Meet Ciarra Criddle

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ciarra Criddle.

Hi Ciarra, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
For as long as I can remember, taking photos has always been a part of who I am. Anyone who grew up with me knows that I’ve always had a camera in my hand – in the hallways at school, at dances, sleepovers, on the bus. I can’t even begin to tell you the amount of boxes of photos I have.

And there’s something so special about taking and having photos that I’ve never been able to get away from. Photos are the one thing, besides memories, that we can look back on as we continue through life. As we get older and as we move through different phases of life – photos will always be there.

So as I moved through different phases of my own life, I realized that I wanted photography to continue being a part of who I am. In 2016, I started taking photos of some friends and people I knew, just to practice and see if photography was something I could turn into a business.

It quickly became something that brought me purpose, a creative outlet, and a way to give others that same feeling that photos have always given me. Photos allow you to hold on to times that have brought so much joy in your life; a time, a place, or a memory that you always want to remember. And that’s what I wanted to give to people through photography.

After having my first daughter in 2018, I decided to leave teaching and become a stay-at-home mom, while continuing to pursue photography. And as they say, the rest is history!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Fortunately, I haven’t had to deal with any major challenges when it comes to my business.

I definitely have had struggles along the way, just like any small business, but mostly due to personal things such as figuring out my purpose, working through hard times and circumstances in my own life, which path of photography I wanted to take, etc.

Not to mention the pandemic – that really impacted my business during that time, but there probably aren’t many small businesses that weren’t affected.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work focuses on weddings and couples. That’s how I started out and I’ve loved it ever since. Seeing two people in love and getting to capture that part of their story means the world and I love being a part of it. But I also have a huge place in my heart for family and motherhood photography.

After having two children of my own, I understand the importance of documenting your family in each season and chapter of life – because it goes by way too quickly. I capture the candid, unposed, real moments because I know that’s what we’ll look back on in 30 years and appreciate. I know those imperfect moments are what mean the most.

I have also discovered a new passion and can confidently say it’s one of the things I’m most proud of. It’s the one thing I’ve done through photography that has made me feel like I’m truly making an impact. Documenting women from all stages of life and allowing them to share their stories and perspective on various topics – it’s a project I started called the Bloom Series.

Every woman is blooming and growing through their own individual experiences and stories. And every woman deserves an opportunity to share their opinions, personalities, experiences, and perspectives – which is my hope and the reason I decided to create the Bloom Series.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have so many people who have helped me in building this business. My husband has literally supported every single thing I’ve dreamed of. everything I’ve written down in my notebook that seemed like a crazy idea.

Everything that I’ve wanted to do, he’s encouraged me to do it. When I first decided I wanted to try and turn photography into a business, he instantly wanted to help however he could. I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without him. Aall of my friends and family who have allowed me to “practice” on them and basically stick my camera in their faces even if they weren’t comfortable.

my girl Molly, who did all of my website and branding. She’s so amazing at what she does and is a person who encouraged me from day one. She’s always been willing to help however she can and always turns my ideas and visions into something beautiful.

I have honestly had so many people in my corner, people who have always supported me and pushed me, clients who have trusted me year after year, and I couldn’t be more grateful for each and every person.

Contact Info:

• Email: shotbyciarra@gmail.com
• Website: ciarracriddlephotography.com
• Instagram: @ciarracriddlephoto
• Facebook: Ciarra Criddle Photography

Image Credits
Ciarra Criddle Photography