Today we’d like to introduce you to Makayla Casey.
Hi Makayla, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Absolutely, hey I’m Makayla! I grew up more in front of the camera than behind it actually. I was really into modeling and acting. I did a lot of print work, commercials, and local theater productions at the time. In 2014, my family hosted an exchange student from Spain for the summer and she brought a camera to take pictures of her travels. The 2 of us went on photoshoots literally every day that summer! We had the absolute best time together & little did we know that it would introduce me to a new passion and now full-time career of mine! After that summer, I started photographing for friends, then friends of friends and somehow, I ended up making some money out of it!
From that summer on, you wouldn’t see me without a camera! From senior photos to fashion shows to weddings, this camera has taken me all around the world with more experiences I never thought was even possible. It’s not always easy to start/sustain your own creative company, but I feel so blessed by all of the love and support my friends, family, & clients have given me throughout the years.
It’s true what they say, “If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life”. I am thrilled to see what the future has in store!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Great question, surprisingly it has been a slow and a fairly smooth ride thus far. I was 17 at the time I got into photography, and it wasn’t until I was 21 that I took it more seriously. I also didn’t go to school for business or photography, so I’d say 90% of the things I learned was from my dad (who owns his own company as well), watching others/research & trial and error.
The biggest struggle I’ve been working through at the moment is probably everyday decision-making. “Should I invest in new gear, should I hire an employee, should I take out a Facebook ad?” I mean there are hundreds of decisions you make just in 1 day, imagine when your company depends on it!
Something I found that helps when I feel stuck, is bouncing my thoughts off of a trusted peer or mentor. I have a few go-to people in my life that will share their professional opinions and act as a sounding board. It’s nice to hear what others you trust have to say.
Creating pros & cons lists is also my go-to when trying to decide things.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
So, my main company, Makayla Casey Photography, focuses on wedding/life moment (such as family photos, newborn, maternity, etc.), but I actually have a separate company that focuses on fashion & branding. It’s called FWRD Photography. For those looking for branding campaign photos, product images or runway shows you can find me there! At the beginning of 2022, I was sharing all kinds of photos from a 1st bday cake smash to bikini models on the beach. As it sounds like, I have a very diverse clientele and not everyone wants to see the same things. Thus, FWRD was born!
I have shot runway shows from Miami Swim & New York Fashion Week and have photographed many brand campaigns for Heather Leigh Swim, Shein, Karen Sabag, and more! Keeping these 2 companies and clients separate has already helped tremendously and I’m excited to see where it takes me!
What matters most to you?
The thing that matters to me the most is family. In my business or personal life having those true, loving, grounded connections is really what it’s all about. At the end of the day, we would be nothing without love and companionship. For my job, I am lucky enough to photograph people’s happiest moments in life in which they literally surround themselves with family and friends. Seeing the genuinely happy smiles, feeling the warm hugs, ugh that’s what does it for me. It’s about being there for each other.
Contact Info:
- Website: makaylacaseyphotography.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/makaylacaseyphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makaylacaseyphotography
- Other: fwrdphotography.com
Image Credits
Makayla Casey Photography
