Check Out Cynthia Clarke’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia Clarke.

Hi Cynthia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was a Pharmacist for 34 years. I was laid off in 2020, and after a year of committed job searching, I could not find another position. The fruitless job search, coupled with the isolation of the pandemic, led to a serious bout of depression. While browsing the internet one day, I read an article about a 365 photo challenge. The idea of taking one photo a day sparked something in me. As a travel blogger (Sojourner Moxie), I was already familiar with using the camera. Still, using it to take random photos daily gave me a task to complete daily. Deciding what to photograph each day and editing the images was just the distraction I needed to push past my depression. A good friend needed some headshots, and I was happy to oblige. The more I shot, the more I felt the old me returning. It began to fill me with joy. I was hooked; I had an epiphany; I decided right then and there that this was what I wanted to do. I stopped the 365 challenge and began planning to launch a photography business. I built my portfolio by photographing friends and family, created a website, got my business back-end together, and was off to the races. I launched in July 2021. I’ve been in business for one full year, and it has been a fantastic ride! I’ve even won some awards. YAY me! The joy I feel when I’m able to encourage women to do something just for them is unmatched. When a woman takes time to shine, the magic is undeniable. I have the ability to capture the kind of beauty that shines and glows from the inside out, and I’m good at it. The responses to the gallery reveals are what get me. The tears and squeals of joy let me know I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a joyous road with ups and downs. After a year in business, I’m clear about the slow seasons. Around the holidays, inquiries slowed down a bit. Understandable. This summer has also been a little slow. I’m sure it’s just that time of year, but I think the economy has a bit to do with it. Other than that, it’s been great. I’m very strategic in how I run my business. This second act has brought me joy and maintained my peace. I will not allow anything else. So I’ve been intentional about the clients I take on and what I allow in my space. I must say that developing a solid marketing plan is a challenge. It’s at the top of my to-do list to nail down.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What’s interesting is that I never considered myself creative. Being a pharmacist with a science background led me to believe I didn’t have that certain “razzle dazzle” that creatives have. Yeah, that was a lie! At 60 years old, I’ve discovered something new and exciting about myself. I’m creative. Words can’t express the joy that has accompanied that discovery. I’m a photographer specializing in creative magazine-style portrait experiences encouraging and empowering women to see and feel their true beauty. Audrey Hepburn said, “the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.” This was confirmed when a client left a google review calling me a “soul artist because I’m able to pierce the soul of my client and display their beauty to the world.” That one got me into tears. Some women would love to have a photoshoot. What stops them is the prep work. It seems overwhelming. What to wear? What to do with my hair? What about makeup? The posing? Well, with me, none of that is an issue. I walk my clients through every phase of the prep process. With a detailed prep guide, styling consultation, and virtual try-ons, I’ve got you every step of the way. During your styling consultation, we discuss your goals for the session, styling options to help meet that goal, color themes, and hair styling. I send clothing choices and guide you in purchasing items for the session. I also have a roster of four makeup artists I use exclusively for my sessions. My clients love my makeup artists. When I say I got you, I got you!

Another thing that I feel sets me apart from many photographers is this. I’m going to encourage you to print your images. The thought of someone having a session with me and after sharing a few images on social media, letting those images collect proverbial dust on your hard drive is disheartening. No! No! No! I want to see that beautiful 20X30 image in your living room, foyer, or bedroom. We’re taught as women to shrink, be humble, and blend in. Nah, be big, be bold, get loud, shine. Hang that picture, Sis! I have a print shop for my clients where they can order prints, and I also walk them through that process.

Can you talk to us about happiness and what makes you happy?
As of late, what makes me happy is working with women, bringing them out of their shells, and helping them see their beauty. I photograph men also, but women have a special place in my heart. As men get old, they are thought to be distinguished. When a woman gets old, well, she’s just old. Plus, society has a lot to say about how women should look, what makes them pretty, and where their value lies. In addition, many women carry childhood trauma surrounding their looks. My happiness lies in showing women the totality of their beauty. You’d be hard pressed to find one woman that doesn’t have “a thing” about some facet of their physical self. When they look in the mirror, they don’t see what we see. They see “that thing.” Regardless of “that thing.” “That thing” is irrelevant. It has nothing to do with your beauty. In addition, travel is another thing that makes me extremely happy. As I noted before, I’m a travel blogger. I haven’t been anywhere since 2019. I’m itching to get back out there in the world! Look out world, HERE I COME!

Pricing:

• Session fee $250
• Collections start at $600

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ceclarke.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/ceclarkephotography
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ceclarkephotography