Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassandra Stephens.
Hi Cassandra, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Having grown up in Santa Barbara, California, I developed a fascination with cameras, lenses and lighting. Every life event needed to be documented, whether it was tea parties, birthdays or school field trips—I relished in capturing the magic of special moments, as well as the unique persona of my subjects.
After graduating from high school as an exemplary art student, I acquired a number of scholarships in order to attend FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) in Los Angeles, which launched me into the world of fashion.
Graduating with honors, I was immediately hired and became adept in the field of fashion design. I swiftly became one of the youngest fashion designers in the company. As a senior designer, I became a photographer on many occasions for my companies, whereby I was able to uniquely capture the feeling and lifestyle of the clothing I designed.
After having shared my photography portfolio, a colleague offered me an opportunity to assist in a number of wedding photoshoots which began my journey into capturing the love stories of others. I then developed my own clientele as a solo photographer. After serving ten years in the fashion design industry, my photography grew to such an extent that I elected to make photography my sole, full-time career.
My home base is currently at the sandy beaches of Huntington Beach, California, but I never limit myself to one location. I recently spent two years in Denver, Colorado, which was an amazing opportunity for me to expand my work and truly learn more about myself as a photographer and as a person. While I loved living in Colorado, I discovered I am a palm tree, not a pine tree.
As I continue to be a wedding photographer, I have rapidly expanded my creative flair into the art of boudoir and lifestyle photography. I cannot wait to continue my passion with every aspect of photography and expand my talent to the next level.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Definitely not, there have been some windy roads along my photography journey. Covid really took an effect on my business, as with most businesses. But I was able to take some time and really revamp the look of my business and focus on rebuilding my company back in Southern California after living in Colorado…
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in wedding photography, which I absolutely love. I mean, who doesn’t love a good love story!? I have the amazing opportunity to be a part of a couple’s beautiful journey by capturing their day, which they will cherish forever. My style of photography that I am known for is photojournalism. This style is all about the candid moments, which enables you to see the pure authentic emotion on everyone’s faces rather than the forced look that can sometimes happen in posed photos. It makes you feel like you’re immersed in the event as it happens in real-time. My gift to my clients is the captured moments that allow a memory to come back to life.
What are your plans for the future?
I recently rebranded my business look to reflect my style as a photographer better. I wanted my clients to know I am a Southern California photographer who loves her beaches and palm trees and wants to take full advantage of what this beautiful state has to offer. I am looking forward to planning a plethora of beach shoots along the coast while getting a little more adventurous with the water to create new amazing shots for my clients.
Contact Info:
- Email: cassadnra@clsphotography.com
- Website: www.clsphotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/clsphotographydotcom
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/clsphotographydotcom
- Other: www.tiktok.com/cassiexolinette
