Life & Work with Kaycee Cherry

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaycee Cherry.

Hi Kaycee, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story? 
Growing up, I remember always asking my parents for different cameras. When the iPhone started to take better-quality photos, I remember taking friends out for “photoshoots.” For as long as I can remember, I’ve always appreciated and enjoyed photography; I just never had the means to pursue it professionally. 

Jumping ahead to 2019, I moved to Arizona from my home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. During Covid, I got offered a job at my church working with the communications and marketing team. I had no experience in this field and had no idea what I was doing. I was quickly handed a camera and told to “figure it out” and to take photos for social media. I was instantly reminded of my love for taking photos. I ended up purchasing my own camera, and I began doing photo sessions for friends. The next thing I knew, I began booking weddings left and right, traveling to multiple different states, and found myself becoming a professional photographer. 

During the summer of 2023, I realized the difficulty of balancing 2 full-time jobs and wanted to fully invest my energy into my true passion – wedding photography (I’m a hopeless romantic, so documenting weddings seems fitting). In August of 2023, I quit my job at the church, moved from Prescott to Chandler, and started a new journey as a full-time Arizona and Traveling Wedding Photographer and business owner. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Smooth would not be a word I would use to describe this journey. While it has been one of my greatest joys, it has brought many challenges and hasn’t been what I expected. No one tells you about all of the aspects of owning your own business – not only have I become a photographer, but I have also become a social media manager, content creator, customer service representative, marketing specialist, financial advisor and auditor, website developer, graphic designer, admin worker, wedding planner, and so much more. In this job, you’re required to wear many hats, and I didn’t anticipate that. This has required so much patience and grace with myself as I navigate learning about things I’ve never had to do before. It’s been a huge challenge for me, but I wouldn’t change any of it. It’s all a part of the journey. 

Another struggle that I’ve encountered is being a creative in a world of creators and influencers. There are more creatives now more than ever, which brings many challenges. What I personally struggle with the most is comparison and insecurities with my own work. Every time you get on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, etc., you are exposed to different people’s work. It’s such a comparison trap if you’re not careful. On Instagram, the algorithm could make one photographer’s post randomly go viral while another photographer’s post only gets 10 views. It’s moments like that that have causes discouragement and have made me wonder what I’m doing wrong. You’re constantly exposed to different styles and trends. If not careful, I find myself wondering if I need to change my style to be more inclusive of a trend or to be more appealing to certain clients. I’m usually reminded of the importance of standing out and being unique in a world of similarities. I’m learning how to appreciate and value my work for all that it is and to not be in competition with other photographers but to instead be a champion of their art. Being a business owner can be so lonely, and I’m realizing the importance of surrounding myself with a positive, uplifting community. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a professional Traveling Wedding Photographer based in Arizona. I specialize in all things couples and love, whether that be traditional weddings, engagement sessions, intimate elopements, or simply photos with your lover just because. As a hopeless romantic, I LOVE love! 

I would describe my work as photos that intentionally document and tell a story while remaining natural, romantic, and moody, with an editorial feel. 

What sets me apart is my approach to my relationships with my couples. Throughout our time together, I aim to make you feel valued and special, and truly want to know you as individual people. Our time together isn’t transactional or a business trade but a time of hanging out, becoming friends, having fun, and creating memories that you and your loved one can always share together. 99% of the time, couples tell me that they hate taking photos, are too awkward, and don’t know what to do. Through building a genuine connection, I find that my couples feel more comfortable during photos and actually have FUN (yes, fun!). My goal is for you to walk away having had a great time and for it to be an experience you’ll cherish for forever. 

The photo sessions I’m most proud of are ones that truly capture and represents who they are together. I specifically love to create a shoot that documents the things you enjoy doing together – whether that’s watching Netflix or cooking in your home, traveling, visiting your favorite bar, riding bikes around town, visiting museums, etc. I want the photos to be meaningful, to show emotion, and to hold a true story. 

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What do I like least about Phoenix, Arizona? The heat! I thrive in a prime temperature of 75 degrees and struggle to function when it’s over 90 outside… 

What I LOVE about Arizona, in general, is the diversity that it offers. From mountains to desert and a great 4 seasons, it truly is a beautiful state to live in. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kayceecherryphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayceecherryphoto/