Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassandra Dickerson.
Hi Cassandra, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve loved photography for as long as I can remember. In high school and college, I was always the one taking photos. Always wanting to document everything. When I got married in 2011, my father-in-law gifted me my first DSLR camera and thus began my journey with digital photography. After my oldest was born in 2013 I wanted to document every single moment. I poured myself into learning different ways to photograph her moments, spent money on education to learn to edit, and how to produce quality photographs that capture authentic moments that tell a story. I had zero desire to make a business out of it. I kept saying I never wanted to lose my passion for photography, but honestly, I was just scared. So, I started very slowly. A family session here and there with friends to get my feet wet to see if I would even like it. Never imagining I would be able to quit my day job down the road to make this my full-time gig. Then more people asked. Fast forward to today and I’m happily self-employed, always booked several months out, and still can’t believe this is what I get to do every day. I really didn’t know you could actually love what you do for a living.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The photography business always has its ups and downs and definitely has not always been smooth. But for me the hardest was when I was working 80 hours between my day job in mental health and trying to build my photography business. Something had to give, but it’s so scary to just quit a steady paycheck (especially one with good insurance). When Covid hit, that was another big adjustment and it was a bit scary, but once I was allowed to work again, business was booming.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in lifestyle photography and films, mainly focusing on newborns, families, and couples, but I also do wedding videography. My middle name is Joy and honestly, that is what I want to capture and people to feel when they look at my photos. I tend to lean on the free-spirited side with my photography and love to just capture the beautiful chaos that comes with having children. I direct some in my sessions to get people moving, but then the authentic moments come right after that. With my films, there are not many people in the KC metro that do these. It’s the perfect way to showcase those beautiful memories in motion.
When people book with me, they know they are not getting posed or scripted photography. Yes, I always get a few “portraity portraits” as I call them (everyone smiling looking at the camera), but most of their gallery will be filled with warm, colorful, and joyful images that showcase their love. Every family is different and I want each client to feel like I captured them honestly.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was a happy, easy-going kid who rarely got into trouble and never wanted to disappoint anyone. I was interested in a lot of things including music, theater, and sports, and kept busy with extracurricular activities. I feel like I held my true self back for years for fear of judgment or disappointment, but having children and building my business helped build my confidence to be the person I am today. Or it’s just getting older and realizing that time is fleeting and to always live authentically.
Pricing:
- In-Home Newborn – $550
- Lifestyle Sessions – $450
- Family Films – Start at $450
- Wedding Films – start at $2000
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.cassandrajoyphotography.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/cassandrajoyphotos
- Facebook: facebook.com/cassandrajoyphotography
- Other: https://vimeo.com/cassandrajoyphotography
Image Credits:
Hannah Deer Photography
Cassandra Joy Photo + Film
