We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Carrie Cleghorn . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Carrie below.

Alright, Carrie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

In my time spent as a photographer, I have thrown myself into many different genres. Initially only wanting to photograph things, not people (I don’t want to talk to strangers…ew). Once I met other photographers, I decided to try as many things as possible. I was part of a meetup group for photographers in my area, my first meeting was a studio shoot with models. Prior to this, I had NEVER worked with people (other than my kids) and to work with off camera flash..posing. I was in over my head but I absolutely LOVED it, the more challenging the better. This gave me the opportunity to meet a dear photographer friend of mine who encouraged me to join the Professional Photographers Guild of Colorado Springs.

After joining what we affectionately call, the Guild, my skills improved. I have sought to learn from those with years (some decades) of experience, this group had (has) it all. Every genre represented, most were willing to share knowledge and give you opportunities to learn first hand (assisting). As my skill set grew, I became overwhelmed at the same time. So many things to learn and master (though can anyone ever truly master photography??), I had to take a step back and narrow down my goals. I took nearly every workshop offered, went to all the meetings and entered Image Competitions.

It was through entering Image Competition (PPGCS and IPC) that I made my largest leap in skills. Most view image competition fearfully, how do I stack up against the superstars?? We go through phases, first the judges have NO idea what they are talking about…clearly they are ALL wrong. Once this period ends, we move to the okay they seem to know what they are talking about but it still stings (a LOT). After these two initial phases, I went into my current phase which is I need as many eyes on my work as possible. When I say eyes, I do mean the eyes of my respected peers, those who are at the level I am working towards. I learned from what they saw that I didn’t, and over the years I have learned what to look for in my images for competition which in turn makes my client work that much better. With all of the “competition” entering, my goal is NOT to beat everyone else. My goal is to become a better photographer, I compete only with myself. This has been one of the most important tools I have used to become a better photographer.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started down my artistic path with borrowing a friend’s “real” camera while living in Okinawa, Japan. My oldest daughter was starting kindergarten and my husband was deployed to Afghanistan at the time. I wanted to take photos of her for him and wanted them to be better than the cellphone shots (this is around 2011). Once I used that camera, I was hooked! I used a simple point and shoot for snorkeling photos and other random things but deep down, I knew I needed something more. Once we were back in the States, my husband bought me a “real” camera for Christmas. It was when I photographed my niece (a sweet little baby at the time), I felt it. The deep burning to dive right into being a photographer but I was afraid to say it out loud. Some time passed and I said it out loud, I am a photographer. I was suddenly whole, this is what I am meant to do.

Currently I am working for a couple of other photographers doing High Volume photography (sports, schools, military events). Portraiture is my main squeeze photographically speaking, people are my jam! Working with a person, you get to learn so much about them, even in a short time frame. Watching someone change from being anxious about the process to loving what they see and truly enjoying the experience gives me the warm fuzzies. Showing someone how amazing they are and seeing their eyes light up, that’s what it’s all about!

Other than the volume work, I have branched out from the traditional portrait work to include digital painting. My goal with this is to turn my photographic work into truly unique and timeless pieces. The image evolves from a digital photograph to digital painting then to a physical painting. This has opened up many possibilities for sessions along with something many other photographers don’t do for their clients. This part of the process is truly my happy place, it’s the final piece of the process I wanted.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

My art is an interpretation of reality as I see it and I get the opportunity to give it to others. To create for others is just sublime.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I have ADHD and hyperfocusing on one small aspect of life (any aspect) can cause the rest of things to fall apart. It can feel like you are almost drowning with just your nose sticking out of the water. Trying to start a business while dealing with life in general (not just being a mom of 3 kids and 2 dogs…) is overwhelming. I would bounce from marketing to pricing to where on earth are all these “clients” while feeling like the rest of my life was crumbling around me. One day I realized my limitations and acknowledged, where I am right now is not a good place for me or my family. I decided to put the business aspect aside so I could focus on being there for my youngest. She plays ice hockey and is now a freshman in high school. I wanted to be present for her and was being pulled in a million different directions. Once I settled on my business pause, things started becoming easier. Pivoting for my own mental health and being there for my family allowed me to move forward in my art. I learned a completely new skill set that is much more fulfilling. Had I not encountered the struggles, I would not have become the artist I am today. Being able to pivot and adapt has created more opportunities for myself and allowed me to continue at a more productive pace.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @coloradospringsportrait
• Facebook: Carrie Cleghorn