Meet Cheri Freeman | Nature Photographer

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

Hi Cheri, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Lockdown in 2020 really changed my perspective, I think it did for a lot of people. I took up photography at that time as a hobby out of sheer boredom. The big surprise was that I fell in love with it! Who knew?

I quickly became drawn to nature, spending as much time outdoors exploring and photographing as I could. As I began putting myself out there and sharing my work, I discovered that folks genuinely liked it. My photography not only gave ME joy and connection to nature, but it also reached others and gave them that same sense of connection.

A few good friends urged me to get serious about my “art” (I was like, “art? you mean my photographs?” lol) and so I set up a website and started entering my images into exhibits. I love looking at the work of other photographers and I’ve come to realize that photography is, in fact, an artistic expression of the photographer who is conveying a message, a feeling, or a story through their work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love to inspire others with my images by capturing a moment in time. This connects the viewer to the natural world around us, produces a feeling of joy and enables them to get in touch with their true selves. Each image will mean something different to every individual…it may convey endurance, wisdom, or even humor.

Naturally, it took a lot of time and practice, to get here (and I still have a long way to go) but I had to get over the imposter syndrome, get over the negative comments of others, and really put myself out there–in other words–be vulnerable.

Some lessons I have learned are to let go of the past and use the naysayers as motivation. I’ve learned to not only accept compliments, but to actually believe them, and most of all find joy in what I do!

I’d like folks to know that you are never too old to find your passion, and your joy (I was 59 when I took my first online iPhone photography class). Once you find it, don’t try to squelch or hide it–embrace it and share it with the world! Your creative work is a gift…don’t cheat us of your contribution!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to my favorite local park, Berry Springs Park and Preserve, which combines many aspects of nature with area history. Also the Georgetown Square (the most beautiful town square in Texas) which has old historic buildings, art galleries and museums, fun shops and restaurants, as well as a historic and still operating live theatre.

We’d also take a quick trip up to Waco to visit the Cameron Park Zoo, stroll around the Silo area, eat great TexMex at Ninfa’s, followed by a tour of the Dr. Pepper Museum complete with a bonafide Dr. Pepper float at the old fashioned soda fountain.

Another quick trip the other direction, would be to visit Austin and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, take in a Longhorn Football game, grab some BBQ brisket, and finish up the day with a Mount Bonell Sunset.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many! My family and friends as well as several photographers I’ve met who have encouraged me along the way: Craig Krause, Mariann Jones, Gigi Kinsey, Egidio Leitao, Linda Nickell, and Phoebe Wabbington have been huge supporters and there are many more. I appreciate them all more than they know.

Website: www.cherifreeman.com

Instagram: @imagesbycherifreeman

Facebook: @imagesbycher

Image Credits
Cheri Freeman Jama Pantel