Today we’d like to introduce you to Chantelle Burton
Chantelle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2009, I received my first camera as a graduation gift after earning my degree from the University of Houston. Little did I know that a single gift would change the trajectory of my life. From the moment I held it in my hands, I couldn’t stop capturing everything around me—people, places, faces, strangers, the stillness, the motion, and the quiet moments in between. Through the lens, the world around me seemed to blur, while the beauty of pausing life’s unfolding came into sharp focus. That feeling of seeing life through the lens with a world of candid beauty happening right in front of me still fills me with awe to this day.
From this passion for capturing life, my photography business was born. My business was built on determination, inspiration, and a little nudge from friends and family. My loved ones often said I “had the eye” for photography and a way with people that made them feel as though nothing else in the world matters but them. I’ve always felt, though, that it’s not just about having an eye for a perfect shot, but a heart for the story behind it. And that’s where the magic happens.
Fast forward to 2024, and I’ve spent the last 15 years honing my craft, turning that creative spark into a thriving woman-owned business that’s not just about photos, but about creating lasting memories. Many of my clients have become dear friends, and nothing brings me greater joy than helping them capture precious milestones and fleeting moments that they’ll cherish for a lifetime. From senior portraits to family gatherings, engagements to weddings, and everything in between, my favorite moments are always when my clients are able to be truly present, laughing, soaking up the love and joy around them. For me, posing is less about directing and more about guiding. Yes, I’ll suggest moving a hand or tilting a chin here and there, but what I really want to capture is my clients as they are—natural, beautiful, and uniquely themselves. I tell every new client that the first few snaps don’t count anyway, and it always helps ease the tension. (Secret: the first few photos are almost always my favorite ones!) Photography, at its heart, should be about making people feel comfortable and seen, and strikingly beautiful, exactly as they are.
Some of my clients have been with me for well over a decade, and watching their journeys unfold has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Just recently, a lovely couple I photographed nearly four years ago reached out to say, “We’re coming up on four years since our wedding day, and we’re still so glad we chose you.” Moments like that make my heart swell with pride, because I know how meaningful it is to look back on your wedding day—or any big life moment—without a single regret.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In the early days, balancing my creative side with running a business, meanwhile working a full-time 9 to 5 job, was all very overwhelming. Self-doubt crept in, and I questioned whether I was talented enough as I fought to stand out in an over-saturated and competitive industry. There were other challenges too, like financial hurdles. Investing in professional equipment can be difficult without a steady revenue stream to lean on.
As my business grew, avoiding burnout became a new challenge. Learning to balance my personal life with my passion was crucial. Thankfully, I have a supportive husband, three wonderful children, and a steady full-time job in finance to keep me on my toes; and I have learned to love challenges fiercely. Conquering each obstacle has made me a stronger photographer and more capable business owner.
One of my toughest challenges came in 2022 when I lost “my person” (my hero, my Gram, and a pillar of a lady.) She was one of my very biggest fans. About six weeks after she passed away, I lost access to all my social media accounts due to a hacker. Waking up that April morning, finding I was locked out of my accounts completely – it was the kind of experience nightmares are made of; a devastating blow immediately following a profound personal-life loss. Years of work, memories, photos, posts, comments, reviews, and client connections disappeared literally overnight. Rebuilding my online presence still feels daunting at times, especially in an industry where social media is key, and my profile is seemingly new, which can be detrimental to the website’s algorithms for reach. However, the total loss of my accounts propelled me into a new approach. It gave me pause to grieve, and to refocus on building stronger, more personal relationships with clients, expanding through word-of-mouth and local business to business relationship building.
Despite the setbacks, I’ve come out stronger and better for having chosen to stay the course. Photography itself is a journey, and every good journey has a plot twist or two.
We’ve been impressed with ChanBurton Photography, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
ChanBurton Photography is my passion turned business. For over 15 years, I’ve dedicated myself to capturing authentic, candid moments for my clients. I specialize in a range of photography—seniors, milestones, family sessions, engagements, weddings, and lifestyle events. What drives me is storytelling through the lens, focusing on the beauty of natural human connections and the joy shared between loved ones.
I believe in making my clients feel relaxed and comfortable, creating an environment where they can be themselves. Many of my clients have stayed with me for over a decade, and those relationships are the heart of my work. With every session, I bring a personal touch and a creative eye, and that’s what makes ChanBurton Photography unique.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success in my photography business by the genuine connections I build with my clients and the lasting memories I help them create. It’s not just about capturing a beautiful image—it’s about making people feel seen, comfortable, and confident in front of the camera. Success to me is when clients come back for milestones over the years, trust me to document their most important moments, and feel joy when they look at their photos.
It’s also about personal fulfillment. If I’m growing creatively, staying true to my passion, and continuously learning while maintaining strong relationships with my clients, I consider that a true measure of success. When a client tells me years later that they’re still happy with their photos, that’s the ultimate reward.
Pricing:
- Family, Milestone, Seniors starting at $475
- In-Home Lifestyle starting at $795
- Weddings and Ceremonies starting at $1,975
- Custom Photography Options are available upon request.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chanburtonphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chanburtonphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chanburtonphotography
Image Credits
Chantelle Burton, ChanBurton Photography
