Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassandra Willis.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Cassandra. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Since childhood, I’ve always had a passion for the arts and fashion. I took a film photography course in high school which is when my parents gifted me my very first camera. After I graduated, I wasn’t too fond of the film side of photography so I switched over to the digital world when I was 21. I took mini-vacations to California where I found my love for beach photography and I began to understand my camera, composition, and aesthetics. I did not finish college but I worked full time as a Visual Merchandiser in retail along with being a freelance wardrobe stylist and styling assistant during all my free time. This is when I began to see and learn the methods behind photo shoots along with the amount of creativity and time it takes to create an image.
Throughout the years, I photographed my friends, travels, unique places, really anything that caught my eye when I walked by or into a room. I think it really hit me hard that photography was something 1 wanted to pursue two years ago but I wasn’t sure where to start. – All I really knew was to listen to my gut and keep on practicing.
I started studying different fashion and travel photographers along with reading their stories of the trials and tributes they had to go through. I examined their work for hours until I fell asleep with my phone in hand or with my laptop on the couch. As I continued to practice, I wasn’t satisfied with digital work and knew I needed something “different and new”. This is when I picked up my high school film camera and started really studying the aspects of film. Along with my high school camera, I found a small point-and-shoot film camera while digging around my dad’s bar area at my parents. This gem was easy to put in my handbag and a little more low key to practice with when I was out and about.
With film, you have to really understand lighting and the different exposures it has to offer. I began to view photography with different and more creative eyes that I was so excited and nervous as to where this was taking me. (I think this was the missing ingredient when using my DSLR). After many expensive trials and errors plus more studying, I finally felt confident in the work I was producing. My friends and family have been a huge support as they’ve let me photograph them on our ventures out or just hanging out at our houses. Now, I professionally shoot both film and digital photography depending on my mood or what the client is requesting. Honestly, I love film work and couldn’t be happier with the results from it. Currently, I have a full-time job working for a high fashion luxury retailer so I professionally photograph digital and film part-time during all my free hours.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Trying to figure out your purpose in life is never easy. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve cried myself to sleep, lost sleep, missed out on special moments because I work so much, or have felt insecure. What I will tell you is I’ve never stopped going and pushing. I bet on myself daily and that’s what motivates me. I can confidently say I wouldn’t change a thing from my past because it has sculpted me into the woman I am today and I’m proud of her.
Please tell us about Willlens.
Willlens is a small collaboration of the first three letters of my last name and lens, the removable part of a camera. (I have to give credit to my best friend for the name or I’ll never hear the end of it haha) Film photography is something I greatly adore. The beauty behind it all is the grain like textures that helps create the emotion in the image. It’s always a nice surprise and you don’t have to obsess over the image because it isn’t instant.
I enjoy photographing cocktails and bites, people, beaches/architecture (for fun).
With people, I get to see a different side of them that most people, even their loved ones don’t see. There’s a special relationship that a photographer and the person on the other side develop. They unveil their mask or show one they’ve been nervous to expose but trust you to properly capture it.
I’ve loved beaches and food art since I was a child so photographing them gives me the warm fuzzy feelings on the inside. I’m most proud of this business because I’m finally working towards my passion. From what I’ve been told, I can make others comfortable when photographing which is one of the most important details of this craft. The beauty of film is the grain like textures and how different lighting can be captured. It’s always a nice surprise and you don’t have to obsess over the image because it isn’t instant”.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Honestly, save more money and not compare myself to others.
Pricing:
- my sessions are $150/hr
- in the process of creating packages
Contact Info:
- Email: cassiekaywillis@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willlens/
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