Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassidy Gutschmidt.
Hi Cassidy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was lucky enough to grow up around cameras and creativity, which allowed my passion for photography to blossom. My grandfather showed me the basics and he has really inspired me to follow my dreams. Throughout high school and college photography was one of my favorite hobbies. However, it wasn’t until my senior year I actually decided to take the chance and chase my dream. While working my college job I was lucky enough to meet my “would be” mentors. They gave me opportunities, knowledge, and confidence that helped build a foundation to start my business.
For the first year I barely had any bookings, but I continued to network and immerse myself in the photography community in anyway I could. Above all, I was also always actively practicing, taking photos of my friends, and building up my social media presence. This past year, which is my second of being in the field, I was able to have a fully booked grad season. I now have steady clients and sessions, and I am able to guide and mentor others to help walk them through the doors I had the opportunity to.
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?
I would say that my journey has been far from smooth, which I will be forever grateful for. I hit many bumps along the way but these are just a few prominent struggles I’ve faced. When starting my career I found it very hard to get your foot in the door.I heard hundreds of no’s before I finally got that one yes that allowed me to find the mentors that helped set me up for success and change my trajectory. After this, for a while I wasn’t booking any session and I was struggling with getting my name out there. During seasons like this it is hard to find the motivation to keep going. However, with persistence and consistency these struggles are well worth it when all of my hard work started to pay off.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in portrait and event photography. This is something I will always hold near and dear to my heart because I am able to capture peoples biggest life events and create them a gallery of photos and memories they will cherish for years to come. With that being said, not only do I capture life’s most precious moments for others, I am also able to be a part of their world and have created lasting bonds through this. One thing I learned is that being a photographer isn’t just about taking photos, it’s about seeing into other’s lives and diving deep into their stories and personalities. I am proud to say that I create an experience and atmosphere for my clients to feel comfortable in front of my lens. Whether they are a professional model or have never gotten their photos taken before.
What matters most to you?
The one thing that matters most to me in my line of work is being able to produce images that people are proud to show off. What I mean by this is you go through most of your life only seeing reflections of yourself, in the mirror or when you are taking selfies. I am able to capture someone’s raw emotions and allow them to see themselves from a perspective they haven’t before. For example, it can be a candid smile of them dancing with their friends, or tears slipping while a speech is going on. Either way I want everyone I shoot to feel beautiful and flawless.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cassidyryanphotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassidyryanphotos/
Image Credits
Zia King (for the photo of me)
