Meet Cara Benak

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cara Benak.

Cara, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
About three years ago, I launched my photography business as a side-hustle. I was always interested in photography but when I started working for an environmental non-profit that protects public land I was inspired to photograph the beautiful outdoor space in Colorado. I wanted to help promote the beauty we are so lucky to be around every day and to share the importance of protecting our land. After I invested in a nice camera, I began photographing landscapes and soon started adding people as my subjects in the photos.

Additionally, about a year ago, I came up with the idea to start a blog called Women are Moving Mountains. Inspired by the harsh realities and injustices women still face today, I wanted to do something to become a part of the women’s movement. My blog’s mission is to encourage women to share their stories of adversity and their strength through resilience. The blog is focused on empowering women to use their voice and inspire others.

Has it been a smooth road?
With photography, it was a big challenge learning how to use my camera and learning how to become confident in my work, which just takes time and practice. I have been told by a few different people throughout my life that my dreams or big ideas will not become a reality, but over time, I have overcome that kind of negative outlook. No one can tell me I cannot do something or that I will not be successful at it, because yes I can and yes I will. I am in charge of my own destiny and I will try and try again, and even if I do fail at least I tried. I am not afraid to fail, if I was I wouldn’t be talking to you right now. I feel that failing is the only way to learn and the only way to ultimately succeed. My advice, embrace failure and learn from it.

It is never easy starting out with a new business, I’ve had to sacrifice time and money to invest in my side-hustle, but for me, it was totally worth it. Now, I’m in a place of comfortably making art while bringing in a little extra on the side. Being a photographer is my creative outlet, something I need, a way of expressing myself while providing a beautiful service for others. It has enriched my life in many ways, not speaking monetarily, but it is more about the art, the experience, the skills I am continuously building, and the opportunity of getting to meet so many wonderful people along the way.

As for my blog, Women are Moving Mountains, the challenges of this have been time-management based, but I recently restructured the content and how I share that content, which has made it much easier to manage. Another challenge I have come across is some negativity regarding supporting women rights. For the most part, the launch of my blog has been perceived as very positive. I have encountered a few online trolls insulting me as a woman, but I just have to remind myself that people like that are very unhappy and it is sad they feel they have to bring others down.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
As I’ve mentioned, I manage and own my side-hustle photography business. I am a natural light photographer, which means I mainly shoot outdoors. I photograph couples, engagements, elopements, families, and I also started doing in-home branding sessions recently. The mission for my photography business is to capture the beauty of the world, and beauty of those who live within it.

Additionally, I believe my blog Women are Moving Mountains really sets me apart from others, because I have a mission to empower women, to encourage women to support one another, to work together to overcome our shared challenges, and to speak up against injustices. We need to find ways to relate to each other and realize we are not alone, and the way we can come together is by sharing our stories. I have a great passion for this, and that is what I am most proud of.

How my blog works: I survey women by asking them to answers six to ten questions, such as “How do you feel about failure” or “Who is your biggest inspiration and why.” There are about 50 questions, relatable to any woman, that they can choose from. Once they submit the survey, I review it and request a free 15-minute portrait session. I feature a different, awesome, and inspiring woman each month via my website and I promote it on my Instagram page. These women are mothers, entrepreneurs, students, working women, business owners, etc.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Absolutely! This is a beautiful state with ample opportunity for photography. Additionally, this city has a lot of like-minded women and it has an entrepreneurial vibe that I love. I’ve met some of the best women here who are supportive, caring, inspiring, and driven. They have inspired me to be a better person and to believe in myself.

I would absolutely recommend someone starting a new business in Denver. This city is full of intelligent people who are driven. There is something for everyone and I see a lot of opportunities here. Denver is full of potential!

Pricing:

• $300 for 1-hour photo session, comes with 50-100 high-res professionally edited digital photos with free downloads.
• $175 for 30 min photo session, comes with 25-50 high-res professionally edited digital photos with free downloads.
• Women are Moving Mountains blog comes with a FREE 15 min portrait session for participating in my survey.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.carabenakphotography.com
• Email: carabenakphotography@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carabenakphotography/?hl=en
• Other: www.womenaremovingmountains.com

Image Credit:
Cara Benak Photography

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