Jefferson city, MO photographer
your story + preserving every moment
documenting
Photographing families and newborns for over 10 years in the central Missouri area, showcasing real and raw moments, while creating memories during each session. Documenting your family's important story and creating art to display for years to come.
Heartfelt photography for the memories you love
Families + Milestones
Newborns + Maternity
Weddings + Engagements
Services
When I'm not behind the lens capturing your story, you can find me at the Lake or the Osage River in the Summer months, baking sourdough bread, finding healthy snacks at Natural Grocers, or listening to a suspenseful audio book in the wintertime.
As a mom of two, I know just how important these moments are. My ultimate goal for each photo session is simple: to give you photos and keepsakes you love to look back on over the years. But what I really want is to create a friendship with you where everyone's true personality can shine. I want you to have fun. I want your family members to relax. And I want you to leave thinking, 'that was actually a good time'.
I'm honored that you're even considering having me document your special moments and can't wait to meet you!
hi, I'm chelsea
Your memories deserve a place in the photo albums and on your walls, both big moments and small. I offer newborn sessions in my Russellville, MO photography studio or in home, outdoor or studio family and maternity sessions, and engagement and wedding photography.
I know you're thinking, "but I'm awkward in front of the camera and not sure what to do with my hands". Lucky for you, I will seamlessly guide you into natural poses and positions that I've learned over years of photographing hundreds of awkward families just like yours. Sessions are all-inclusive, meaning your session includes all the good images, and there are no image limits*.
*mini sessions typically do have photo limits as stated
Capturing your perfectly imperfect lives makes for the best memories!
Your story
She’s a wonderful person and an even better photographer, photos turned out perfect! Highly, highly recommend!
"AMAZING!"
Chelsea was amazing! The experience of taking pictures at your wedding can feel stressful and overwhelming and she brought such a calming and fun energy to it! We recently got our photos back and they are amazing! We highly recommend Chelsea for wedding photos and photos of the family and little ones! She is amazing!
“Chelsea was amazing!!”
We signed up for our Maternity session along with Newborn and all the milestone sessions with Chelsea! She is so great with babies and kids, always getting the best shots! Even when our son got sick, she was awesome and worked with us on rescheduling our session. Love her style & editing and better yet her gallery deliveries are always quick turn around time! We highly suggest you book her!
“She is so great with babies and kids, always getting the best shots.”
"You leave feeling so relaxed and you “hope you got a least one good one”, then she delivers the sweetest moment after moment – split seconds you didn’t even notice during the session. She’s an artist and just the easiest person to be around. She’ll capture our fam for as long as we can!"
“Chelsea is the best!!!”
Chelsea Smith Photos has received newborn education on safety and posing through various instructors in-person and online. The safety of your newborn is top priority, so continuous learning and furthering education is of high importance.
Newborns photograph best around 5-12 days after birth, while they are still moldable and flexible and generally still sleepy. The studio contains everything you need for baby's photos, including props, blankets, outfits, hats, and headbands, so you just need to bring yourselves! Carefully curated newborn prep guides are provided before your session to help ensure baby is photo ready!
Newborn sessions can be held in-studio or as a lifestyle session in the comfort of your own home!
Newborn sessions!
My favorite sessions to photograph?
on the blog
Hello 2025 -A Cozy In-Home Newborn Session
published january 31, 2025
This family requested cozy, at-home vibes for their baby's in-home newborn session. Their Lake of the Ozarks home was filled with beautiful floor to ceiling windows allowing natural light to flood in. The neutral palette of their home decor was every photographers' dream with a stone fireplace and neutral accents. Documenting the newborn session starting with baby details using a macro lens to get close up detail photos of baby's features and moving on to snuggling lifestyle newborn photos. What a great way to start off 2025!
