Meet Cierra Charles | Photographer & Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cierra Charles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cierra, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Creativity and newness inspires me. I love the endless possibilities and stories you can tell through photography. When I started my photography business, Trinity Touch I wanted to capture precious moments for people that will live on forever. A picture is worth a thousand words, and I am able to tell endless stores while capturing the world through a lens. Bringing other’s vision to life and adding my own sense of style brings me continuous joy and peace. My passion to give back to others in creative ways inspires me to keep going in this competitive market because it is more than just a job to me, it is my passion and love.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Trinity Touch Photography started as a hobby and grew into what it is today, a small photography company in the greater Houston area where I capture precious moments and make them last a lifetime. My goal is to create an experience. I want my clients to look back at their photos and feel the joy, laughter, happiness, and peace they felt the day the photo was taken. Reliving a moment through a picture is a big reason why I strive to always capture a few candid photos with every session. I love candid photos. It’s something about capturing those real raw moments that moves people. During photography sessions I often ask my clients a question; then on the count of three, I tell them to answer and I capture their reactions. It makes the session fun and helps relax the client and gets them comfortable. Along with my candid questions, I create a special custom playlist for my client with songs and artists they enjoy to play during sessions so the energy is high and they are their most authentic self in front of the camera. I think this helps me stand out because I truly create real moments verses saying 1,2,3 say cheese for every photo. I also pose my clients which is important. These gems are what keep clients coming back, but it was not always like this.

The journey to owning my own business and seeing a return on my investment was difficult for a while. I love photography and can do this for free, but that is not good business. One of my biggest challenges starting out was pricing. I did not want to charge too much but charging too little was causing my business to suffer. I did not consider the time spent editing, cost of equipment, skills, and time I put in learning my craft into my cost. In hindsight I cringe at how little I was charging starting out, it was pennies on the nickel not even the full dollar. I learned you can not pour from an empty cup. It was a challenge, but I know as my business grows the more things I can offer my clients and provide a smooth high quality experience. I want all my clients and potential clients to know when/ if you book with Trinity Touch Photography an experience is created and I do my best to ensure you have fun and leave satisfied.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Houston offers so many fun experiences. If I were to create an itinerary for a friend visiting the city I would start with brunch at the Breakfast Klub. The Breakfast Klub serves delicious southern cooking with a great time on the side. The art, people, and service is everything there. I would follow up with a nice visit to Herman park and enjoy a walk at McGovern Garden and take in the scenery. For a late lunch/early dinner I would go to Pappadeaux Seafood. The food is rich in flavor and the portion sizes are generous. The next day I would schedule Kayaking at Discovery Green and eat at Brenner’s on the Bayou. Exciting things to do in Houston are endless. Buffalo Bayou would definitely be on the itinerary; Buffalo is one of my favorite places to take pictures outdoors in Houston.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My HTX Shoutout goes to my support system. My family and my significant other, Ugonna. Way back when photography was just my hobby they encouraged me to make a business out of it. My father helped me with creating contracts and gave advice when I had financial questions. My mother and sister shared my business card and website with everyone they encountered. I mean everyone, and it brought some pretty incredible clients my way, so for that I am appreciative and thankful. Ugonna bought my first high quality lens and has continued to support my business day in and day out. He even started conducting his own research so he could be knowledgeable about the camera and the various settings. He now helps me as a second shooter for larger events. I truly appreciate all the love, support, advice, and time my loved ones have poured into me and my photography business Trinity Touch.

Website: https://trinitytouchphotography.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: trinitytouchh

Image Credits
Trinity Touch Photography