Conversations with Cheyenne Lever

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheyenne Lever.

Hi Cheyenne, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m originally from Portland, Oregon, born and raised, although I spent about 10 years of my life in Arizona. I eventually returned to Oregon and earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts from Oregon State University. In 2017, I made the move to Los Angeles, and I’ve called the city home ever since. Honestly, the sunshine and beaches were a big part of what drew me here! As beautiful as Oregon is, I’ve always been someone who gravitates toward the sun and enjoys being outdoors. At heart, I’m a creative, with a love for photography, digital media, and the visual arts. I’m naturally drawn to the way art and imagery can tell stories, capture moments, and offer new perspectives on the world around us.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Moving to LA was always something I knew I wanted to do. When I made the move in 2017, I specifically chose Compton as my home for that first year. Since then, I’ve lived in several other parts of LA, including Long Beach, Hawthorne, Mid-City, and Culver City. I’ve come to love something about each area, as they all have their own unique character and charm. I currently live in Inglewood, and so far, I feel like it’s been the place that has treated me the best. Although I don’t have much family here, I’ve been fortunate enough to cross paths with some amazing people, all of whom happen to be LA natives. Those connections have made my experience here that much more meaningful. I don’t take LA for granted, and I’m genuinely grateful for all the experiences, relationships, and opportunities this city has brought into my life.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My relationship with photography started long before I ever considered pursuing it professionally. I grew up in a home where documenting life was second nature. Whether it was major milestones, holidays, or simply different stages of our childhood, there was always an effort to capture those moments and preserve the memories. I think that played a big role in shaping my eye and my appreciation for photography. In high school, I was the friend who always carried a point-and-shoot camera to document the adventures my friends and I would go on.

In 2013, my mom gifted me my first professional camera, a Canon Rebel T5, for my birthday, and that was a turning point for me. I began approaching photography as more than just a way to capture memories. I wanted to understand it as an art form, its history, its techniques, and the many ways a photograph could communicate a story. Although much of my college coursework focused on media and journalism, I took the initiative to teach myself photography through YouTube, experimentation, and hands-on practice.

When I moved to Los Angeles in 2017, I began building connections and collaborating with other creatives. Working on projects with my older sister also played a significant role in helping me build my portfolio, gain experience, and establish myself professionally. Over time, what started as a personal passion grew into more than eight years of professional experience in photography and the creative industry. I also expanded into production, management, and modeling, which gave me a broader understanding of what it takes to bring a creative vision to life.

What I love most about photography is its ability to tell stories, preserve memories, and capture something meaningful in a single frame. My background in fine arts, media, and visual storytelling influences how I approach my work. I’m drawn to the visual details, the emotion behind a moment, and the way imagery can communicate something that words sometimes cannot. I believe my versatility and willingness to explore different areas of the creative industry have helped shape my perspective and set me apart.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the career and relationships I’ve built along the way. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, the creatives I’ve worked alongside, and the experiences that have allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. I also owe a lot to my older sister, whose guidance and willingness to create opportunities for me helped me navigate an industry that doesn’t always come with a clear roadmap.

Over the last year and a half, I’ve intentionally taken a step back from photography to reevaluate my relationship with creativity and make room for other priorities in my life. Becoming engaged to the love of my life has shifted my perspective in a beautiful way, reminding me that there is so much more to life than professional accomplishments. Over the past few years, I’ve also explored other occupations and found a greater sense of stability while continuing to grow in different areas of my life.

Now, I’m gradually opening the door to creative work again by taking on select photography clients and being more intentional about the projects I choose. I’m learning that I can still love what I do without feeling the need to constantly pursue the next opportunity. If anything, this season has helped me appreciate my creativity in a new way.

I’m proud of the foundation I’ve built, but I’m equally proud of my willingness to evolve. I think what sets me apart is not just my creative background or the work I’ve done, but my understanding that creativity is a journey. My vision, experiences, and priorities continue to develop, and I want my work to reflect that growth. Today, success means being able to create meaningful work while also building a life that feels fulfilling, balanced, and true to who I am.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something that might surprise people is that, although I have my extroverted moments, I’m actually an introvert at heart. My social battery gets pushed to its limits sometimes! I can be outgoing, talkative, and comfortable in social settings, but it really depends on who I’m around. I tend to come out of my shell the most when I’m around people I feel safe and comfortable with. Once I feel that connection, you get to see a much more extroverted side of me, but I definitely need my quiet time to recharge afterward.

I think what’s interesting is that, as a photographer, part of my job is helping other people come out of their shells and feel comfortable in front of the camera. I understand that being photographed can feel vulnerable or unnatural for some people, so I try to create an environment where they can relax, be themselves, and feel confident. In a way, I’m helping others do something that I sometimes have to work through myself. I think that understanding allows me to connect with people on a deeper level and makes creating a comfortable, authentic experience for my clients that much more important to me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @shai_an

Image Credits
Fuzzy The Connector, Brian Everitt, Cheyenne Lever (self)