Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassandra Daye.
Cassandra, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
While I’ve always been artistic and creative, my photography journey started in the early 2010s, when I was gifted my first DSLR camera.
I started off bringing it to concerts and snapping candids of my friends but eventually stumbled upon artists like India Earl, who brought a whole new style to the world of wedding photography. It was love at first sight.
I loved the blending of movement, candids, and raw human emotion, with its main focus on love and connection. I’ve always been interested in humans, how they think, and how they interact, and photography has allowed me to capture that.
I started working for other photographers, learning to edit, shoot, pose, etc. but wasn’t given the opportunities I was really hoping for. So I dove headfirst into my own business, leaving behind a job that made me miserable to dedicate 100 percent of my time to it. I hustled hard to educate myself, attend workshops, network, build connections, and really focus on the experience of my couples and clients, as well.
Historically, I always worked in helping roles and this journey has allowed me to find an alternative way to help people, whether it’s guiding them through the most exciting day of their lives, or empowering women to feel as beautiful and strong as they are in person, in front of the camera.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While overall my business has grown year after year with much success, being a creative entrepreneur is always a roller coaster ride. It’s balancing your passion with paying the bills.
It’s the comparison trap, imposter syndrome, and questioning your value over and over and over again. Changing my mindset of what IS possible and that my work and service are valuable has been huge in dealing with the growing pains of taking the leap from a safe 9-5 to a self-built business that allows me to use my talent to make a living.
You just have to believe that failure is not an option and just keep going.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a photographer and videographer that specializes in weddings and portraits, including digital photography and vintage format Super8 video.
My clients often comment on the combination of raw and candid nature of my images, combined with a styled/editorial vibe. I want my clients to feel like they could be in a magazine while still feeling like themselves.
Having worked in the industry for a bit before starting my own business, I have seen photographers mistreat their clients and take them for granted. It is not lost on me how lucky I am to not just have a job that I love, but to be welcomed into a couple’s inner circle, their friends, their families, on the most important day of their lives.
I do not take that lightly and I’m proud to have almost 100 5-star only reviews across the web from my clients.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I’d tell anyone starting out that I’m not inherently special. I’m lucky to do something I love and that I happen to be talented at. But most of my success I attribute to believing in myself and not giving up. It’s as simple as that.
Aside from that, know that everyone start’s somewhere so shoot as much as you can, don’t be afraid to network and reach out to offer value and help to others in exchange for experience, know your value and don’t undersell yourself, and just keep going.
You got this!
Contact Info:
- Email: cassie@cassandradayephotography.com
- Website: www.cassandrdayephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassandradayephotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cassandradayephotography/
Image Credits
Cassandra Daye Photography
