Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassandra Conklin.
Hi Cassandra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always looked at the world a little different than others seemed to view it. In many ways, I loved my child-like view, and in others, I found it difficult to connect to those around me when we were so different. As a kid, I found my identity outdoors… playing with animals, climbing trees, digging in dirt, and catching tadpoles. It was a wonderfully ordinary childhood with moments of difficulty… which, looking back, I feel I’ve always handled with grace and a smile. Around my teenage years, I found my identity in my humor, friends, and cheerleading. The day after I turned 18, at my senior homecoming dance, my best friend proposed to me. We were married a month later, and I found myself traveling the country following his career in the Army. As a young adult, I found my identity in my family. It was my daughter’s first Christmas that I began to see a bigger picture of my life through the lens of a camera. My husband gifted me my very first DSLR camera that Christmas, and a whole new world of communication opened up to me. For the first time, I was really able to share with others the way that I view them and experience life. Like most other neurodivergent people I know, I have always sought some form of creative outlet. As a young child, painting and photography were the stars of my greatest dreams, and throughout my life, I worked toward these goals. In high school, I was a part of our school’s ‘student news’ team, and after school, I was a photographer’s assistant at JL Photo Inc. in Davison, Michigan. Nowadays, I find my identity in Jesus Christ and by the grace of God, I am living out all of my dreams and just balancing my love of my family and my love of photography as a homeschool mom of 3 and business owner.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a “smooth road” by any means… but I look back now and see how blessed the path has always been no matter the obstacles I have faced. In the photography world, there’s no lack of talent and charisma, and I have gone through many quiet seasons – which can be hard on an artist emotionally.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a photographer, and I specialize in lifestyle/storytelling photography. I am known for capturing moments and emotions in a way that you can experience them over and over again. I have been told that the thing that sets me apart from others is the way that I am able to really see and connect with people. The thing I would say I am most proud of is my perseverance.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
That’s a really difficult question to answer! My family has always been everything to me, and I wish I could highlight a special moment with every special person in my life. Since that’s not what you asked though, I think I’m going to have to go with climbing our fruit trees. I could sit up in a tree all day long, just listening to the birds singing, playing with the bugs, and eating the tree’s fruits.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mvi21photography.com
- Instagram: @mvi21photographyllc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MVI21Photography
Image Credits
MVI 21 Photography
