Today we’d like to introduce you to Cherie Miracle.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my photography journey long before I had a camera in hand. As a child, I read a book (the name escapes me) but the hero of the story was a detective and would say the word “click” to capture moments in her mind. Even as a child, I related that to photography, although I doubt I connected the dots back then. Fast forward to a mission trip that I took in 1998 to Costa Rica. I took a Kodak Disk 4000 camera with me to take photos of my time there. The world unfolded before me as I instinctively used the rule of thirds to make the photos make sense. The photos I took on that old camera are still some of my favorites. It wasn’t until 2010 that I bought a DSLR Canon to take photos of our time in Alaska. That love for photography bubbled up yet again. I took mainly landscape and wildlife photos, as well as photos of our family. I started realizing that I really did have a knack for photography and continued through our few years in Alaska. We then moved to Colorado with the Army, and shortly after, a friend from Alaska moved nearby. She asked if I would take photos for her daughter’s 5-year birthday. I agreed and was pleasantly surprised at how well they turned out. That was in 2013 and it was just the nudge I needed. I used my kids as my models as I figured out how to use the settings for correct exposure and poses. It has been 13 years since the beginning of my portrait photography business, and I have loved every minute. I have been a full-time photographer in southern Arizona since late 2019 and have made countless amazing friends because of it. I do everything – from engagements, weddings, births, newborn, and families, to events, headshots, real estate and beyond.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been smooth sailing the whole way. I am completely self-taught and that in itself was a struggle. There were lots of mistakes made but I also consider myself a better photographer because I had to learn in real time how to fix things in order to be successful. When we moved from Colorado to Arizona, despite having a well-rounded portfolio, I didn’t have a single booking for three months. My business was not yet known in Sierra Vista, so no one used me. I can now say with confidence that I am one of the most well-known photographers in this area, having served it for over 10 years. Another struggle that I have had is “imposter syndrome”. We photographers are notorious for comparing ourselves to other local photogs and I am no different. Wondering why you’re not getting booked while others do is frustrating and makes you question everything. However, building a strong network with other photographers that build each other up has made a huge difference in how I view the market and other photographers.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have gone back and forth about if I should specialize in a specific type of photography. However, when I am given the opportunity to do different types of photography, I always jump at the chance. I have done every type of photography. Engagements, weddings, births (which always make me cry!), newborn, family, senior, events, headshots, real estate, and even a few Crossfit competitions!
I think of those listed, I am most known for my family sessions. It is by far the type of session that I book the most. I think what sets me apart, and something that I have heard several times from clients over the years, is that I put people at ease during their sessions. I chat and joke with my clients and their kids to the point where I have been told that they feel like they’ve known me for years by the end of the session. Those types of responses make my job incredibly rewarding!
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t believe in luck. I have worked incredibly hard to build a business that I am truly proud of. I also know that God has given me this gift and has blessed my business and life because I put Him first.
Pricing:
- $300-375 family sessions
- $1,000-2,500 weddings
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cmiraclephotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmiraclephotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cmiraclephotography
