I'm an adventurer who loves epic hikes, road trips, mountain camping, and big laughter with my two sons. My husband and I have backpacked, bushwhacked, and stamped almost 50 countries between our passports. Because we are so outdoorsy, my photography naturally evolved from a love for family and the world's natural beauty.
When not photographing, you can find me sipping tea, reading with my boys, and exploring New Mexico’s wilderness spaces with our lovable herding dog.
SHEENA CHAKERES | SANTA FE FAMILY + WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
My Story
Storytelling Photography for EVERY SEASON | GRADUATES, MATERNITY + FAMILY
My Style
Inspired by the human spirit and New Mexico's enchanting landscapes, my editing and shooting style is sourced from the heart and doesn't follow trends. I love moody, raw, candid, colorful imagery that tells a story. For this reason, I generally specialize in stages of life and moments that spark honest moments and feeling. Above all, my innate sense of wonderment and exploration has enabled me to find some spectacular locations in Northern New Mexico and approach them with both a portrait and landscape eye for composition. This is what truly makes my photography stand out.
During our time together, I'll guide you into candid expressions through natural movement. Rarely will you be looking right at the camera. After our session, the real magic happens as I sift through your images and edit with care. The result is vibrant, narrative imagery that is modern, yet nostalgic, with a pinch of dreaminess.
I’m eager to get to know you, listen to your story, and creatively document what is most important to you, whether it be for a senior portrait session, a first pregnancy, or an epic southwest adventure.
testimonials
family
"Sheena is so fun to work with. She is thoughtful, adaptable, patient, and attuned to her subjects. She photographed our family, and I love the way she was able to evoke images that are polished and composed while still looking and feeling natural and "like us". I have never received more compliments on a family photo and cannot recommend Sheena enough!"
-Amy R.
CEREMONY
"...thank you for your totally amazing capturing of this experience, and of these people that we love. I was telling others that I could nearly tell exactly what people were saying in certain photos because you captured their expressions so beautifully. And thanks also for being there in such a real and engaged way beyond just the high quality and professional work you did for us.”
-ADEN V.
Branding
“Working with Sheena is a blast! Having so many wonderful photos made designing my website a breeze. All of my marketing materials and platforms have a beautiful and consistent look and feel, which perfectly reflects me and my work. Having branding photos from Sheena has been the best investment for taking my business to the next level. ”
-BAILEY S.
Investment
Portraits Sessions
As a wife and mother, I believe there is nothing more valuable than the love I've captured through photography. My goal is to document your precious moments with the same care and attention as I have with my own family photos. After we choose outfits and the perfect location, I'll guide you into natural movement that prompts genuine love and connection.
Includes:
Styling and location consultations, client closet access, a sunrise or sunset session in a beautiful location for up to 6 guests, a user-friendly online gallery, and print release.
Starting from
$475 + TAX
FAQ
Do you have a favorite location?
New Mexico is so beautiful and so diverse, so it depends on the season, how far you want to drive, and the vibe you’re going for. When you book, you’ll receive a guide that outlines a few locations that have good accessibility, space, and most importantly, light.
What should I wear?
When you book, you’ll receive a clothing + style guide that explains the factors when selecting outfits. I also have a humble client closet with a few amazing dresses and children's pieces.
What time are outdoor sessions?
While I know that schedules can be tricky, I only photograph outdoors during the beautiful light that happens at sunrise and sunset. This varies from month to month, but it ensures the best quality for your final gallery.
Do you photograph large groups?
Due to the intimate nature of my photography style, my portrait packages are best suited for solo, couple, nuclear family, and newborn sessions, so I am no longer taking on extended families or other larger group projects.
Do you travel?
Yes! I love traveling. My portrait sessions include travel within 60 miles of Santa Fe, but I am familiar with most of New Mexico, as well as some of the iconic Four Corners locations like the Great Sand Dunes and Sedona. I also have extensive backpacking and international travel experience, and I am fluent in Spanish.
Do you have a studio?
Yes. Nimbus and Nook, located on Upper Canyon Road, opened October 5, 2024. This small studio space is ideal for newborn imagery and creative portraiture. Please visit the studio page (tab above) for more information.
Can you Photoshop that?
Photoshop is a powerful tool that I utilize to bring back skies, remove blemishes, and add some artistic elements like overlays. However, I do not reshape bodies, smooth skin unnaturally, fix tan lines, or remove large tattoos or marks. If you are self-conscious about a part of your body, let me know, and I will find angles to help conceal or minimize that area.
Can we have all the raw files?
I don’t sell unedited files. Hiring a professional photographer means getting a professional experience from start to finish. This experience continues after our session when I professionally cull and professionally edit your gallery of images with care and attention to detail. My name is behind every image that you walk away with, so I only sell the fully edited images that stand up to my portfolio.
Sounds great! Let's book!
Get in touch via the "Say Hello" page. I will send over a menu and some location options. As soon as we decide on a package and date, you will receive a contract. Your date is reserved once the contract is signed and the retainer is paid.
What is your cancellation policy?
As mentioned above, all of my packages require a non-refundable retainer to hold your date. If a client cancels, that fee is forfeited. When extenuating circumstances arise (such as illness or weather-related issues), the retainer will be credited toward a future date.
