There’s a kind of clarity that only comes when you're alone on a mountaintop, legs burning, lungs full of wild air, the sky slipping into dusk. For Chelsea McKenzie, that’s where it all began—not just her love of the outdoors, but the calm, intuitive presence that now defines her work as a wedding photographer.
Based in Courtenay, BC and serving the Pacific Northwest, Chelsea is the eye behind C.McKenzie Photography—a brand that thrives on connection, adventure, and authenticity. Her images carry a gentle honesty, capturing moments that feel unfiltered and true. “I’m into real moments,” she says. “The inside jokes, the starry-eyed glances, the weird little things that make each love story completely unique.”
From Action Sports to Emotional Storytelling
Photography wasn’t always the plan. After a post-high school trip through Greece and Italy, Chelsea started dabbling in photography with friends, often dragging them out for creative shoots. But it wasn’t until she moved to Whistler—where she originally envisioned herself working in the world of action sports photography—that her creative direction began to shift. Studying at Langara College in Vancouver, Chelsea received a broad education in digital photography and completed dual practicums under The Apartment Photography and ski photographer Paul Morrison. Those experiences were pivotal. “Jeff Chang [of The Apartment] was incredibly generous with his time and knowledge,” she recalls. “That mentorship gave me clarity and confidence to pursue weddings seriously.”
She began second shooting weddings around 2016 and quickly discovered that photographing people—not just places—was what filled her up. It was the unpredictability, the emotion, the quiet in-between moments that drew her in. “I love human connection,” Chelsea says. “There’s something really special about a day where all your favourite people come together to celebrate love.”
A Laid-Back, Nature-Loving Approach
Chelsea describes her style as “laid-back documentary with a big outdoor focus.” She’s known for taking couples to off-the-beaten-track locations, encouraging them to simply explore and be themselves while she quietly documents from a distance. This approach resonates with her typical clients: outdoorsy, down-to-earth couples who value emotion and authenticity over perfection.
Her editing reflects that same ethos. While she works exclusively with Nikon gear and crafts her own Lightroom presets, she believes that the way she shoots—calm, responsive, and natural—is what defines her style more than any post-processing decision.
“When I’m photographing a wedding, I try to be a fly on the wall,” she explains. “I want the ceremony to feel uninterrupted. I only step in with direction when it’s necessary—like during family photos or couple portraits where timing is tight.”
Not Just a Vendor—A Teammate
Chelsea’s couples often describe her as more than just their photographer. She’s been known to braid a bride’s hair when the stylist couldn’t make it, offer rides between locations, or stay late to catch a first dance. “I really care,” she says. “I want my couples to feel looked after, supported, and genuinely seen.”
This ethos has helped her grow a loyal client base through word-of-mouth, Instagram, and blog features. Today, she typically shoots around 16 weddings per year, with a handful of second shooting gigs on top. While much of her work is concentrated on Vancouver Island, Victoria, and the Sea to Sky corridor, she’s open to travel—and has even photographed a wedding in Noosa, Australia.
The Creative Burnout is Real—But Worth It
Like many photographers, Chelsea grapples with the emotional and physical toll of wedding season. “It’s something I’m still figuring out,” she admits. “I’ve learned to prioritize breaks, get outside, and see a counsellor when I need to. Even something like working from a café or listening to a podcast helps break the isolation of editing days.”
Despite the challenges, she finds inspiration in her clients, nature, and the ever-evolving pursuit of artistic growth. She’s currently obsessed with grainy macro close-ups, dreams of photographing weddings in the UK someday, and wants to keep building a body of creative work she’s truly proud of.
Why It Matters
To Chelsea, being a wedding photographer is about more than just showing up and snapping pictures—it’s about preserving emotion. “All of these moments are fleeting,” she says. “There’s so much beauty if you slow down enough to see it.”
And that’s exactly what she does: slow down, observe, and quietly preserve the feeling of the day—just like she did on those early hikes, long after sunset, camera in hand.
Website: cmckenziephotography.com
Instagram: @c.mckenziephotography