Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Cassady.
Hi Joshua, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
If you have ever seen “Forrest Gump,” then you know the famous line, “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get.” Well, that could not be a more accurate representation of my life. Never did I dream I would be doing photography or videography. In my younger years, I wanted to be an actor, so much so that I received a scholarship to acting school in New York. However, my dreams were cut short after graduation in May 2008 by a near-death experience. I fell thirty-five feet from a fire escape, shattered my pelvic bone in three chunks, had reconstructive surgery, and had to learn how to walk again. They say your life flashes before your eyes when you’re about to die, but all that graced my mind, especially when I couldn’t feel my lower body was, “Lieutenant Dan, ice cream!” “But you ain’t got no legs, Lieutenant Dan.” Lieutenant Dan, you got magic legs!” I grabbed my legs and yelled, “Oh my God, I’M LIEUTENANT DAN!!!” After one month of rehabilitation in New York, I flew back to Texas on crutches to finish the healing process at home. Once I was able to walk without crutches, I started work at a local grocery store and began to reevaluate my career choices. My acting career was shattered, much like my pelvic bone had been, and so I decided to put my acting certificate to good use and join the Police Academy. In 2010 I became a Police Officer and had my mind made up that I would work hard and work my way up the ladder to become a Detective. My life shifted once more, and in 2011, I gave my life to Jesus and met my gorgeous wife, Shelly. Unfortunately, I never made it to Detective status, but I did name my two cats, Riggs and Murtaugh. Four years later in the summer of 2015, during a church service at Christ For the Nations, I knew the Lord was telling me to leave my police career behind and go to Bible College. At this point in my life, I really felt like Forrest Gump. I stepped out on faith, went back to work at the grocery store, and started Christ For the Nations all within three months. A year later, I served as a Media Intern for Youth for the Nations and learned how to use a DSLR camera. In 2016 I started a YouTube channel, Joshua Cassady, as a side hobby, and I made little videos using my iPhone 6s Plus. As I got more involved in this craft, I later upgraded to a Canon Rebel T7i DSLR camera. Between my hobby and being a media intern, my skills increased greatly. Before I knew it, I had a job at Christ for the Nations as their lead videographer in 2018. Over the next two years, I learned the ins and outs of videography and editing and had the opportunity to then add photography to my tool belt as well. Learning photography opened an entirely new door of creativity for me. By 2020 I felt another transition coming; the great state of Alaska was calling my name. I was offered a media position at a church and could not pass up the offer, pandemic or no pandemic. Living in Alaska was one of the best adventures I have ever been on. When I wasn’t at work, I was out in the Last Frontier, capturing God’s creation. I learned how to shoot in low light while chasing the northern lights and had a photoshoot on the frozen snow-covered waters of Mirror Lake. The beauty of Alaska in every season was a photographer’s playground, and photography soon became my new hobby. During this time is when I tossed around the idea of starting a media business as a side hustle. However, life took another detour, and my family and I found ourselves back home here in Texas the latter part of 2021. After much deliberation and encouragement from friends, my wife and I decided to pull the trigger and start Joshua Cassady Media. As with new beginnings, it hasn’t been easy, and there have been lots of bumps along the way. But I enjoy people, making them laugh, encouraging them, and capturing their moments. When you see a picture, it takes you back in time. My job is to provide you with as many different time machines as possible. If you’re ready for your own personal time machine, you can find me on social media, Joshua Cassady, or at www.joshuacassadymedia.com.
Not at all. There are 1 million photographers in Waxahachie and 5 million in Dallas, Texas. Trying to stick out in a plethora of other amazing photographers is difficult at times. Not to mention learning the ins and outs of running a small business. I’ve also learned that you can never over-communicate. It is more than just knowing your camera but also your customer. Some people don’t like the way look or have a favorite side they prefer. Communication is key to a great photo shoot. My job is not to hide stuff but to bring out the best parts.
I genuinely care about people. I understand what they are paying for and want to make sure everything is perfect. Despite there being so many photographers out there, there are a lot of not-so-good options as well. I’m not a robot telling you what you want to hear. I listen to your heart and provide you with the best solution to capture your special moment. One of my goals is to make sure everyone is at ease and has a great time. I like to get to know my clients before the shoot to make everyone more comfortable during the shoot. For example, if you are a Cowboys fan, I’ll scream out, “Say… Tony Romo!” Or maybe I’ll yell “Jalen Hurts” to get that real raw emotion! I like to make it fun and not just business. If I don’t make you laugh once, I consider it a fail! In the end, I want you to have memories you’ll love and look back on fondly. Everyone knows the saying a picture is worth a thousand words, but I believe pictures are more than just that; they’re time machines.
This might be cheesy, but I love our skyline. There are definitely some incredible places to capture it. Bishop Arts is my favorite place in Dallas! Lockhart Smokehouse BBQ and Veracruz Cafe are incredible. The vibe in Bishop Arts is so awesome; I wish it would spread to the rest of the city. There are some areas of the city that need much help and resources to make it a safer place for its residents. It takes time and lots of people to put in the hard work and some areas just don’t have that. But there are a few areas where revitalization is happening and who knows, maybe it’ll spread to the areas needing help.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.joshuacassadymedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuacassadymedia/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoshuaCassadyMedia
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshuaCassady
