Meet Ciera Thompson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ciera Thompson.

Ciera, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started my interest in photography when I was in high school. I took Photo 1 my freshman year and fell in love with the entire process, from shooting to processing the film, to the finished product. I loved being able to bring something I had always seen in my head, to life. I was also in Journalism and apart of my high school newspaper (and middle school as well), where I took my own photos for my stories and articles. Throughout high school, I was determined to go to ASU to become a journalist and have photography as a minor. Just before graduation, I changed my major and went to ASU for Special Education and Elementary Education. I later got my masters in Applied Behavior Analysis, so I’m a special education teacher during the day, and a photographer all of the other times! My favorite is when I’m asked to photograph events and fun things happening around my school or district and get to have my two passions come together as one.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Is it ever a smooth road? I’ve always struggled with putting too many things on my plate at one time and trying to be a superhuman. There is also a constant struggle of “Am I good enough for this”, “Will they like my style?” “What if they hate the photos”, but those are thoughts that you have to push away, and just enjoy the moment you’re in! Nobody is going to have your same style or way you look at a session or even a location, and you have to trust that if someone comes to you wanting your service, that you’re exactly what they’re looking for! I think the best part of the struggle is pushing myself out of my safe zone, and really putting myself out there. I’ve met a lot of really incredible people that I wouldn’t have been able to without these struggles and pushing my way through them.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a lifestyle photographer by trade. I wouldn’t necessarily say that I specialize in something specific, I’m not a wedding photographer but I have photographed weddings, etc. I enjoy photographing events, families, and inventory for local boutiques! I am most proud of my connection with my clients. They are more than just one time clients, they turn into lifelong friends. I am able to watch my clients’ lives grow, from couples photos to engagements, to weddings and then to watch their family grow. I think the fact that I make these connections and take the time to learn about them and their wants and needs set me apart from the rest.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I feel that there aren’t markers with success. I feel that success is something you feel from within. It’s when you persevere through difficult times and make it through. Success is a feeling of excitement about what you do, sticking through the hard times and getting through them, and living a lifestyle that you are proud of.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cierakay.com
• Email: cierakayphotography@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/cierakayphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cierakayphotography

Image Credit:
Ciera Kay Photography

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