Meet Cassandra Sullivan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassandra Sullivan.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I grew up just south of Boston, MA and lived there up until 2013, when I moved to AZ after meeting my fiancee at a Photography Conference. I’ve had a portrait photography business in MA for over 20 years, photographing high school seniors and families on the beach on Cape Cod. Photography is in my soul – I started in high school at the obligatory Photography 101 class and fell in love when I saw a print magically appear in the developer in the darkroom. I have three kids and three grandkids, which are still in MA. So I’m officially a ‘snowbird’ – I go back to MA for the summer to still work at my business, and to spend time with my family. Here in AZ, there’s no beach but a thriving small business community, which I love to photograph. And I am in love with the landscape here in AZ and the Southwest. And art is everywhere here – even the freeways incorporate art, the sidewalks, the architecture (especially the 50’s and 60’s houses and buildings) – it’s everywhere, and it’s so inspirational.

Please tell us about your art.
I’m a full-time photographer, and I love to photograph people. I want people to have photographs of themselves to pass down to family. I feel a lot of people (especially women) are afraid to be photographed because they don’t feel they ‘look good’ in photographs. Women call me to photograph their kids but don’t want to be in the photo with them, because they need to lose 20 lbs or something. I want them to be in the photos. I tell them I can pretty much guarantee that your kids won’t look at a family portrait 20 years from now and say, “Gee I wish mom lost some weight before we took that photo.” But I totally understand her concerns, so I’ve learned (and keep learning) how to pose and light people to minimize the negatives and maximize the positive in their photos, and make them feel comfortable, and not self-conscious, in front of the camera.

I love to travel and take photos. I think of my photos as my ‘souvenirs’. I’m usually in the passenger seat taking photos out the window. I just want to remember everything I see, and I want others to see what I see and get as much joy from it as I do.

My iPhone is my ‘always with me’ camera, and I’m always looking at light and where it’s coming from, what it’s shining on. I see textures, forms, reflections. My iPhone photography tends to be more abstract, and I love using filters to enhance the abstract nature of it.
I see art everywhere, and I want others to see it with me.

Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
I don’t feel there’s anything wrong with having a W2 job while you’re trying to make a living as an artist. Sometimes your art can be a breath of fresh air when not ‘working’ and being financially sound let’s you be more creative – less stress and ‘stuff’ in your head to hinder creativity. Once the ‘job’ gets in the way of your art and creativity, it’s time to let it go. But I recommend being financially responsible while you are getting that paycheck and save up for when it’s time to dedicate your life to your art.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can view my Photography on my website www.CassandrasPhotography.com, and I share a lot of personal, as well as professional work on my Instagram @cassandras_photos.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://cassandrasphotography.com/
• Phone: 508-335-2369
• Email: info@cassandrasphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassandras_photos/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CassandraPhotography/

Image Credit:
Cassandra Sullivan

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