Exploring Life & Business with Cassandra Plummer of Cassandra Marie Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassandra Plummer.

Hi Cassandra, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
When I was a kid, I would take my parent’s disposable/pocket cameras, pose my grandparents (or stuffed animals) and use all their film. I was always getting in trouble for having my camera out in class, I always had a camera with me in general

I took my best friend’s senior photos with a pocket camera in 2011. In 2013, a high school classmate asked me to photograph her wedding. I borrowed her DSLR haha! I didn’t even have one at that point. I loved it but didn’t think I could ever make a living this way.

When I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life my best friend and her mom sat me down and said “You want to be a photographer. Do it.” I was terrified my parents would not approve but thankfully they have been supportive of my decision since day 1.

I started at the University of Central Missouri as a Business major (fall 2013) and shortly after that I changed my major to Photography and made Business my minor. I focused on photographing seniors but quickly fell in love with wedding photography when I was asked to second shoot as a favor. I have also been a big fan of romance since I was a child. Photographing couples in love?! That’s my dream turned reality.

I graduated from UCM in May 2016, took time to save money, and bought a townhome in Lees Summit in June 2017.

I have been a full-time people photographer ever since!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
As a small business owner, I believe there will always be that fear of “what if I don’t book enough weddings for next year?” Thankfully, I have worked hard and God had provided. I am blessed to have been on a smooth road thus far.

We’ve been impressed with Cassandra Marie Photography, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Cassandra Marie Photography specializes in weddings, couples, and boudoir photography. Clients often tell me they choose me for my editing style and my personality. I have always been obsessed with “love” and hearing couples’ stories. Typically the first thing I ask engaged couples is how they met when they fell in love and of course the proposal details. I genuinely care about getting to know the people I am photographing.

They trust me to capture these important milestones, I want them to be comfortable with me and overjoyed with the product I deliver. Photos are much more candid (not stiff) when the people in them are having a great time. I strive for this and am proud when I get a text after our session like “We weren’t expecting to have so much fun taking our engagement photos! Thank you for making us feel at ease”.

Keeping the photos I deliver timelessly is important to me. I want my clients to look back in 20+ years and still enjoy the style of their photos… I don’t want them cringing at the way the images have been edited.

Many photographers book clients based on their wedding venue of choice (to match their style). I realized after 2020 I don’t care if the venue my clients choose doesn’t match “me”. I just care that the couples that hire me are truly in love with each other and kind.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
When I graduated from UCM in 2016, I immediately wanted to move to Kansas City, MO renting an apartment with one of my close friends. My parents suggested I stay at home for a year and save some money first.

About 9-10 months after working as a pharmacy tech in Sedalia, MO my stepmom’s boss suggested selling her townhome in Lees Summit to me for what she owed on it. It sounded crazy at first but with the support of my family, I was able to afford to buy a home at the age of 24.

I was also lucky in 2020, none of my couples canceled during covid. I only had a handful of postponements. Knowing so many other photographers had many cancellations and had to work around rescheduling I felt extremely blessed.

Pricing:

• Average wedding package: $2799, secondary photographer on the wedding day, 6 hours of coverage, and one additional session.
• Average engagement/boudoir session: $350, 45 minutes.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Cassandra-Marie-Photography.com
• Instagram: @cassandramarie.photography
• Facebook: @cassandramariephotography93

Image Credits
Itzel Photo and W the Studio