Today we’d like to introduce you to Cody Folkes
Hi Cody, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The origin of the Casso story dates back all the way to 2010, where the mustard seed of an idea transpired into formulating a collective of creative individuals in Davis California, helping curate the dream for those who were around me.
Although I personally had no experience or knowledge of the business I was entering, it was clear to me that this was my element; with no clear path to ‘victory’, no one around me doing the same as I, even still, that did not matter. I was doing what I loved, and as long as I enjoyed, it, I did not care about the time, money, or effort contributed, another day alive was another one to strive for greatness and to help others see the same within themselves.
Fast forward roughly 2 years later, my group ‘GroupWestEnt’ aka GWE had fallen apart for various reasons, leaving me in a position to figure out what I am going to do with this expensive camera I had just bought with nobody to take videos of like I was previously doing for the collective. That was the moment I realized I wasn’t limited to my previous boundaries, in fact, I had no boundary or limitation; it was simply all in my mind. I then started to reach out to other creatives pursuing a path outside of the normal, offering free services in exchange for promotion towards what I was creating, a career in Videography.
It was amazing. Each day I had awaken was another 24 that I had the opportunity to figure out how to utilize it best, and that’s exactly what I did. I was dedicated. I would work full time at my job, and when I got off, a lot of nights at 10PM, I would then go to work on my craft; a lot of times all night into the next day. Keep sleeping, while you are, I am making progress nobody is seeing.
A few notable names I had helped along the way in my early days in various forms was Taj He Spitz, RedWithoutMachine, Butterscotch, Joey Diamond & more. All great people, I have many stories with them all that I do plan to share one day; if you know the history of them, then you understand what these names mean to the culture and how they have contributed to that. I simply wanted to help push the needle forward. I wasn’t pursuing a personal brand talking on camera trying to be famous like them, I’m here to help. A quote I live by is “Your blessings come to you through what you do for other people”, me following my heart led to many great opportunities that would not have happened had I of been selfish. Love creates love. I stand upon that.
Fast forward to August 21st, 2016, my father Craig Folkes had passed away. 23 years old, just moved into my own spot, and my world came crumbling down fast than I could blink it felt like. So many layers to the onion during this time, however, this is the moment everything in life started to shift. I went through it all at this point just about. It was crazy. That was the moment I learned what is real and what isn’t within life, and although it was my greatest pain, it was also the catalyst that gave me the strength, resilience, comprehension, awareness, and love to navigate through this wicked life. It amplified my energy that was already immense. With that being said, In hindsight, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Maktub.
Only one month after my father’s passing, I had met a man by the name of Dj Alizay, and he embraced me in a way that nobody was at that time. A legend in the music industry, one that is a part of a lot of history, put me in position to work with him & be around many great individuals to work with them, the first one being on the first day we met, which was Biz Markie. “Want to meet Biz? He’s in town tonight performing”. Candidly speaking, being so young at the time, I was naive to the fact of how legendary, influential & monumental he is, as well as that moment we all shared together. Forever grateful for Zay & Biz for that opportunity & memory.
From there, it was up. I was on a mission to complete what he had started, although we never had a conversation of me pursuing the same thing, it happened organically. I know he loved that I stumbled upon the same path on my own accord.
My father in his prime was a Celebrity Photographer himself, working with endless talent that are now all staples in music, specifically during the Rock N’ Roll Era. Alice Cooper, Jimi Hendrix, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Johnny Cash, The Who, Led Zeppelin, & so many more I cannot remember off the top of my head. This was before my time; my father had compromised his career in Photography to raise his family, working 12-20 hour days on a regular basis just to make ends meet. He wasn’t able to do anything aside from reminisce upon the past & talk with his buddies in the business. When I think back on it, it pains me to know he wasn’t able to go to the top as he was destined for being “LA’s Photographer”. The torch is now in my hands to reach the world with my craft, creating a look within photography that is 1 of 1. I pray daily for his guidance & his light to beam my path to greatness. I won’t stop working until the entire world sends the message up to him.
13 Years Later, the mission continues. It feels like everything I have endured has led up to this exact moment. It is enroute. There is no going back. I have made my bed, and I shall lay in it gracefully. Same mentality, stronger mind. By the Grace of God I have been able to work with quite a few notable names, aside from the ones previously mentioned are Baron Davis, Kelly Rowland, Dj Spinz, Michael Costello & many more you can view yourself in my portfolio online. My goal in life is to shine my light bright enough to inspire those who witness it and give them the courage to be great themselves. Everything is about legacy for me, I am present & also imagining life decades ahead. We only get one shot to dial in on who we truly are, figure out how we are wired internally, and align all of that to rise to our greatest form. I am here to be the pillar of that. Don’t wait. Be great. Do it now.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Ha…. Anything but. Some may be too personal to share, at least right here via text, however, I know all about the turbulence. Being selfless can bring opportunity, but the other side of the coin is some may attempt to walk on you for their gain, and they are not worried in actuality where you end up. I have lost countless people along the way, I have had my camera stolen due to somebody I once considered a brother of mine and never got paid back for it, I have went homeless for it, I have been in scenarios where it essentially feels like I am surrounded by the devil, and all I am trying to do is get to where I am going, in peace, with love. Not everybody has the same heart as you, so before you rely on anybody else, you must first rely upon yourself, for all things, always. This is non negotiable. Bring me on a video interview and I will share my energy & experiences expanding on this further. One piece of advice, when the storm hits, pursue it like the Buffalo’s. First one in, first one out. Do not prolong suffering when it is inevitable. Shout out to my man John for sharing that gem with me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At face value, I am a Photographer. The reality is I do much more than that, I play many roles. I have done it all from Photo, Video, Graphic Design, Management, Facilitation, Ideation, Literature & much more. To say a single moment made me would be disrespectful to all I have contributed to the industry / culture. It is a continuous string of relentless drive to continue contributing my energy & life to those I encounter along my path. One day I may be a Photographer, the next I may be flown out to lift the spirits of those who may have lost a piece of them during their journey. I am the re-calibrator for those in my life. When the story is finished, it will be evident what sets me apart; it is not for me to say what that may be, seeing how God gave all of us energy that is 1 of 1. One mans perception of what sets me apart will vary from the next man. I would love to see what your perspective (the reader) may be, however.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future, man. We may be here all day on this one. I will keep it brief. Inspire — awaken — contribute all of my life force to those who aspire to make change within their realm, while continuing my mission with Photography. Right now I am looking forward to continue building upon my brand “CASSO”, building out my team, and providing a different take in terms of the craft I create. Like I said though; multiple layers like an onion.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shootwithcasso.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/shootwithcasso
- Twitter: www.x.com/shootwithcasso
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@CASSOANDFRIENDS
Image Credits
Photo Credits – Cody Folkes, Aka Photo Picasso, Aka @SHOOTWITHCASSO
