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

Cherise, appreciate you joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Yes, I earn a full time living from my photography business. When I quit my corporate job ten years ago to pursue photography full time, I had 9 months+ of my monthly bills saved. Those initial months were crucial in determining whether I could sustain myself as a full-time photographer or if I’d need to go back to a corporate job. Fortunately, it’s been a decade, and I’ve never had to look back. Managing finances wisely was key during those early stages, recognizing that income in entrepreneurship can vary greatly from one month to the next.

I worked as an associate shooter for another company to gain experience as well as fill any gaps in my schedule, this allowed a steady flow of money to come in while I was building my portfolio at great venues with a diverse clientele. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing about my journey. The associate shooter role not only provided financial stability but also contributed significantly to my growth as a photographer. Each step, each challenge, and each success played a part in shaping my business. The organic growth and the lessons learned were invaluable.

Cherise, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m an international published photographer specializing in luxury weddings and portraits. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, I’m also seasonally available in my hometown, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, and open to capturing beautiful moments at out-of-state and destination weddings.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of photographing weddings in various exotic locations, including Hawaii, Haiti, Turks & Caicos, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and many more. My corporate work with the annual National Health Disparities Conference has taken me to Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Recently, I was featured on two episodes of VH1’s “My Celebrity Dream Wedding,” capturing two incredible weddings. I had the honor of shooting an editorial wedding fashion spread with Atlanta Style Weddings, gracing the covers of both the March/April issues for Atlanta Style Weddings and Chicago Style Weddings. My work has been published in prestigious magazines such as Essence, Ebony, Glamour Magazine, Modern Luxury Weddings Atlanta, Black Bride, Munaluchi, and others.

I’m proud to have won The Knot Best of Weddings award every year from 2016 to 2024, earning the Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame award. Out of 1,000 photographers listed on The Knot in Atlanta, Cherise Richards Photography is one of only two black-owned businesses with a Knot Hall of Fame award in Georgia. When you book with me, you’re choosing the best of the best!

I owe much of my success to my mentor, celebrity photographer Derek Blanks, with whom I worked for five years. His guidance in lighting and creating magazine-ready images has been invaluable. As a former resident photographer for the Bailey Agency School of Fashion, owned by Cynthia Bailey, I collaborated with director Terrence Staunton, overseeing photography for agency talent.

One of my proudest moments was having a celebrity wedding featured in Essence. The feature, “Bridal Bliss: En Vogue’s Rhona Bennett Married Her Best Friend, and Cindy & Terry Were Her Bridesmaids,” showcased the enchanting union of Rhona Bennett. Capturing the joy, elegance, and intimate moments of that day was truly special.

What I want my followers and clients to know is that I invest time and care into every image. I meticulously ensure each photo meets the highest standards. I touch every photo in a wedding, reviewing my work multiple times to deliver nothing but perfection. Your vision is transformed into a timeless masterpiece with my editorial-style lighting and attention to detail, making each photograph a testament to my commitment to excellence.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My reputation has been shaped by a combination of attention to detail, a diverse and impressive portfolio, continuous learning, and industry recognition – all of which contribute to positioning my brand as a leader in luxury wedding and portrait photography. Being consistent with the dedication, quality and service I provide was key.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn in my journey was the habit of offering free or heavily discounted rates to family and friends. Initially, my intention was to be generous and supportive, but unfortunately, it led to unintended consequences and resentment when my efforts weren’t fully appreciated.

The backstory behind this lesson revolves around instances where I found myself feeling used and undervalued. Despite pouring my time, skill, and resources into providing my services at a reduced cost or for free, there were occasions when the lack of appreciation and understanding created strains in my relationships.

Realizing the impact on both my business and personal connections, I made a conscious decision to break this pattern. Now, I prioritize setting clear boundaries and saying no when necessary, especially if I sense that providing discounted services might strain relationships or lead to a lack of mutual respect.

While it’s always difficult to say no, particularly to those close to us, the lesson I had to unlearn was the importance of valuing my time, expertise, and the business I’ve worked hard to build. Recognizing the potential negative consequences of undervaluing my services has allowed me to establish healthier boundaries and maintain a more positive balance between my personal and professional relationships. It’s a lesson in self-respect and ensuring that the value of my work is acknowledged and respected by those around me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cheriserichardsphotography.com
• Instagram: @cheriserichards
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CheriseRichardsPhotography

Image Credits
My headshot photo credit Derek Blanks