Meet Casey Raser: Photographer/Videographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Casey Raser and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Casey, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Growing up i have always had a passion and love for being creative and thinking outside the box. I don’t believe having a career in a field other than something artistic was really ever a choice in my head. Growing up I was always the one doing impressions of all the great actors in movies i watched It filled me with joy to entertain people and put a smile on their faces. When I was about 8 years old my parents decided to put me in dance classes because they could see that it would be a great place to let me be my weird child self and burn off some energy in the process. That slowly became my life, day in and day out, dance was all i did outside of school. Back in 2009, my mom had bought an Olympus E-620 DSLR camera to use for my siblings sports games and our family events, which she ended up rarely using because I always seemed to have it wrapped around my neck. From that point on that camera and I were inseparable, photographing everything I possibly could from dogs at a dog park, to behind the scene photos of my peers and I at rehearsals. I was filled with joy every time i put that viewfinder up to my eye because that is where i could be myself, let my imagination sky rocket and show the world what goes on in my head. Waking up every day and doing something i love is truly a blessing and i wouldn’t change it for the world!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Starting out my life as a dancer, I believe that’s what pushed my mind into overdrive with creativity and a drive to express myself artistically. Having to put together costumes, lighting for stage set ups, learning choreography, editing music and so on, really forces you to think outside the box. As time went on and I kept taking photos of all these different subjects, I realized that having the power to freeze a moment in time is a gift. I think we as humans take that for granted and it can be so powerful to create all these emotions by just looking at a single photo. Have you ever looked at a picture from some point in your life and instantly rushed back to that moment in time and filled with some intense emotion? That feeling is what I love to create when I’m capturing those unforgettable moments and I love having that show through with my photos. After getting comfortable with my camera it was a perfect storm for me to be involved with dancers daily because they always want and need content for themselves to grow as artists. It was a candy store for me, people always willing and ready to strike a pose or do something crazy to get that amazing photo at a moments notice. One of the biggest challenges I see new photographers have a hard time overcoming is taking risks and not being afraid of an idea. This was especially hard for me because i was always told growing up that a lot of my ideas and imagination was too wild and that it was too outside the box. Being surrounded by like minded people who think there is no limit to creativity, I was able to break out of that shell and create some fun and unique photos and videos. At the end of the day, I want my art to create a certain feeling in people and tell a story so that there is some sort of connection between you and that photo.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am all about the music scene her in the Bass Capital, so number one thing I always ask “have you been to Red Rocks yet?”. If there isn’t a show going on I’ll take them on a hike and show them around the venue during the day. Don’t forget going to shows at venues like The Aggie, Milk Bar, Temple and The Fillmore (if i were to pick my favorites). Outside of the night life, I am addicted to food and the amazing selection of local restaurants and breweries we have here in Colorado. If we took a drive to my home town for a day or two, Old Town Square in Fort Collins would be the spot to go. Start off at Coopersmith’s for a round of pool and ice cold beer, grab a couple of gutbusters from Big City Burrito and end it off with some delicious Walrus Ice Cream. Honestly anywhere you go, and anything you do in Colorado, is going to be something you will never forget.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to give a shout out to the friends, family and clients that have had to deal with the insane process of starting and running my own business. At the beginning, just like the start of most things great, I had to learn the ropes of photography and business including how to talk with clients, delivering the final product, lighting choices and creating a beautiful website. I failed and failed again, but those close to me and supporting me through that journey never left my side. The countless photo shoots, endless emails, and sometimes stressful sessions they all had to deal with and still came back to support just fills my heart to the brim. I also want to give a huge shoutout to my business partner Venceas Whipple. Without him Raser Sharp Productions wouldn’t be what it is today and I am beyond excited to keep pursuing this passion of photography and video with him.

Website: www.rasersharpproductions.com
Instagram: instagram.com/rasersharpproductions
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/casey-raser-4458621b6/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RaserSharpProductions
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdHcZ-r8ELwoAJiFih2Fp_Q

Image Credits
Venceas Whipple