We recently had the chance to connect with Dara Cashion and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Dara, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Homeschooling my 3 year old son and he can read a first level book. I feel like I’m doing something right.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am photographer. I have been in the photography industry for 7 years now. I started photographing my husband when he was wakeboarding, I started with a basic canon model camera. Eventually my husband gifted me with my second camera another Canon R6. I started my career by shadowing a good friend of mine at weddings. I was her second shooter and it was then when I had realized how much I enjoyed capturing details. In college, I took a film class and I remember my professor telling me that in every movie every prop, lighting, detail is there for a reason. To this day I take that in consideration of the type of session I am hired for. I know that each bride has hand picked every flower, napkin, cup, etc..
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
When my son and daughter were born that was a moment that shaped how I view the world. I started enjoying and appreciating things more than I did when I was younger. I strived to be my best self and in terms of photography— I wanted to capture every single moment so i wouldn’t miss a thing.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been times where I’ve wanted to give up. When I don’t focus on my own success, when I look into everybody else and compare myself. I start to question if this is the career for me. If I am good enough. Doubt. Fear. Hopelessness. I tend to shake it off and refocus myself. Ask myself why I am here and what is my purpose.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
Quality over quantity. It is easy for someone to go buy a camera or even use their phone for pictures. But when it comes to professional pictures or eventful moments it’s important to invest in someone who knows what they are doing.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will see the good in me. I want to be remembered as someone who helped others. Someone who worked hard. Someone who was a great mother and wife. A photographer who did took her time, focused on details, was creative in the best way. And I want people to have pictures I’ve taken of them in their homes.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://daracashionphotography.zenfoliosite.com/
- Instagram: @DaraCashionPhotography
- Facebook: Dara Cashion Photography
- Other: Tik Tok : Dara Cashion Photography
Image Credits
The Gould family
The Byrd’s wedding
The Collin’s wedding
Harlee (my daughter)
