Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Benoit.
Hi Candace, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hey, my name is Candace Benoit. I was born in Leesburg, Florida. I am married and am currently in the U.S. Army and have been for about ten years now. When I am not in uniform, I am taking photos. I officially started my photography business, Candy B’s Photography, in 2021. I love both careers. The ideas of being in the military and photography came to me when I was little because my family moved a lot and I liked our travels. We didn’t come from a lot of money, but we managed. We flew, drove, traveled by bus. I got to see a lot really young: mountains, beaches, museums, theme parks, landmarks, nature. I got to meet and see people from all backgrounds, try different food and experience different cultures. I come from a diverse background myself. I think all this is what really made me known as such an open and friendly person. We went from Florida to California to Indiana all over. I enjoyed moving as a kid; I never had a problem making friends and adventuring out, even if I was shy.
I always knew I wanted to do something in life that would take me places, push me to explore and experience life. I spent most of my teen years back in Florida. This is when I really found the passion for taking photos, but I never thought of it as a job, I just liked taking pictures and capturing moments. I did a third of high school at New Dimensions in Kissimmee, FL, but then moved and graduated at South Vigo in Terre Haute, IN.
For college, I went to Indiana State University and studied criminology and psychology, not long after I decided to join the Army Reserves. I wanted to balance school and the military at the same time. I liked the feeling of belonging to something, the travel, staying fit, and making connections. But I wanted something of my own. That’s when I wanted to turn my hobby as a photographer into a career. I thought now is good of a time as any, I had gained a lot of confidence, experience and was ready to begin a new, more fun challenge in life while I’m still young.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, I don’t think it’s ever been smooth. Not even when I was little, I just have always found a way to keep smiling and pushing myself. Growing up, my family taught me to always be grateful, how to manage with what I’ve got and to never stop dreaming. These last two years were actually probably the hardest. In 2020 my husband and I had to move again because of the Army. We were both so excited to meet new people and get a change of scenery, except we moved during the beginning of the Covid pandemic. By 2021 I had lost more than a few family and friends. I then suffered from severe nerve damage that prevented me from doing the things I loved for a while, including photography, and at the end of the year I found out I had a tumor and was told it was unlikely I could ever have children. But I have always been resilient, my family, friends, and the Army kept me a strong person. I had surgery for my tumor and am still managing my nerve damage. But nothing has stopped me from living life quite yet. No matter what obstacles get in the way I feel as though I am only ever moving forward.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Photography has meant everything to me. Wherever I go, I always pack up my cameras as well. I love the outdoors and new experiences, and it’s so easy to just take my cameras along a journey with me. Travel photos are my favorite, but I’ve found an eye for professional portraits too such as school photos, headshots, and even boudoir! I absolutely enjoy seeing the smile on people’s faces when they see their pictures and get that boost of confidence. But when it comes to taking pictures of people, what I really love is capturing those genuine moments when you forget anyone is looking: a family watching fireworks at a theme park, a couple kissing on their wedding night, friends dancing and laughing together, someone’s first steps into the ocean. Turning these little moments into lasting memories.
What I am most proud of is my ability to keep going and smiling. I do this in all my jobs. And when I’m working with others, I try to keep them happy too. During photoshoots, I make a connection, and we laugh and share stories, people open up to me and trust me and I like that. I try to keep it fun. It’s never a dull moment, even when photographing things alone.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I plan on keeping the business small, maybe just me and the husband. I like the personal feel of that and the ability to take it with me wherever I go or wherever I’m needed for a photo session. My husband, also in the Army, is about to retire and we plan to happily settle back in Florida, where I will set up a more permanent studio and finish my career in the military as well. I’d definitely like to have reached out to more people within the next ten years. I did get a taste of doing underwater photos a couple of times, and I can’t stop thinking about getting back into the ocean and learning more of that!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @candy_bees_
Image Credits
Robert Benoit
Alex Norman
Candace Benoit
Gordon Georgia
Annie Whisler
Desiree Mea Hinshaw
