Check Out Cindy Ritchie’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Ritchie.

Hi Cindy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I actually started photography kind of by accident, back in my senior year of high school. I “accidentally” joined the yearbook team because they needed someone to take photos of the sports I was already playing. Since no one else could make it to the games, I picked up a camera and started documenting them. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that was the spark that started my passion for photography.

After graduation, I kept shooting for fun, doing Facebook photoshoots for friends who wanted silly pictures or new profile pics. While working at Starbucks, I got to know one of our regulars who also loved photography. We’d talk all the time, and eventually they offered me the chance to photograph rock shows in Detroit and Grand Rapids for their website. I said yes immediately. It was a crash course in low-light shooting and fast-paced work trying to capture the energy of a performance in just a few seconds. It taught me a lot and I took that knowledge and applied it to what I’m now doing – photodocumentary lifestyle and wedding photography!

After two years in the music scene, my friends started getting engaged and asked me to photograph their weddings. Documenting love stories and once-in-a-lifetime moments is truly what I love doing. Kind of a different route from rock shows but in a way, it’s still about capturing emotion, energy and those fleeting moments that mean everything! I feel so honored to be part of those days, and over time many of my couples have become lifelong friends. They’ve invited me back to photograph the next chapters of their lives – maternity sessions, family photos, even fresh 48s in the hospital. Because of that, I started offering more family-focused work too. It’s been the most natural, heartfelt evolution, and I truly feel lucky to do what I do.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For the most part, it’s actually been a pretty smooth road, and I feel really EXTREMELY lucky for that. A lot of my clients have referred me to their friends, and then their friends’ friends, which has helped my business grow naturally and organically. For me, word of mouth has gotten me a long way!

That said, the biggest struggle has definitely been internal. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to other photographers, especially with other photographers who have larger platforms or more visibility. In a world where daily Instagram posts, reels, and TikToks often equal more reach and more bookings, it can be hard to keep up. Adding first-time motherhood into the mix has made that even more of a balancing act. Some days, it feels like I’m barely staying afloat in the social media world, but I know I’m not alone in that, and I try to give myself grace. Imposter syndrome is real and it can really sneak up on you if you’re not careful. I’ve had to learn to stay grounded in my own work, focus on the people in front of me, and trust that there’s value in the way I capture connection and emotion. At the end of the day, I care most about telling honest, meaningful stories and that keeps me centered.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
By day, I’m an HR Associate at a local university, and by night (and weekends, and naptimes, really any down time I have), I’m a photographer, mom and wife. It’s a bit of a juggling act, there’s a lot of coffee involved and a crazy color coordinated calendar with all my reminders of where to be and what needs to get done, but, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Photography gives me that creative outlet and connection I crave, even though life sometimes may feel like a circus.

I specialize in capturing love stories and real-life moments, the kind you can feel just by looking at the photo. Like the way your grandma watches you with teary eyes as you say your vows, the sly smile your fiancé gives you during a playful prompt, or the unexpected magic of your baby taking their first steps while I just happen to have my camera ready. It’s those in between, unscripted moments that matter most to me. My style is very natural, candid, and emotionally driven. I focus on genuine connection and aim to create images that feel honest, warm, and timeless. It’s also what makes me so proud of my photography, the story you see and feel in my photos.

I think what sets me apart is how comfortable people feel with me. I don’t go for stiff or overly posed images. I want my clients to feel seen and safe in front of the camera, and to walk away with images that reflect the real emotion of that moment, whether it’s quiet tenderness or joyful chaos. I bring a lot of intention and heart into every session, and I think that shows in the final images.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something that might surprise people is that I’m actually really shy in front of the camera myself! Even though I photograph people for a living, being on the other side can feel super vulnerable and I totally get how intimidating it can be. That’s why being intentional about making my clients feel comfortable, supported, and never judged is so important to me.

Pricing:

• 8 Hour Weddings: $2500
• Micro Weddings/Elopements: $1200
• Couple/Family: $375
• Maternity: $190

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cindyritchiephotography.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/cindyphotokilla