How This Teenager Built a Successful Photography Business
Charis Cheung (Photo by Alec Weeks)
Charis Cheung is a young photographer who already boasts a resume that seasoned pros spend a full career building. Vogue, Fujifilm and Canon are just some of the headline brands she’s worked with - all whilst balancing her studies at Pepperdine University in California.
Photo by Charis Cheung
Cheung creates portrait photography that’s fearless and full of imaginative ideas. From unorthodox angles to experimental posing, her work breathes fresh creative life into an otherwise saturated genre of photography.
Aside from her photographic talents, Cheung also has the business acumen of someone far beyond her youthful years. She’s been brand aware since the day she started making images, and it’s that awareness that has enabled her to build a large social media following, as well as a solid photography business.
I was able to speak with Cheung just weeks before she was due to graduate. In this candid interview she opens up about her story so far, how she handles working with big brands and what photography means to her…
Photo by Charis Cheung
Them Frames: Hey Charis! How’s life? What’s motivating you creatively at the moment?
Charis Cheung: Life is great! I’m going to graduate in three weeks and I am so excited! Currently, graduating is motivating me creatively because it will allow me to have more time away from school to exercise what I love to do without any other distractions!
Photo by Charis Cheung
Them Frames: I notice you’ve experimented with several genres, from portrait to landscape - what made you decide to focus predominantly on portraits?
Charis Cheung: From the beginning, I’ve always enjoyed working with people and directing shoots, and I find a lot of creative satisfaction in capturing individual personalities through portraiture. It’s been my focus since I started photography. I also love building concepts and collaborating with other artists (stylist, makeup artists).
Photo by Charis Cheung
Them Frames: You started a photography business at just 14! What’s some of the creative and business management differences between a 14-year old you and the you right now?
Charis Cheung: At 14, photography was something I did purely out of passion. I was learning everything on my own and figuring things out as I went. I had no official contracts, bank accounts, or a way to manage my finances.
As I have gotten older, I've learned how to budget, handle client relationships in a more structured way, manage taxes, create invoices and contracts to protect my business, and working with brands for sponsorships.
In terms of marketing, as social media grew rapidly once TikTok became popular, I've learned how to accurately market and promote my business which has played a significant difference in gaining more clients and sponsorship opportunities. There’s a lot more organization and planning involved now.
Photo by Charis Cheung
Them Frames: Speaking of TikTok, what type of impact has the issues with the potential bans had on your sustainability? And what advice would you give to other photographers trying to navigate issues with app bans?
Charis Cheung: While I use TikTok, I try not to rely on one single platform. Instagram has recently been working better for me in terms of engagements due to the success of Reels.
Any potential ban would definitely impact outreach, but it’s important to diversify where and how you share your work. I’d encourage photographers to build a consistent presence across platforms and maintain a professional website or portfolio outside of social media.
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Photo by Charis Cheung
Them Frames: Please tell us what it felt like when Vogue came knocking on your door to work with them?
Charis Cheung: It was a very rewarding moment. I had the chance to shoot promotional photos for actress and musician Audrey Huynh, and one of those photos ended up being featured in Vogue Singapore. Seeing my work used in that context was an exciting milestone.
Photo by Charis Cheung
Them Frames: It can be a lot of pressure for a photographer to work with such huge companies, what was that pressure like for you and how did you best manage it?
Charis Cheung: Working with big companies is something I would have never thought I would be doing. It is a lot of pressure in a sense where I want to impress them so that they will work with me more in the future but most companies that I've worked with have a lot of creative freedom and allow me to promote their products in a way that feels more authentic to me.
When I traveled to Japan with Fujifilm, I was part of a team testing a new camera model in Tokyo. I stayed grounded by sticking to my creative process and staying open to collaboration.
Photo by Charis Cheung
Them Frames: Professional photography has its good days and bad days. Thinking positively, what’s the perfect shoot for you and what would make it most enjoyable?
Charis Cheung: A perfect shoot for me is one where I have creative control and can work with a creative team that shares the same vision. I really enjoy shoots in interesting locations, like the Glamis Sand Dunes or even local, unexpected spots.
Having that freedom and trust from the model/client makes the process much more enjoyable. I also love working with open minded people who are always willing to try new ideas on the spot. It is always so rewarding getting to know people on a deeper level and making new friends in the process.
Photo by Charis Cheung
Them Frames: Finally, please finish this sentence: I need photography in my life because…
Charis Cheung: it allows me to communicate in a way that feels natural to me. Photography helps me express ideas, tell stories, and capture concepts that feel meaningful—both to me and to the people I work with.
You can enjoy more work by Charis Cheung by visiting her Instagram and TikTok.
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