Christine Sheeren

I attribute my success to a genuine love for what I do, a strong work ethic, and the courage to stand behind my value, and none of that happened overnight! At the core of it all is a deep belief in this craft. When you truly love what you do, it shows in every image, every client interaction, every session. That passion drives everything else.

But passion alone isn't enough, it takes hard work, consistency, and a commitment to never stop growing. It took years of showing up, putting in the work, and continuously investing in myself as both an artist and a businesswoman before I truly reached a place of confidence. Programs like Texas School of Professional Photography have been instrumental in shaping my skills, deepening my artistry, and connecting me with a community of fellow photographers who push me to keep growing.

I also see client education as a core part of what I do. There's so much that goes into this work that people don't always see . . . the training, the years of refinement, the experience I bring to every session. When clients understand the full picture, they stop seeing it as a cost and start seeing it as an investment in something truly meaningful. The clients who get that are the ones I'm meant to work with, and those relationships are the most fulfilling part of this work.

The best career advice I ever received was to find the specific type of photography that truly excites you and focus there. It sounds simple, but it's transformative. When you stop trying to be everything to everyone and lean into what you genuinely love, your work elevates, your confidence grows, and the right clients find you. Specializing gave me direction and purpose, and it shaped the photographer I've become.

The other piece of advice that has stayed with me is to know your worth from the very beginning and build from there. Confidence in pricing is something most photographers struggle with early on, I certainly did. But I was told early in my career to stand firm, and that guidance proved invaluable. It took years of experience and growth to fully internalize it, but having that foundation planted early made all the difference. The two pieces of advice go hand in hand, when you know what you love and you're doing it well, standing behind your value becomes a whole lot easier.

My advice to young women entering photography is to price with intention and let your experience guide you. When you're just starting out, it's okay to price where you are but know that your rates should grow as your skills, confidence, and portfolio do. Pricing isn't something you set once and forget, it's something you evolve into.

Take the time to understand what you offer and what goes into your work because that's the foundation of pricing yourself well. Find the type of photography that truly lights you up and focus there. When you're doing work you love, it shows, and that passion is what builds your expertise, your reputation, and ultimately your confidence in charging what you're worth. The first few years are about learning, building, and finding your footing.

I'd also strongly encourage young photographers to invest in their community. Programs like Texas School of Professional Photography are incredible for finding your people, building your network, and gaining the confidence that ultimately shapes how you show up, in your work and in your business. Keep learning, keep growing, and trust that the right clients will always recognize your value.

One of the biggest challenges in photography right now is that what we create isn't always tangible in the traditional sense. Clients see the hour we spend together, they receive their files, and maybe they print a few images. What they don't always see is everything behind that, the years of education, the mastery of lighting and posing and editing, the artistry and intention that goes into every shot. Helping people understand the full value of that experience is an ongoing and important part of what I do.

The economy has also shifted how people think about spending, and photography is one of those investments that can feel easy to minimize, that is until you have images you'll treasure for a lifetime. That's where education comes in. I see it as part of my role to help clients connect with the deeper meaning of what they're getting, not just the deliverables.

But honestly, this moment also comes with real opportunity. AI has changed the landscape of photography, and rather than seeing it as a threat, I've embraced it as a tool. When used thoughtfully, AI can enhance workflow, elevate editing, and open up creative possibilities that didn't exist before. The key is understanding how to use it in a way that amplifies your own voice and vision, not replaces it.

At the heart of everything I do is a deep belief in the power of preserving memories and understanding the profound impact a photograph can have on a person's life. We live in a digital age where everything is shared on a screen and quickly forgotten, but a printed image endures. It sits on a wall, it lives in a frame, it gets passed down. I've seen firsthand how grateful people are when they have those prints, and how much they grieve when they don't. That emotional connection is what I'm always reaching for.

There's also something happening in our culture that I feel strongly about. Research has shown that children who grow up seeing family portraits on the walls of their home develop a stronger sense of identity and belonging. We've moved away from that tradition, and I think we're starting to feel the loss of it. Part of my role is gently reminding people, especially moms, to put the phone down and get in the photo. Your children don't see your insecurities. They see you. Don't wait for the perfect moment, because the perfect moment is right now!

Beyond my work, my values are rooted in the people I love. My family is everything to me, being present with them, protecting that time, and showing up the same way I ask my clients to. My friendships are equally important, the relationships I've built over the years, personally and professionally, are a cornerstone of who I am.