Everyday Magic with Cassandra Jones
Episode 63: Cassandra Jones
In Episode 63 of the Portrait System Podcast, Nikki Closser speaks with guest Cassandra Jones of Noelle Mirabella Photography. In this wide-ranging conversation, Cassandra shares her passion and insight into the power and responsibility of being a creator in the arts. Cassandra knows first-hand about the healing potential in art and avidly believes that in seeing and documenting the beauty all around us, we help shape the values in the culture we co-create. This everyday magic is in all of our lives, and in the act of framing it and sharing it, we help others see it and tap into its power. It takes courage to pursue our life’s passion and to value it and ourselves enough to make a living doing it.
Be sure to listen to the whole podcast to hear Cassandra’s story about how she developed her artistry and her self-value in order to become the strong, confident fine art photographer she is today.
In this blog, you’ll find Cassandra’s answers to some bonus questions, examples of her enchanting photographs, and links to all the places you can find more of her work.
Get to Know Cassandra Jones
Q: What has been your biggest breakthrough in business?
A: Switching from all-digital collections to print-based photography.
Q: What is your average sale currently?
A: 4k.
Q: Most artists have a point in their life when they knew this was meant for them. Do you have that moment?
A: I do not have one defining moment. I actually toiled with the decision because I had recently completed my Master of Science in Clinical Psychology (and I reeeeeally loved psychology). I worked so damn hard for that degree, and after being a single teen mom/high school dropout, that degree meant even more to me. Becoming a photographer never even crossed my mind. I purchased my first camera after losing my daughter. It was my way of forcing myself to get out and look for beauty in the world at a time in my life when I was overwhelmed with despair and sorrow. At some point, I decided that I wanted to chase that beauty every day.
Q: What does the Sue Bryce Education community mean to you?
A: SBE is like having a village. 🙂
Q: How did you push past fear when building your business?
A: I listened to a lot of Sue Bryce videos and ripped the bandaid off. Lol.
Q: What has been your biggest accomplishment since starting Sue Bryce Education?
A: Running a commercial studio and switching to print-based sales (both of which were something I thought nearly impossible when I made the switch).
Q: Explain how Sue Bryce Education helped you overcome obstacles in your business.
A: Listening to Sue is like drinking courage.
Q: Making a connection with your subject is one of the most important parts of a great portrait. How do you make lasting connections with your clients?
A: I focus a lot on learning the story of each and every client that comes to my studio and telling their stories in their photographs. So, I have a connection with each and every client before I ever pick up my camera.
Q: For someone starting out on their photography journey what advice would you have for them?
A: Take a break from social media and find your voice.
Q: Do you regret any decisions you have made in your business?
A: No. If I did not make those decisions and learn from them, I would not be here now. I am still learning. I am a work in progress. 🙂
Q: Everyone has a favorite shoot – tell us about yours and why it’s your favorite.
A: You know what? I have sooooo many favourite images, I do not think I could name just one. My motherhood project, “Just Because She Carries It Well, Doesn’t Mean It isn’t Heavy” is one of my most meaningful shoots. It was inspired by my life as a woman and a young single mother. It is the one shoot I have done that has resonated with the largest number of people around the world. When a photo can transcend culture, geographical location, language, and speak without saying a word, it is very humbling.
Q: What fellow artists in the industry do you gain the most inspiration from?
A: It goes without saying that I adore Sue. I tend to connect more with the souls of people and how their souls come through in their work than I do with the technical abilities of artists. I adore Joshua Simmons. He projects his voice beautifully in his art.
Q: Where do you see your business in the next 5 years?
A: In 5 years, I will be approaching my roots, living on a magnificent farm, with all kinds of beauty growing up out of the earth. I will have a studio there and a gallery/flower shop where people can come and eat fresh picked berries, take in beautiful art, and leave with a bouquet of anemones and sweet peas. When I want to create for myself or my clients, I will walk barefoot out my backdoor and into the little piece of heaven I have built. I will have published my book by then. And, I hope to have my art in galleries all over the world.
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Cassandra Jones of Noelle Mirabella Photography