoples’ lives is amazing, and being able to create art and capture memories is an honour. It is so beautiful to be able to watch families grow and document them over the years. Being invited back each time at various stages and milestones in their lives is the biggest compliment. The freedom of choosing your work hours, workload and time off is invaluable, especially with young children.
What I miss about my old life: Leaving your work behind at the end of the day. In my role there is always something to be edited, pre-planned or simply imagined, along with the social media and content creation, which is never ending.
One lesson learned: Always invest in yourself, and if you want to try something, never be afraid of being bad at it. You have to start somewhere, and there is always room to grow.
One person who helped me: My husband and kids are always encouraging me to bring to fruition my many, many ideas, and they have confidence in me even when I don’t have confidence in myself.
One trade secret: There is always room for your art in the world, no matter how many other artists there are.
You can find me: On social media or on my website.
This article appears in the UVic Torch alumni magazine.
For more Torch stories, go to the UVic Torch alumni magazine page.