RANGELY I In a local economy that many consider tough, a few enterprising individuals are still trying to give their business dreams a full-fledged shot by expanding a business or opening a new business.
Rangely’s Cherise Cardin is one of those individuals. This winter, Cardin has expanded her long-time home-based photography business to include a studio on Main Street.
For several years, Cardin has been running her photography business out of her home or renting hotel rooms for sessions. So, for Cardin, opening a formal studio became a logical next step.
“Now I’m able to have meetings with my clients and set up some different designed shoots and have my own space,” Cardin said.
She is hopeful for the future the studio could provide.
“I want to stay busy year-round, but I also want to be able to eventually host fundraisers or events or a gallery or two for the schools to showcase their photos or something fun,” Cardin said. “And, ultimately, I just want to provide a place where you can come and get your portrait taken year-round, no matter the weather.”
To celebrate the studio opening, Cardin is hosting a grand opening celebration on Jan. 23 in the studio space, which is located at 258 D E Main St.
From 7-9 p.m., she will be offering giveaways, including a complimentary session for one lucky winner, one-time specials on wedding shoots and treats for interested customers. She will also have a photo booth style backdrop set up where people are welcome to pose and take photos themselves.
Cardin offers a variety of types of shoots to Rangely and the surrounding areas including weddings, engagements, boudoir, portraits, seniors and newborns.
Cardin knows parents often have concerns when taking their newborns for pictures, but she believes she can address those worries saying, “I have studied newborns, so you can feel safe when I’m photographing the precious babies and when I am posing them that I’m caring about their safety first.”
For Cardin, who has been involved in photography for 13 years, taking photos is all about the pursuit of beauty.
“I see beauty everywhere; in nature, in people, in objects,” she said. “I like to capture that beauty and share it. I also photograph people to remind them that they are perfect the way they are, they are gorgeous and deserve to feel good about themselves!
“Every person is beautiful and sometimes we forget that; I like to help them remember,” Cardin said. “I love making people happy and feel good about themselves.
“So each time I get an email or a hug or someone tells me how much they love their images, it drives me further to want more people to feel that way,” she said. “Capturing that for others and the love for the art of photography drives me.”
For more information on the new studio space or to view previous work, Cherise Cardin Photography can be found on Facebook or at www.cherisecardinphotography.com.
Appointments can be scheduled by contacting Cardin at [email protected] or calling 406-261-4084.
