Enjoy the words and images of Salem photographer Cherie Renae, an award-winning artist. Her image "Master of the House" won a 2007 Merit Award, and was selected by Professional Photographers of Oregon as a Court of Honor print. Her entire competition case was chosen to hang in the Gallery!

Prior awards include Best Photojournalism for the image "To a Scotsman Bold and True" at the 2005 Professional Photographers of Oregon competition. "Soft Spot" received a 2006 Merit Award, and both "Soft Spot" and "Emerging from her Cocoon" were chosen to hang at the 2006 Western States Regional competition.

Cherie Renae specializes in the 'caught moment'. " I prefer to capture those magical moments that occur naturally as life unfolds around us. Even my more formal portraiture has an in-the-moment, photojournalistic quality."

She has also been a master of the written word for over 20 years. As a freelance writer, she is a monthly contributor for several publications.

She grew up in a loving Syrian-Lebanese community in Portland, Oregon.  “My grandfather was 70 when I was born, and he lived to be 99 years old,” she relates.  She credits her grandfather for her creative writing skills.  “When he died, we got calls from across the nation and the world, and everyone talked about what a great story-teller he was.  I think my ability to weave a tale comes from growing up listening to one of the world's best! And I think that this same story-telling skill shines through my portrait art.”

She has a Bachelor's degree with a double-major in Mathematics and English.  Her interests are eclectic, ranging from scientific philosophy to classic literature, from baseball to gardening.  She currently resides in Salem, Oregon.

Cherie is a member of Professional Photographers of America, Professional Photographers of Oregon and National Association of Photoshop Professionals.