Today we’d like to introduce you to Cari Cusinato.
Hi Cari, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When my daughter was seven years old, back in 2012, she begged for riding lessons. I finally gave in, and her passion fed my passion. While watching my son play sports, I discovered that my competitive side would likely cause problems if I didn’t figure out an excellent way to keep my mouth shut, and that’s where the camera came in.
I picked up the camera and started shooting; I’ve probably shot baseball, basketball, lacrosse, soccer, horses, you name it. So, as my daughter moved into showing horses, the camera was there for every moment, big and small, from her first fall to her first win. My camera captured it.
Now, that was 12 years ago, but my love for photography has done nothing but grow. Initially a passion and a way to stay quiet, my photography became something I was known for, from my daughter’s teammates wanting photos to my son’s friends begging me to shoot their games. I was the photographer. So, I continued to branch out and challenge myself.
My daughter has always been good in front of the camera. As she got older, she wanted to model, but I could not afford professional photographers. So I started taking her photos, from school dances to prom to senior Sunday; I did them all, and she loved them and still does.
But I knew because of the challenge I faced finding a photographer that when I started my business, I wanted to keep my prices low and budget-friendly, as I call them. I want the kids who never thought they could have a professional photographer to get one; I want to capture their special moments, give them a snapshot of their lives, and keep things magical.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Photography has been a part of my life that I don’t differentiate it. Life has not been smooth going; my daughter is chronically ill and spends a lot of time in and out of hospitals. My son is healthy, but he’s now a teenager, so between keeping up with friends, sports, work, and video games, he’s a lot to keep up with.
However, I wouldn’t change anything, even with the challenges of raising my kiddos. Photography is my escape, and as long as they keep letting me shoot them, I couldn’t ask for more.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What inspired me to start a photography business was the price of other equestrian show photographers. My daughter had gone to compete at a large horse show, which had a photographer. However, when I went to buy photos, it was $60 for a digital print, which was a low-quality print. The photographers’ high-quality proofs were well over $100.
I couldn’t afford that as a mom, and I was crushed because my kid really wanted a memento of the first show with her horse, and I couldn’t get her one, which was painful as a mother. I respect that it is a full-time job for many photographers, and they need to charge those prices.
I am lucky that my photography business is not my full-time job; I do it on the side, which is why my motto is “professional quality photos for everyone on any budget.” I don’t charge anywhere near what other photographers do, and I’m not interested in charging those prices. I do not have the best camera on the market, but I still offer digital and print-quality high-resolution images for those on a budget who still want a memento.
I’m here for the single moms and dads who have already given up anything to let their kids ride (because we all know how expensive horseback riding is) to still be able to afford photos for their kids, for the parents who are struggling to make ends meet so their kid can ride and still be able to get a keepsake, for anyone on any budget to make the equestrian sport more accessible and less about who has the most money.
I watched my own kid struggle in her sport, and I had friends and family who struggled to afford other types of photography, so I was inspired to make photos budget-friendly. I offer sports photography, I do senior photoshoots, I provide family photoshoots, and my favorite and least favorite photoshoots are my end-of-life photoshoots for pet parents who want one last memory.
How do you think about luck?
Luck hasn’t played any role in my business ventures; it’s been hard work, networking, and a lot of time practicing. I’ve been shooting photos for over 15 years, but I started my business and offered my skills to the public only last year. Being an artist is nerve-wracking, especially in a saturated market like photography. However, my business model is unique, and I believe that is why I will succeed.
Pricing:
- Equine Services Range from $20 – $500
- Senior Sunday Photos $100 – $300
- Sports Photography $250 – $500
- General Photoshoots – $100 – $300
- End of Life Photography – Free with Proof of Death – contact for more info
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cusinatoequinephotos.wixsite.com/ce-photos
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cjs_snapshot/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071770963579
