Chelsea Francis is an editorial photographer in Austin, Texas. She also specializes in portraits and brand building. Above all, she loves connecting people. She even coined the term “connector” to include on her website  Her background is in marketing and PR, and Francis loves to integrate that with her photography skills. During SXSW, she is hosting a meetup for photographers in the industry to connect with each other, no matter where the photographer is traveling from. Her goal is to give creative a way to network with each other outside of the wedding photography industry, since that market is typically easier to network in.

What do you specialize in and how long have you been doing photography?

I specialize in editorial photography, photography for businesses, some commercial work, and portraiture.

What is your favorite part about living in Austin or Austin in general?

I love the fact that everyone is so friendly and so willing to reach out, and willing to meet up for coffee or grab happy hour and exchange stories. When I moved here and wanted to start a business, everyone was so kind and so wonderful. I would [say], “I’m looking for this job but I’m actually a photographer,” people would [say], “Hold on, you have to meet this person,” and it was just back-to-back [of that]. I feel like that’s the aura of community in Austin. That’s definitely my favorite part.

You’re doing a meetup in Austin. Tell me a little bit about that?

I am doing a meetup for photographers, in particular female photographers. I don’t shoot wedding photography, I have a lot of friends that do, but I feel like there’s not a lot of community for women who don’t shoot weddings. The meetup is not for women who don’t shoot weddings necessarily, but I’m hoping that a lot of different female photographers can come out and be able to network and talk to other women photographers.

What are you looking forward to at SXSW?

I am very much looking forward to seeing the cast of This Is Us speak. It seems so silly, but I’m really excited about it. I’m also looking forward to a bunch of the parties, a lot of the music; I think that will all be really fun. SXSW is always such a wonderful time to just get out and find out where the day takes you.

Sunday, March 11

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

JW Marriott – Room 213

Find out more: Photography Meet Up

Featured image: SXSW