Conversations with the Inspiring Cassandra Vagher

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

Cassandra, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The ordinary has always bored me. As a child, I was always drawn to over-the-top things and experiences, and expensive taste. The ordinary didn’t appeal to me and still doesn’t. I dreamt of a rich life full of adventure, experiences, and of course, art. Art has always been a way for me to express the way I see the world to others. A camera was a way for me to make the ordinary extraordinary. Looking back, I shouldn’t be surprised that I grew up to be a wedding and elopement photographer.

Studying photography in college seemed like a joke to most people. I was double majoring at Regis University in Business Marketing and Fine Arts with a focus on photography. I cannot count how many times I was told, “well, at least one of your degrees will be useful.” However, studying art was one of the most humbling and influential experiences I could have. Art professors reminded you constantly that there’s room for improvement, but at the same time, praised you for your growth. Studying business was straightforward, but studying art was more expansive, at times even more analytical, and certainly taught you to be a better loser. I think I came out of my art classes, with thicker skin and maybe even more resilient than my marketing classmates because of the constant scrutiny of my work. Art school taught me grit, to make something, fail, and then get back up and try again.

Every period of my life that has been average, like working in an office with a typical 9-5 job, was me giving in to society’s expectations. Having an office job certainly wasn’t me staying true to myself. I worked in marketing for about five years, and while I excelled at my marketing career, it never fulfilled me. I often told my family going to an office job every day was “slowly killing my soul.” Sitting at a desk for 9 hours a day felt like I was going through the motions to survive and not live the way I wanted.

There’s nothing that makes me feel more alive than standing at the top of a mountain watching the sunset. I knew I wanted to pursue a lifestyle and career that allowed me to chase more sunsets, experience new adventures, and meet new people. Adventure elopement and intimate wedding photography encapsulated that dream. So two years ago, when I began photographing weddings, I told myself that I would quit my day job in three years. Instead, I did it in just two. I left my day job almost 90 days ago to pursue my photography full time. It’s crazy to wake up every day and think that I have my dream job. I feel more eager to create and grow in my craft than ever. So far, I feel like I’m excelling.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No creative journey has a smooth road. If you think that you’ll study art in college and be a successful artist-entrepreneur right out the gate, you are misinformed. People aren’t going to support you as you think. Sometimes it will only be your mom rooting you on. You’ll feel embarrassed she’s the only person commenting on your Facebook posts. You’ll cheer on others, and it won’t be reciprocal. You have to accept this as part of the process and keep trudging on. Then after months, or years, the kids that bullied you in grade school will call you and ask you to photograph their special day. That’s when you know you’ve made it: when the people that burdened you now notice your work.

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I’m a photographer specializing in intimate weddings and elopements. I’m best known for vibrancy and color in my photography. Right now, a moody aesthetic is popular in the wedding photography industry. Sometimes it’s almost cynical. I don’t think wedding photography should be pessimistic. Instead, I want it to be this romanticized memory, that’s even more marvelous than you can recall.

I think we all seek two things in life: love and adventure. My photography reflects both, embodying wild beauty, liveliness, passion, color, and an “awe” factor. I want my clients to look at their pictures in 20 years and not only see a gorgeous piece of art, but I also want my photos to evoke fantasy like memories of their love for one another.

A photo is not only capable of capturing a snapshot of time, but it can also embody an intangible essence, an emotion. Expressionist painters probably had the most significant influence over my work with their intent to evoke moods or ideas. Wedding and elopement photos should evoke passionate love, fairytale-like feelings, almost like this is happily ever after. If I’m not getting that reaction, I didn’t do my job.

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
Of course my mother, she’s the kindest and most nurturing person I’ve ever met. In addition to my rockstar mom there’s my childhood karate instructors wife Kaniah Baier, and my college professor Dr. Barbara Coleman, my high school AP history teacher Barb Schrader, and my art teacher Bonny Colargrosso. All of these women have pushed me throughout my life, mentored me, or have lead by example.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cassandravagher.com
• Email: creative@cassandravagher.com
• Instagram: @cassandra_Vagher_Creative
• Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/CassandraVagherCreative/

Image Credit:
Evonique Morado

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