Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Greenway.
Hi Michelle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I first picked up a professional camera during my time at the University of Mary Hardin–Baylor around 2011, where I was putting myself through college as a single mom of two. Photography quickly became a passion, starting with capturing my kids, family, and nature. After graduating, I spent 11 years as an art teacher in Killeen, where I often took senior photos for my students. In 2020, when the pandemic disrupted so many milestones, I offered socially distanced porch sessions to seniors who were missing their traditional graduation experience. That moment sparked something bigger—word spread, and my photography business began to grow. I took a leap of faith into youth sports photography, investing in new equipment and learning as I went. Since then, I’ve photographed hundreds of local games, meets/matches and tournaments. As my business has grown, I’ve had some pretty cool opportunities, including getting to work with former NBA star Jermaine O’Neal Sr. and collaborate with Dove on a special project focused on empowering young women. Today, I’m proud to be a full-time photographer, specializing in senior portraits and youth sports—turning my passion into a dream career.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. In the beginning, I wasn’t sure if I could really make a living doing photography and visual content—it’s one of those creative paths that people with traditional careers often don’t take seriously. Some of my coworkers were genuinely concerned when I decided to leave my stable teaching job to dive into the unknown as a full-time girl boss. What really pushed me to choose one path over the other was the moment I realized I was pulling at least one all-nighter a week just to process and deliver photography orders—then showing up the next morning to teach high schoolers with zero sleep. With three kids at home, it wasn’t fair to keep giving them a half-present version of me. While I still struggle with the balance of running a solo-operated business and being “on the clock” around the clock, I’m learning to manage it better every day and continue to grow with it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a professional photographer , who occasionally dabbles in videography. I specialize in seniors/grad sessions, as well as sports but honestly I do it all! I take a handful of weddings on each year because I enjoy them in small doses. I think if anyone who if familiar with my work were to be asked, they would say that “Chelle is always gonna capture the emotion in the moment”. I aim to portray feelings/personality through the work I do. I think what sets me apart is my artistic background. I majored in art in college, became certified to teach k-12 Art, and taught high school level art for 11 years. I try my best to come up with new and creative things to do, not just a cookie cutter session. Ps. I also really like incorporating effects like fire into my photo sessions!
Any big plans?
As of now, I am just aiming to continue growing and expanding out as much as possible. I’d like to eventually get to the point where I can have employees that take on jobs under my name and share the same vision I have.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cchellesphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cchellesvisuals/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cchellesvisuals
- Twitter: https://x.com/cchellesvisuals
Image Credits
All photos taken by me
