Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheryl Schoen.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I am an Image Whisperer…
I have had a lifelong love affair with photography. I think it began in 6th grade and just continued over the years. I am self-taught and have had the opportunity to hone my skills with friends, family and through my world travels. Creating images with my Canon is deeply personal to me and time with my shutter is something I relish. Although my initial career path led me into the world of medicine (I am an RN, as well), I discovered I have the heart and imagination of a creative, and I am at my happiest when I can combine my passion with my natural healing abilities.
Please tell us about your art.
I specialize in editorial/stylized portraiture – think Vanity Fair. My clients all receive a consultation prior to the shoot, so we can get all the details down for how they want to be photographed – wardrobe, accessories, etc… Professional hair & makeup creatives are called in to help create the look they want. During this time a little champagne is brought out to help the client relax a bit. After that, it’s just us – to have fun and create the ABSOLUTE BEST portraits they will ever have of themselves.
I photograph everyone, but working with women and allowing them to step into their OWN beautiful is my special joy. So many pressures to be perfect have led women to a place of self-hatred, and life has made them forget how they started out on their journeys. Sometimes we need a gentle reminder of how amazingly layered and perfect we already are. While most folks fear the camera, I’m a trusted friend who can hold their hand and gently lead them back to the one in the mirror who has loved them all along. That is my hope for every single person who gets in front of my lens.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
That is a good question… Honestly, I think it’s staying ORIGINAL; having something that is truly yours.
Social media has done some incredible things for the creative community. It has given face and voice to many who had great difficulties being seen and heard. However, at the same time, that very thing can kill originality. Folks start copying others and before you know it, everyone is making a cat ring, everyone is photographing people with flowers on the heads.
Having said that, there are so many folks out there doing some amazing things, in the way only they can do it. The best feeling is when you find someone doing something fresh and in a way no one else has… yet! So, if you have something you need to share, get to it.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Hmm… Not on exhibit anywhere; not yet!
I have been doing some branding work for clients – recently did all marketing photos for a fabulously fun NEW boutique in Solana Beach, called Blüsandz Boutique. It’s on South Cedros, near West Elm.
I am in process of rebooting my web site; making it more edgy. However, you can get a peek at some of the work I do on my website. My Instagram is WAY current and fun and allows me to indulge in all things photo.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cisimages.com
- Phone: Upon request
- Email: Cheryl@cisimages.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cisimages/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CISImages/
Image Credit:
All photos (c) CIS IMAGES
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
