For Chelsea McCracken, camping trips with her family became some of her most cherished childhood memories. After chatting with her in the Kind Light studio, it’s easy to see why she holds them so dear. Those trips—beyond the beauty and healing nature of the outdoors—instilled a philosophy that still guides her today. 

 “When we left, my parents taught my brother and me that we always had to leave the site nicer than when we arrived,” she recalled. “And that’s something I’ve carried with me every day and put into everything I do.” 

 Having worked with Chelsea at the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce for nearly four years, I’ve seen how deeply that philosophy runs. It’s in the way she approaches her work, her relationships, and even the smallest details that often go overlooked. 

 When she stepped into her role as Associate Vice President of Human Resources, I was struck by how seamlessly she wove thoughtfulness into everything. I remember escorting a candidate to an interview and walking into a conference room that had been impeccably prepared—pens, paper, copies of their résumé and cover letter, snacks, and water, all perfectly arranged. It was such a simple act, but it spoke volumes.

Her approach to work, relationships, and even the smallest details stems from a simple yet profound belief: “Kindness first. Humility. We’re all just humans.” It’s a conscious decision she makes and, frankly, doesn’t know how to operate any other way. “Whether it’s a hobby or an activity, or we’re showing up for a partner or for work, we’re all just humans first. Once we realize that, we can relate to one another better. It breaks down barriers, and that’s when we can get things done in a more connective way.” 

I recognized that energy in her even before I got to know her. When I did her headshot for the Chamber’s website back in 2022, I could see it—not just in her expression, but in the way she carries herself. Some people have a light about them. You can see it in how they treat others; how freely they give. In Chelsea’s case, I could see it in her smile just before I hit the shutter button. She said one of the most meaningful compliments she’s ever received was that her smile reaches her eyes. 

And yet, not everyone catches that at first. “People tell me I come off as contained and reserved when they first meet me,” she admitted. “I think I’m the exact opposite. I’m silly and goofy—but I’ve heard over and over that people can’t read me.”

I know all too well what it’s like to be perceived as serious, reserved, or even standoffish. One of the first things I tell people before a photoshoot is how hard it is for me to just put a natural smile on my face. It’s not that I’m necessarily brooding or unapproachable—I’m just an observer. I study expressions, movements, the way people exist and move through a space. Maybe that’s why I feel most comfortable behind the camera. 

Chelsea nodded and went on. “I’m definitely an ingrained listener. Anytime I’m in new places or meeting new people, I tend to just observe and listen.” 

Once she’s comfortable, though, that’s when her true self emerges—the one who loves to dance, sing, and be silly. She thrives on movement. “I love to exercise, and as I get older, it’s not even about physical appearance anymore. It’s about how it makes me feel. Anything that gets me out of my head and into my body—it just makes me feel like myself.” 

She called it communing with yourself—a phrase I hadn’t heard before, but instantly understood. Running has become my own form of communing. It clears mental fog, unlocks creativity, and it even inspired this blog series. The energy I bring to my family after a long day, the ability to help someone relax in front of the camera—it all comes from that space of self-reconnection. Movement clears the mental fog enough to see the next steps forward.

For Chelsea, communing with herself isn’t just about feeling good in the moment—it’s what keeps her grounded. “When I’m being most critical of myself, when I feel like I’m missing the mark—that’s when I realize it really starts with my own self-care,” she said. “The attitude I bring into a space has so much to do with my perception—and others’ perception of me. Taking time to exercise, to be in nature, to go to therapy, to spend time with my friends, my family, my dog—the people who fill me up….” She paused for a moment before adding, “You know, people who are givers,” she gestured between the two of us. “We have to start with ourselves, and then we have so much more to give.” 

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” It’s a reminder that no matter what’s happening externally, the one thing we always have control over is our attitude. Through my lens, Chelsea’s philosophy is elegant and simple: Take care of what takes care of you. For her, movement, nature, and the people and animals who lift her up make it possible to shine that kind light every day.

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Kind Light Charleston is an emerging professional headshot and personal portrait photography studio based in Charleston, South Carolina. I’m always looking for people to highlight in my blog, so if you know someone who shines a kind light in this world, I want to meet them! Reach out to josh@kindlightcharleston.com.