Cassandra (but most people call her Casey - pronounced KC - not Cassie) is a lifestyle photographer based out of the 'burbs of Kansas City. She lives there with her supportive husband, 2 wild and spirited daughters and 2 dogs. She offers both photography and family/wedding films to clients as well as capturing her everyday life. Casey had no ambitions of making photography her full time career, as she was perfectly miserable staying at the same job in Mental Health until she died. But 2018 came, and it was filled with some personal tragedies that reminded her that life is short and you can't stay at a miserable job just because it's safe. So she finally went for it in May of 2019 and has zero regrets about that decision. It's extremely important to Casey that she show her daughters to follow their passions, to be independent and to be themselves.

We are so honored to welcome Casey to our community of leaders as our newest Unraveled Expert Artist! Her photography speaks to her middle name (Joy), as she loves to showcase joyful and warm moments that make people smile. It is vibrant, full of life and exciting!! In her work, she focuses on the GOOD – the smiles, the laughter, the tongues sticking out, the twirling and most importantly, the connection.

For more inspiration from Casandra:

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Here is Casey, Unraveled…

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR ART?

My kids and the joy they bring me are what started it all. So obviously them. But interesting light and beautiful colors always get my wheels turning and I get so pissed off if I don't have my camera with me when the inspiration strikes.

WHAT DO YOU SHOOT WITH? CAMERA BODY AND FAVORITE LENS?

I shoot with 2 bodies of Sony a7riii. Got my first one 2 years ago and my second body last year. Still absolutely love it and no desire to upgrade. Favorite lens with it is my Zeiss 35 1.4.

WHAT OTHER WAYS DO YOU EXPRESS YOUR CREATIVITY?

Making films. I love putting together our annual vacation films. But I also do family films for clients as well as some wedding videography.

HOW DO YOU DE-STRESS AT THE END OF THE DAY?

Just depends on the kind of day. And whether or not we are in the middle of a Pandemic haha. Pre-pandemic "normal life" would be watching a show or movie. Pandemic time it's been alcohol and endlessly scrolling TikTok for hours trying to escape and laugh.

WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO WHILE EDITING?

I usually switch up what I'm doing while editing. I love all kinds of music (except modern country), so it could be anything from The Kinks to Kid Cudi to Sia. A lot speaks to me. If I need to get in the zone, I put on Carolina Beach Music radio on Pandora. Seriously THE BEST to just chill to.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK?

Too many to name. But recent ones I have enjoyed are The Silent Patient, Educated and I Found You

NAME ONE MOVIE THAT INSPIRES YOU.

Almost Famous. It's my all time favorite movie. The music, the acting and pretty much everything about it just speaks to me. There's so much in that movies that really showcases the beauty and heartbreak of real life and of following your dreams and taking risks.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF YOUR CREATIVE JOURNEY?

Oh man, so many things. Family life, working 2 full time jobs for 2 years, loss and death. But, let's keep it light and focus just on the photography part. The comparison game is what has been super difficult, and sometimes still is. I see so so many inspiring and creative artists in Unraveled, Instagram, other photo groups. It can be really hard to not get up in the moody flowy dress game. They're all so damn beautiful. But truth is, it's not what speaks to me. Well let me take that back...I love a good flowy dress and hat. Abso-fuckin-lutely. BUT I love a good flowy dress and hat in photos that spark and showcase color and joy (just call me Marie Kondo). Once I stopped trying to do what others did, my confidence and creativity skyrocketed. I still suck at this sometimes. It's a work in progress always.

WHO IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHERS?

The first one that comes to mind is Hailey Faria. Probably because her stuff never looks the same to me. Some are moody, some are more joyful. Some are more colorful. Some are cool, some are more warm. It's all over the place, but still all goes together. And she can find the most interesting angles to shoot people.

HOW DO YOU HANDLE SELFDOUBT OR CREATIVE SLUMPS?

Drink and bitch to friends to seek their validation? Lol, but no I'm joking (maybe). 

I challenge myself to do something new related to photography. Or I take a course somewhere. Always learning, always practicing helps tremendously.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COURSE OR LESSON AT UNRAVELED?

While I've loved a ton, I really enjoyed Ace Fanning's Shooting in Full Sun. I usually feel pretty comfortable shooting in it, but I learned so much from it and helped me feel more comfortable for those earlier sessions that some parents want because of early bedtimes.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPING?

Just plain ol pepperoni. But honestly, pizza is never like something I crave. If it's there I will eat it, but I'm not gonna seek it out.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST FAVORITE KIND OF LIGHT AND WHY?

Oh man, that's hard. But probably filtered light rays through trees or clouds. My family always says that when the light filters and rays out in a mind boggling way, it's my Grandma coming out to say hey. So it always makes just makes me extra happy.