Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanitra Dreher.
Hi Chanitra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello, my name is Chanitra Dreher and I started photography in 2012 as a hobby and took a photography class in high school during that same time. In 2013, I enrolled at MTSU and continued my hobby and passion for photography. In 2016, I created “Chanitra Dreher Photography,” and began doing grad shoots on campus. In 2019, a party group by the name of First Flight brought Megan Thee Stallion out for a concert and I was able to get a photographer’s pass. I started to then branch off into celebrity-style shoots, and changed my name to “ShotByCee.”
I little back story, my grandfather Willie Jarrett and my aunt Dorothy Jarett did photography when I was younger and that started my interest.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely has not been a smooth road, you hear a lot more “no’s” than “yes’s” without a solid portfolio.
Starting out, it’s very hard to get your name out there, when no one gives you a shot. Then the ones that give you a shot, expect all your services free. Sometimes I had to think, is the exposure worth the 8 hours with no payment?
On top of that, I have been running my business since January 2016, while a full-time student with a full-time job. It was challenging at times but if I would have given up, I wouldn’t even be close to where I am today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I like to think of myself as a versatile photographer.
I can shoot a wedding at 10 AM and turn around and shoot an entire concert by 10 PM. I can give you bright colored shoots, I can manipulate the colors and give you a vintage style shoot, I think that really sets me apart from others.
Most people have their style of photography and it’s one color scheme, I can bounce around and still give you quality.
Another thing that sets me apart is I’m always willing to help other photographers. I remember first starting out and reaching out to peers asking how they did a certain trick, or what camera they use, and I was ignored. No one really took me seriously, so I try to be that person you can come to and ask questions. I will set lighting for you, I’ll help you decide on the best camera for you, anything you need and if it is something I do not know, I will point you in the right direction, as I am still learning too.
I am most proud of how far I’ve come. I never would have imagined taking pictures of some of the celebrities I have, or even being in the same room as them.
I have to credit Averianna the Personality from 101.1 The Beat/iHeart Radio, DJ C-Dub from Streetz 99.3, and Alex from YoCo Radio for that. They always keep my name in rooms when I’m not around and I’m very grateful.
I also have to send a shout to my family, Deja, and friends for keeping me grounded and humble.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
I like to think I’m blessed. With everything bad, comes better if you don’t let it affect you mentally. I can’t even tell you how many times I was told no, or had to sneak into events to capture shots just to help with my portfolio. I don’t have to do that anymore, by the grace of God.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chanitradreherphotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/shotbycee
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/shotbycee
- TikTok: @shotbycee_
Image Credits
ShotByCee
