Hey kids! I'm Cassandra from Fairytale Dreams Photography. I was asked by Basic Invite to put together a little something with inspiration from one of my favorite experiences working with my clients. So, here it is.
Before I get started, here's a little background info. I am a 30-something Mama of two pre-teen boys. You will find me home schooling by day & photographing by night. In my down time I am often roaming the Earth; capturing the beauty this crazy world gifts to my eyes. While working towards my Visual Arts degree I discovered a love for photography. At this same time my wonderful local community, nested within the foothills of the Adirondacks of Northern New York , took interest in my work. People began to hire me to photograph their families, weddings, & other events. Since then, I have been doing what I do, loving my family, wandering the spaces that surround me, and catching moments in time & the light that fades too quickly.
After all these years it was really difficult to narrow down my favorite gallery of work from my clients. I went through all of my weddings. Smiling and chuckling to myself as I am transcended, in my mind, back in time to each one of these wonderful days. Remembering just how beautiful & unique people really are. As I am smiling away, sifting through all these moments, I begin to tear up with one wedding in particular. Clicking through the slideshow I remember one of these people is now gone from this Earth. In only a few months from these very photos, a life was lost far too soon. When I think back to all the beautiful souls I have had the opportunity to photograph, there has been so many that have left this place.
In this moment of realizing the collective loss of my clients, it hit me. This is why I do what I do. I know a photograph cannot replace a loss. I know being a photographer doesn't compare to a surgeon or some other life changing career. But I also know that a photograph of a person you love that has passed is a possession that can never be replaced. When people are alive & thriving photos may seen minimal in comparison to other worldly items. But when time changes life, photos give you this window to a memory that may have been forgotten. Whether you smile, laugh, or cry; these images are filled with so much energy. They even contain the magic to consume your emotions.
I think as a photographer or any working artist, we struggle with what our purpose is here. We struggle with creating something good enough for others and even more, ourselves. We struggle with the business aspect of it all, what our art, time is really worth. And always whether we are selling out or not. It is a constant question as to why we are doing what we are doing.Today I reminded myself, this is why I do what I do. To give people back their memories. To bring them back to a time & place when they were the happiest in their lives. This is why I photograph. So, I must thank this beautiful family featured in these images, as well as basicinvite.com for helping me to remember these things. Sometimes, in life, we need a little nudge to be inspired again.
XOXO Cassandra Blair
COMPANY: Fairytale Dreams Photography
WEBSITE: www.fairytaledreamsphotography.com
SOCIAL: Facebook
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I have watched Cassandra's work evolve into the catcher of magic moments for a while now. What she can do with a special moment is amazing. I love her work and look forward to seeing all she can do in the future.