Cadeline Photography

“Growing Up” – Miss Natalie @ 1 Year – (Patton Property)

Cheri Patton — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:57:53 +0000

I can’t believe Natalie is one. Seems like just yesterday I was holding her for the firs time. Sheesh. Now not only are MY kids making me feel old, my friend’s kids are too. It’s a good thing she’s so stinking cute.

Growing Up – The “F” Family – Macallen @ 4 Months & Big Sister, Maguire (Woodward Park)

Cheri Patton — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:08:07 +0000

So glad I’m still photographing this family. It just wouldn’t be right not to! Maguire is still just as photogenic as ever. The trick now, though, is just getting her to be still long enough! This first one of Macallen is one of my all time faves.

“Graduating” – Katie – (Woodward Park)

Cheri Patton — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 03:35:06 +0000

Miss Katie is the baby of seven, so it’s a pretty big deal that she will soon be a High School grad. Her mom is a dear friend of mine, so it was an honor to photograph another one of her kiddos. I’m going to feel terribly old when I say this, but I can remember years ago seeing Katie’s elementary school picture on Rita’s cubicle wall. Now she’s a young woman with many exciting years ahead of her. Good luck, Katie, and congratulations on your Senior year!

“Growing Up” – Natalie Jane @ 6 Months – (Downtonw BA)

Cheri Patton — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 15:25:09 +0000

Oh, how I love this niece of mine. We’re totally BFF. Really. She loves me. Here’s what we got for her 6 month session. In a word, she’s awesome.

Protected: “I Do” – Rachel & Jordan – (Broken Arrow, OK)

Cheri Patton — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 13:52:18 +0000

“Brand New” – Macallen @ 10 Days – (Client’s Home)

Cheri Patton — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 04:48:39 +0000

Oh, I am so thankful to have been able to photograph this family over and over. We go WAY back, and I’ve loved watching the blessings just rain down on them lately. They’ve earned it! And, here’s blessing number two, Mr. Macallen in all his full-head-of-gorgeous-hair glory! Isn’t he adorable? Here are the highlights!

The End.

Cheri Patton — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 21:23:45 +0000

I’ve been a professional photographer for 4 years now. Well, technically, probably more like 2 since I was learning so much those first couple of years. Photography is something I’ve had a passion for since high school. I took a few black and white classes and just fell in love. I considered going that direction after I graduated, but thought it would likely be too hard to make a living. So instead, I got a teaching degree. Go figure. After my daughters were born early, I had to leave teaching to stay home with them. It was the biggest honor of my life staying home with my girls and just being a mommy. But, even mommy’s need something that is their own outside of children, so when my husband and sister mentioned me starting a photography business I though, “Why not?” We decided I would give it a go and see what happens. I wasn’t prepared; really. It became so much more than I ever could have anticipated, so much faster than I ever could have been prepared for. It was a huge blessing for us financially (at least in a way), but over these past 4 years, it’s slowly and steadily become a drain on me physically and emotionally. Even worse, it became a job. Photography is not something I’m prepared to allow to become a “job” for me. I love and adore so many of my clients and they deserve better than that. And, because the market is so incredibly saturated right now with “photographers”, I can’t make the money I need to make. It’s honesty time here. Last fall, even after I increased my sitting fee and print prices, I tallied up what I made hourly after making a HUGE print order and you know what it came down to? I was making $10 an hour. Yep. That’s all. Taking care of my kids by day (often cranky and stressed), working from 8pm to 2am editing after they’ve gone to bed, then starting all over at 7:30 the next morning, and only $10 an hour to show for it. Of course, money isn’t everything. But if I’m going to take all that precious time away from my family, you can bet I’m going to walk away with more than $10 an hour. And, now, I’m just starting to sound cranky. Over the past few months, it’s just become glaringly obvious for me that my future is not as a professional photographer. It’s a dream I always had, and now I’ve had the chance to live it. Not everyone can say that, and I’m so grateful. I’m thankful for all the wonderful people I now call “friend” because I met them through my business. I’m so happy for all the amazing techniques and skills I’ve learned as a result of my business that will be applied to all of the pictures I’m going to get to take of MY family. Yes, this business has been a major blessing in my life, but it’s time to move on. This chapter in my life is closing, and I’m so excited about what is next. If you’re a client, can I just say THANK YOU for being a part of this experience. In these past four years I’ve gotten to meet so many wonderful people. So, thank you.

If you’re a current client, PLEASE be prepared to order any prints by August 1st. I know, I know, that’s coming up quick. I promise, you can do it! This will be your last chance to order prints through me. After August 1st, I will only be able to sell digital proofs. I will make digital proof discs available until January 1st, 2012, and after that, I’ll be clearing out my hard drive, so if you haven’t already purchased one and you’d like it, now’s the time to do it! They are $150 for all high resolution proofs per session. You also get a copyright release form. If you already have a disc and you’re looking for a place to get prints in the future, I highly recommend Mpix.com. I use the professional equivalent and they do a wonderful job.

Finally, I’ll still be posting highlights here and there. Although I’ll no longer be photographing professionally, I’ll still be taking pictures. It’s in my blood! And, since I’ve already paid for hosting on this blog for at least another year, I might as well use it, right? I will, however, NOT be booking sessions. Unless I’ve told you otherwise, I just won’t be available. I’ve already been hired as an 11th grade English teacher at Broken Arrow High School, so now it’s time for me to focus on that. And, I’m afraid if I don’t say no at some point, it will be like I never quit!

So, that’s it. Thank you, again, for all of your support, encouragement, and kind words. You all rock!

Sneak Peek – “Brand New” – Macallen @ 10 Days – (Client’s Home)

Cheri Patton — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 06:36:47 +0000

I seriously could have snuggled this little guy all day. He was so laid back and relaxed; so easy. And pretty easy on the eyes, just like his big sister, Maguire. Here’s a peek at his session.

“We Are Family” – The “S” Family – (Patton Property)

Cheri Patton — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 23:58:49 +0000

So glad I got to photograph this family one last time! Here are the highlights. Enjoy.

Sneak Peek – “We Are Family” – The “S” Family – (Patton Property)

Cheri Patton — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 04:34:05 +0000

Such a sweet family. And this picture captures their lives so well right now! With two little ones, and lots of go, go, go, they’re just smiling and living life in the moment. And who wouldn’t smile with two such adorable little boys?