who is she | one year later
Here I was, going through my blog posts from this year, and I see my very first blog post. “who is she” posted September 16, 2019. One year and nine days ago. Of course I think, “what did I even say about myself.”
Well let me tell you, I was very lost. I was a recent grad, I didn’t have a niche, and that scared me. I was so focused on what I should post and what I should even advertise. I had started a challenge for myself where I posted a photo a day on Instagram. This forced me to to stop overthinking and start sharing. It definitely worked! I am no longer afraid of posting on social media or sharing my work in general.
There is another thing I have accomplished since that intro, my niche. Although it still isn’t specific (ex: senior photos or families) I have found myself focusing on relationships.
These relationships include the obvious romantic relationships between couples,
but it also includes those relationships between family. I especially love photographing the relationship between mothers & their children. This bond is so perfect and natural.
Another relationship is between those and their pets. I know as well as anyone else that my dog is basically my child and having photos of us together is something I will cherish for all my life.
The last type of relationship I photograph may be the most unique to me. This is the relationship between a person and the Earth. This is such a special relationship but is most often overlooked.
Fun fact, I devoted the entirety of my thesis research to studying the relationship between women and Earth. The title of the work is called, “Oh, I can see her now'“ and it takes a deeper look at the spiritual relationship that exists between women and nature.
After I figured out who I was and what I love to do, I officially made the move to start my own business. On February 21, 2020 Casey Lee, LLC was born. I was on top of the world! I was officially following my dreams! Nothing could stop me now!
oooop something could stop me.. Covid 19. Great timing right? I am sure most people in the world share a similar story so I will fast forward through that part.
A google business and a facebook page later and we are at May 31, when business started up again. I had a great summer, even though summer camp at Chanco (I still work at Chanco as their creative marketing assistant) was cancelled.
I was and am so happy that I have the ability to create and provide physical memories for people to look back on for many years to come.
About halfway through summer my sister, Whitney, and I took the plunge to start a wedding photography business together! This has been YEARS in the making. We are so excited to finally have The Cole Sisters! Together, we photograph proposals, engagement sessions, bridal sessions, and weddings!!
After we started The Cole Sisters, I quit my job at a bridal gown shop to become a full time, self employed photographer! It was going super well and I was just oozing confidence. So much so, when I went to Camp Chanco to film a campaign video, I met the Rector for a church in the same diocese as Chanco. He offered me a job - on the spot! I am now the Communications Manager for the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Midlothian, VA! Now, this job is only 15 hours a week so I can still focus on Casey Lee, LLC and The Cole Sisters. Anyone else that freelances knows the stress of an inconsistent work life. I am definitely grateful to have this job to keep my stress levels down.
Here we are. September 25, 2020. I am a happy clam. Thank you to everyone who has supported me through this past year! It has been such a crazy ride and I looking forward to all the years to come.
Casey Lee