Next Frame: Get Undeniably Qualified for a Photo Career, with Chelsea Mayer

“Wow, this is your job? I didn't know that was a job! That's amazing. Can I have this job?”

All Photographs © Chelsea Mayer, unless otherwise noted in captions

That offhand epiphany neatly sums up the enviable career path of wildlife, adventure, and travel photographer Chelsea Mayer. From an early start with her mom’s camera to her selection for an Ambassador mentorship, before becoming a partner photographer, with Girls Who Click, all the way through to her certifications as a 100-ton boat captain and professional divemaster, the course Chelsea plotted has made her undeniably qualified for a thriving career.

In today’s show, we do a deep dive into the steps she’s taken to keep her career moving forward and the vital role of mentors who’ve kept her motivated and focused on details that count. And on the flip side, Chelsea talks about common fears and obstacles creatives must overcome to land a dream job like her current role with National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions.

“There are so many different paths to get a job in photography or adjacent to photography,” Chelsea points out. Yet, as her story make crystal clear, “How do you know that you want to do it if you didn’t know it exists?

Guest: Chelsea Mayer

Episode Timeline:

• 2:15: Chelsea’s early interest in photography and filmmaking, then adding structure through formal education.
• 5:31: From a casual whale watching trip to finding a photo job on the boat.
• 8:26: Chelsea’s involvement with the organization Girls Who Click—from ambassador to partner.
• 13:18: Chelsea talks about uncertainty and roadblocks in building her photo career.
• 15:29: Pivoting to a new opportunity to sell limited edition fine art prints due constant travel in her current job.
• 18:49: Overcoming a fear of public speaking in a new role at National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions.
• 22:04: Chelsea’s gear for whale watching expeditions and underwater work.
• 24:48: Chelsea’s disarming approach to teaching, the inspiration she draws from the outside world, and finding focus in photographing for fine art prints.
• 30:46: Chelsea describes a magical underwater experience with a Mola Mola.
• 32:48: Breaking through walls and asserting herself in a male dominated field.
• 36:01: Chelsea’s aspirations for the future: owning a boat and teaching photography in Antarctica.
• 37:24: Advice for other young photographers: become undeniably qualified.

Guest Bio:

Chelsea Mayer is a photographer and cinematographer specializing in wildlife, adventure, and portrait photography. A California native, she attended UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television, earning a BA in film production. After spending a few years working on films, Chelsea turned her sights seaward to work as a wildlife photographer and social media manager for local whale watching boats. In 2022, she joined National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions as a certified photo instructor, captain, and naturalist, traveling along the Pacific coast from Alaska to Baja, and to Scotland.

Chelsea is a US Coast Guard-licensed 100-ton Captain, a professionally certified Divemaster, a certified naturalist for a number of organizations, and a Partner Photographer with Girls Who Click, a nonprofit mentorship organization dedicated to empowering the next generation of female nature photographers.

When not on expedition or pursuing photo projects, Chelsea works as a dive supervisor, camera assistant, and safety diver for natural history film productions.

Host: Derek Fahsbender

Senior Creative Producer: Jill Waterman

Senior Producer: Mike Weinstein

Executive Producer: Richard Stevens