Today we’d like to introduce you to Cayce Wagner.
Hi Cayce, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I have always loved taking pictures. From a very early age, I saw life in frames. But even if the purpose of the shot was to capture the image of a beautiful background, like a mountain range, or the ocean at sunset, I needed people in my shots. I couldn’t quite grasp the reason for framing a shot without someone in it. Fast forward to when I was pregnant with my middle child. I had been a Pharma rep for 7 years and my company was being purchased by another, positions were being shifted, and I was being let go. It was one of the best blessings for my family because I had thrown around the idea of staying home with my babies however the perks of the job were hard to let go of. In this new season of life where I found myself unemployed for the first time since I was old enough to work. I was a new mom and loved that title so very much, but I needed something to do that was for me. Something that I loved, something that gave me a chance to continue to help out financially. Photography was the obvious answer in my book! I took some classes to perfect my hobby and then I just hit the road running. The business side of photography came later and I continue to learn more and more about that every year. But the creative part came naturally. I started taking pictures of anyone that would trust me with their memories and building my portfolio. My kids were my favorite muses and I practiced on them incessantly. Every session I got more comfortable, and every year I reassess what it was that I wanted from this business. Working with families, new parents, and seniors is the biggest blessing. Learning about them, what makes them happy, what makes them laugh, and watching them light up when they see their images will forever be the best part. I love the people. I guess that is why I never wanted a picture without someone in it. They are the reason I love this job! Making art with people.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been struggles along the way. Throughout my career, I have second-guessed myself and wondered if I am good enough to actually charge people for my craft. But then, like clockwork, my calendar fills up and I get a little God-wink that my passion is also a gift and that people find value in what I do. THAT is the best feeling.
One fall my calendar got so intensely full that when I finished my last edits in November, I didn’t pick my camera back up for months because I was so burned out. Not even to capture memories of my own family. So, I sat back down to the drawing board and figured out a better business plan. Creative types, like photographers, don’t usually like to spend their time on the business side of the equation….at least I don’t. I decided I would protect myself from that same scenario for future seasons by setting boundaries for my calendar. Being busy is a blessing, but not if it steals the joy from your passion!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in natural light, lifestyle photography. I capture memories for families, kids, and graduating seniors. I am most proud of how far I have come and how this passion of mine has turned into a business that introduces me to amazing new people all the time.
Contact Info:
- Email: wagnercayce@gmail.com
- Website: www.CayceWagner.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/cayce_wagner_photo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CayceWagnerPhotography
