We’re looking forward to introducing you to Celieta. Check out our conversation below.
Celieta, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What battle are you avoiding?
I think the biggest battle I face is constantly comparing myself to others. It’s easy to admire someone else’s work and wish I could replicate it, but in photography that gets complicated. The way I edit is deeply tied to how I see my clients and their stories, so if I try to mimic someone else’s style, I risk losing that personal connection.
I’ve had to learn that while I can appreciate someone else’s strengths, I don’t need to measure myself against them. There’s this pressure to believe you need certain presets, cameras, or lenses to create “worthy” work, but chasing that mindset takes away from the art itself. It’s been a long process, but I’m realizing that my perspective and the way I tell a story through my lens is what really matters.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Celieta, and I’m the heart behind CFrost Photography. My love for cameras started when I was little — I used to carry around instant cameras, taking photos of my family or even my Barney toys. I was fascinated by how you could capture a moment and keep it still forever.
When I transferred from a city school to a county school, I became more of a “fly on the wall.” Meeting new people felt intimidating, but my camera quickly became my safety blanket. I brought it to a basketball game where my old school played my new one, and that’s really where my photography journey began. Throughout high school, my camera was practically always in my hands — but somewhere along the way, my passion faded.
Years later, when I started teaching and knew I’d have a gap in work for several months, I picked up my camera again. The spark came rushing back. From there, things just took off — I was honored to be recognized as one of Springfield’s best photographers, and my calendar quickly filled up.
Now, I balance two careers I love: full-time teaching and part-time photography. I truly feel like I get to live the best of both worlds — telling stories in the classroom and behind the lens.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
In many ways, I was a backwards student — quiet, reserved, and unsure of myself — yet deeply drawn to people who lived authentically. Two relationships in particular shaped how I see myself today.
In middle school, I had a teacher named Katie Chadeayne, who I thought was the coolest person I’d ever met. She was rambunctious, sarcastic, and witty, but also incredibly strong. When a student said something rude, she never took it personally — instead, she found ways to make them reflect on their actions. She showed me the power of standing up for yourself and doing it with grace and humor. I truly believe she’s a big part of why I became the kind of educator I am today.
Later in high school, I met Bryan Szekacs, who pulled me out of my shell. He had this rare ability to bring together students from every background and make them feel connected. I was shy, and he teased me often — even jokingly singing songs about me — but it was always in good spirit. He helped me see that I didn’t need to hide behind one group or one label. Thanks to him, I became more open, more willing to meet new people, and more accepting of others.
Together, those relationships taught me confidence, openness, and authenticity — lessons that still shape who I am.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Even the most enjoyable jobs can feel overwhelming at times. There are days when I think I can do it all, like a superhero, but reality hits — I’ll come home exhausted from teaching and see photos still sitting untouched on my SD cards.
One of my biggest anxieties is the fear of not meeting expectations — that my work won’t look the way someone hopes it will. That fear of failing can feel heavy, and it has made me wonder if I should step back. But every time I get close to that thought, something shifts. A lightbulb moment reminds me why I’m doing this in the first place — whether it’s the joy of teaching or the art of photography.
Work is hard; it stretches you, tests you, and sometimes leaves you drained. But giving up has never really been an option for me. The challenges only reinforce the passion I have for both paths, and that keeps me moving forward.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
This has always been really important to me. I’ve always wanted the wealthiest person to see me the same way as someone who has nothing left to give. I grew up seeing both sides — moments where I had more than most, and moments where I didn’t have much at all. That perspective shaped the way I treat people.
Whether it’s the mayor, a celebrity, or someone in a position of power, I strive to treat them exactly the same as I would my students, someone who’s struggling, or someone simply trying to better themselves. I never want people to perceive me as something I’m not. One of my biggest fears is losing who I truly am just to impress someone else.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that when I’m gone, the stories people share about me are good ones. With every photo shoot, I treat my clients like family — asking myself what would make them feel comfortable, what would make them laugh, how I can capture not just how they look, but who they are. To me, the true art of photography is preserving life’s moments, knowing these memories will linger long after we’re gone.
I also hope my story shows that it’s possible to come from a rough situation and still create a better life. Growing up, I faced challenges I wouldn’t wish on anyone, but I worked tirelessly to make sure my future would be different. If anything, I hope that drive inspires others who might feel stuck or unseen.
And for my students — I hope they remember the fun, silly, or even “crazy” things I did in the classroom, especially on the days they needed a laugh the most. Teachers like Bryan Szekacs and Katie Chadeayne did that for me, and I can only hope I carry that forward.
In the end, I hope the story people tell is that I made a difference — in big ways or small ones — and that I left people feeling seen, valued, and cared for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cfrostphotography.lightfolio.com/?fbclid=IwRlRTSAM_3mpleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHk5RHQmWja_x20wEbmDPNABWP2fv99tRr_aFVOBnNvgqvMqyCvaaSqdAFg22_aem_BlS98xsqv9hbTB3dIEGf_A
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cfrostphotography?igsh=ZGdkMmxkdHJib2I5&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1PAojawpJu/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Cfrostphotography
