Hi I'm Cherie the face behind CWC Photography and a dedicated RVT!

My journey is fueled by two lifelong passions: photography and animal welfare. In 2020, I officially turned my creative drive into CWC Photography. Alongside my love for the lens, my devotion to animals led me to a career of Veterinary Medicine.

Now I split my time between professional photography and working at a Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital. I truly love what I do every single day both behind the camera and away from it.

Tell us a bit about you?

Away from the camera my life looks much different. Like so many animal lovers I have loved and owned animals my whole life and I knew from an early age that I wanted to find a way to give back to our animal companions and help pet parents like myself gain a better understanding of their pets needs. So for 7 years I spent my time learning how to do just that. I obtained a degree in Biology, received a diploma in Veterinary Technology, a certificate in Wildlife Rehabilitation and other certifications in Fear Free animal handling and CPR. I have been actively working as a Registered Veterinary Technician in an Emergency/ICU and Specialty hospital for 15 years and although some days are harder than others, I love being able to help make a difference.

My husband and I also own a gym in our city so my spare time is very limited but whenever I can I like to just get outdoors, explore new cities/towns and just be around the people I love.

With my job unfortunately comes lots of animals in need so of course some of them end up coming home with me. We currently have three cats Goose, Gator and Ducky. a bearded dragon named Oz (The Lizard of Oz) and Raven our 8-year-old Blue Heeler (my favourite breed!)

Why did you start photographing pets?

For as long as I can remember taking photos has always been a huge part of who I am. Even as a child I could always be found with a camera in my hand, taking photos of anything and everything. My Grandfather was a photographer and painter and although I never got to really get to know him, my dad used to tell me all about his stories and handed down some of his old equipment to me which only made me more interested. As I got older that interest slowly grew into a true passion. I spent years challenging myself and my creativity and really finding out what it took to be a professional photographer. Although I spent a few years pursuing other professional goals, my passion for photography never left and finally in 2020 CWC Photography was here to stay.

I think over the years all of my animals held a special place in my heart but my soul dog was Kia (also a Blue Heeler) who I lost to Cancer a few months shy of her 13th birthday in 2024. For years she was my main subject and probably the most tolerant of any of my animals in front of the camera so it made it so much easier to really challenge myself and try new things.

What camera and lenses do you most often use?

I have always been a Canon girl through and through and in 2025 I finally bit the bullet and order an R5 and 70-200mm lens. To say I am obsessed with my upgrade would be an understatement!

What’s one thing in your camera bag you can’t live without?

I think for me it is pockets! My sister recently got me a new camera back and it has more pockets than I know what to do with. Between gear, batteries, treats, toys, squeakers, leashes, my phone and everything else I pack with me - the more pockets I have to carry it, the better!

What’s the best thing about being a pet photographer?

I think for me it is the connections I make but also the connections I get to witness. I have some clients who have been with me for years and I get to see their connection with their animals, I get to watch their families grow and change, I develop lasting friendships and I have been had the honour of being there when some of them have had to say goodbye. It gives me a sense of being a part of something bigger and something so important. The human-animal connection is remarkable, and I love that I get to capture it and share it with the world.

How would you describe your style?

I think I am still really developing my official style. I have always geared towards the more dark and moody vibe but I have really been trying to push myself and try new things with every shoot.

What is your proudest achievement as a pet photographer?

I have a few shiny moments including being named top photographer in my city for the past 5 years and I wrote and published my own book in 2023 all about pets and important landmarks in my city.

What are your photography goals for the future?

As much as I love outdoor photography (and always will), I do dabble in studio sessions as well. I think in the next 5 years I would love to have my own little studio space where I can have somewhere to shoot when the Canada Winters are lingering for far too long. I also want to just keep developing my skills and really find my style.

What do you do to cultivate and nurture your creativity?

I think some of my proudest moments have been being able to give back. I got started in rescue work back in 2020 when a local dog rescue my sister was fostering for reached out about doing a few photoshoots for a few pets that they had up for adoption who were not gaining much traction. A few shoots turned into a few more and before I knew it, things were taking off. Now I work with a few cat and dog rescues photographing their adoptable pets. Knowing one of my images could have landed them a forever home is an indescribable feeling. I also host a lot of fundraisers to help raise money for the rescues so they can keep doing the amazing work they do. I am currently working on a cat specific book to help raise money for the rescue where I got my youngest cat Goose.

What specific skills have improved since being an Unleashed Education member?

The community is just amazing. To see so many likeminded people come together, help each other and cheer each other on is just so inspiring. Also learning how everyone got started and where they are in their careers, it's amazing to see everyone grow. I have also loved the challenge-based courses - they have help me try things I would so scared to try before and to really put more thought and purpose behind what I am shooting.

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