Interview with Photographer Cheree Federico

Cheree Federico, of Cheree Federico Photography, is a local photographer whose work is bright, fresh and fun with an artistic twist. Her positive outlook is an inspiration to many who know her and is evident in her work. Although she’s not yet a household name, that is soon to change. Her dedication to photography can be seen not only in her creative portfolio, but in her willingness to share her knowledge and skills.

She is an active member and contributor to Southern Kentucky Photographer’s Club and was recently promoted to Administrator. On Clickin Moms, her contributions have resulted in several features. In addition, Cheree consistently updates her Facebook business page and websites with engaging content keeping her followers involved and informed. Earlier in 2010, Cheree was commissioned to do a product session for The Sassy Closet, a local children’s clothing designer, who was another of her many happy clients.

How old are you and how many years have you been photographing?

I’m 40 years old and I’ve been a photographer, using the term loosely, for around ten years.  I have been steadily working on improving and growing my business over the last three years.

Where are you located? What is your service area and specializations?

I live in Bowling Green, KY specializing in on-location, natural light photography in and around Bowling Green with clientele in Warren, Logan, and surrounding counties.  I also offer portrait and wedding photography along with macro, pet, fine art and more.

Introduce yourself and your photography such as why you became a photographer?

I am the wife of 19 years to my best friend, Ric. I’m a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom to three awesome kids, Megan, Dalton, and Cameron. I homeschool our kids and have seen our daughter through all of her education. I’m still teaching our two boys. I also have two furry kids, Shelby, a favorite subject of mine, and George, who really doesn’t care to be photographed. And of course, my artistic outlet is photography. With three children, I am always taking pictures.  But at some point I decided I wanted to do more than just take a picture.  I wanted to tell stories with my art, perhaps evoke emotion through it.  I’ve come a long way, but I know there is always room for improvement.

What is your photography experience? What got you started and have you won any awards?

I’m self-taught and have found most of what I learned through books, internet articles, and online photography forums. I also learned a lot through trial and error when shooting. I’ve always owned a camera but really started to get serious about photography about ten years ago.  I love the stories great photographs can tell, the emotions they evoke, and decided I wanted to tell a few for myself.  I’ve been featured twice on the ClickinMoms blog (www.clickinmoms.com/blog/) as their Macrolicious Monday artist, and have had my work exhibited in an area library, offices, etc.

What goals do you have for your photography in the future?

I would like to continue growing my business in the portrait area while specializing in pets and macro and I would like to see my art sales increase as well. I have an art gallery online (www.chereefederico.photoreflect.com) for anyone to place orders for many different size images and canvases; I’d like to get the word out about the gallery and increase traffic flow to it.  I would very much like to see my lifestyle pet photography business grow.  I adore animals which makes it very easy for me to photograph them.

Who inspires or influences you? Who are your favorite photographers?  

Very few things make me happier than rocking my camera – whether it’s at a session, in my daily comings & goings, or with the little things that many people pass by. It makes me absolutely giddy when I walk away from a shot and I can’t wait to see what I captured! I am inspired by many, but mostly I am inspired by my husband.  He’s my greatest fan and supporter and he encourages me daily. He is a writer and we’ve discovered lots of parallels in our crafts.  I don’t necessarily have a favorite photographer; I enjoy the works of many, and look to books, magazines, etc. for great and inspiring photographs. I don’t follow anyone specifically on a daily basis, but two photographers I follow fairly regularly are Adrian Hitt and Ash Newell.  I bet you all thought I would say Jasmine Star, Becker, or Jessica Clair to name a few.

What equipment or software you use? What is your favorite lens and why?

My camera is a Canon 5D Mark II. I use only Canon lenses and have a 50mm 1.4, a 50mm 2.5 macro, and an 85mm 1.8.  I also have a Canon 580 EXII external flash.  I run Adobe Photoshop CS4 on an iMac. If I could only use one lens, it would be my macro.  Macro photography intrigues me and is definitely my favorite.  I can also use the macro lens for portraits if I choose to do so.  The next lens I plan to add is the Canon 100mm 2.8L Macro.

What advice or tips do you want to share to readers?

My advice for readers who want to pursue a photography business is to learn both the technical and business aspects first.  Know how to operate your camera and learn all you can about what it takes to make a photograph a WOW image. Learn manual control.  Even if you go back to shooting in auto, manual exposure can teach you so much about how to make an image shine. Don’t fall into the mind-trap of “I have a camera. I am a photographer and I can make it in this business”. Learn all you can about running a business, get client contracts in place, build a portfolio, and then if you still have the desire, start your business. The market is saturated with photographers — some just starting out and some who have been doing it for years.  It’s a daily challenge to improve and make it in photography. I like to enjoy life and – if I’m lucky – I’ll capture something really special in the next photo I take.

Photography is obviously Cheree’s passion; it shows in her work and in the way she talks about the art, craft, and business of photography. See more of Cheree Federico’s work or learn more:

All images are © Cheree Federico of ‘Cheree Federico Photography’ and have been used with permission. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited and punishable by law.

About the author: Amber Flowers is a photographer, digital artist and writer most known for her infrared photography and the ‘fine art’ feel to her work. She is a member of The League of Creative Infrared Photographers and Founder of Southern Kentucky Photographer’s Club. Amber resides in Glasgow KY with her husband, two children and several pets. You can learn more about her on her website: www.soulgazephotography.com