We had the good fortune of connecting with Cassandra Sutton and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Cassandra, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I realized at a young age you have two choices. You can build up someone else’s dream or you can build your own. I decided I had too many creative ideas flowing through my brain that I could not let go to waste. Another inspiration about having my own business is the ability to be in control. If I’m in control I know I can make whatever I want happen for myself. The best part about that is no one can ever take that away from me, it’s mine. I have always had an interest in photography ever since I was in elementary school. I remember I bought a hot pink digital camera in the 4th grade and I took photos of any and everything. Once I got to high school I started taking photoshop and advanced photography classes and my passion kept growing. I even began taking photos for the school yearbook. It was so much fun to make people feel seen. Once I turned 18 my parents gifted me my first DSLR camera. I then started Cassandra Sutton Images and began my very own portrait photography business. I have such a passion for portrait photography because I have the power to make others feel beautiful and seen. Being able to tell a story of each and every client is such a privilege and being able to make them feel noticed and beautiful makes it even better.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Cassandra Sutton Images has come a very long way in the last five years. I have watched my style change in many different ways. I am finally in a place where I can say I am proud of the work that I put out there. I like to think of my editing style as a mixture of bold yet vibrant and moody tones. I want your photos to feel rich and crisp. As for my shooting style I don’t like to think of a session as the traditional cheesy poses and phrases. Instead an experience that is untraditional and REAL. To me if my session with a client feels awkward or forced I am failing. I have gotten where I am today with lots of mistakes made (which is always a lesson learned) and has taught me what to do and what not to do. A big challenge I have overcome is trying to offer every style and category of photography. I found I was trying to please every single audience. When all I ever really needed to do was focus on what I am passionate about and that passion will display through all of my work. Another obstacle I have overcome is actually really funny to me. Anyone who knew me growing up knew that Cassandra is quiet and observant. If she doesn’t know you she might not open up right away. Photography has forced me to come out of my comfort zone and has really taught me how to take control of a social interaction and make it a fun one for my clients. When I think back to my younger self, I think about how she would be surprised by who I am today. I want the world to know that I am very much passionate about the work that I put out into the universe. I highly encourage you find your passion, it wont always be easy, it wont always be perfect but that is what makes it all worth it.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Living in northern Colorado has its perks being I am 30 minutes from all the big cities. I live for delicious foods and a good adventure. (Let’s also clarify its summer time, to really set the scene.) Even though I have lived here my entire life I do not enjoy snow.
We would start the morning at the sunrise amphitheater in Boulder with iced coffees in hand because you really can’t go wrong with the fresh air and a beautiful view.
-Visit pearl street and all of the quirky shops it has to offer.
– Eat at Dark Horse for the best wings, fries and ranch of your life.
Spend a day or two in Denver
-Go to Waterworld.
-Visit the Viewhouse for lunch and indulge in their Nutella pizza which is TO DIE FOR.
-Go to a Rockies night game..
– Ride scooters around the city.
– Visit the Denver Milk Market and play on the pinball machines.
Drive to Colorado Springs
-Visit Manitou springs to shop local, eat at Border Burger bar and play the night away at the penny arcade.
-Visit 7 falls and hike to the very top.
-Visit the Cheyenne mountain zoo because I love feeding the giraffes.
Drive to palisade
-Eat delicious guacamole and spiked peach punch at Peach Street Distillers.
-Walk and feed Alpacas at Suncrest Orchard farm.
-Hike and take the most beautiful photos at Colorado National monument.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to recognize my success in life first to my parents. Growing up my parents were always nurturing and always encouraged me to do whatever would make me feel passionate. My dad has a work ethic that isn’t commonly found. He always worked long extra shifts to take care of our family. He always taught me how important it is to be independent and how valuable it is to be successful. Meanwhile my mom always taught me wether in a job or daily basis to find passion in everything that I do. Along with many other traits they have also taught me how to be compassionate, patient and confident. I would also like to recognize my siblings. I have a sister who is 9 years older and my brother is 5 years older. Being the youngest, I have always had such great support from them both. They are always encouraging me to do whatever I put my mind to and they are always my biggest supporters. I am very lucky to have such an amazing family who has always believed in me and encouraged everything that I do. Lastly, I have to give a shout out to my amazing boyfriend. He is always my rock, he is always challenging me and pushing me to do new things even when I am hesitant. I am blessed.
Website: Cassandrasuttonimages.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassandrasuttonimages/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CassandraSuttonImages/