We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Casey Schneider. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Casey below.

Casey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

Making a name for yourself in photography these days has become very difficult. It seems like technology has made things easier, and everyone now has a camera. After realizing this, I knew I had to learn new techniques that were more rarely seen. I started in the world of action sports. Not all photographers in that industry took the time to setup good lighting equipment for those insane “magazine style” shots. I knew if I could master my lighting, I could keep up with some of the best around and make top dollar. With all that said, there is one difficulty that arises most often. That difficulty is that there is always someone who will do it for free. The amount of photographers has risen tremendously over the past few years. Some of them work hard and make it a full time job, and others are simply hobbyists that want to enjoy something they love. Its a very tough balance to find in this world. The free work takes away from the paid jobs, but you cant be mad at someone for doing what they love simply because they love doing it. That issue has created a lot of tension for many photographers.

Casey, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

After I graduated high school, I went to college to study fire science and take a fire academy. Once I had graduated, I was immediately hired by California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection(CDF). I spent nine seasons fighting fire up and down the state of California for 7-9 months out of the year. During my off time, I spent a lot of my time traveling and shooting photos wherever I went. I eventually started getting offers for my images and knew it was time to get a nice camera. Growing up, my Aunt Joanne was an amazing photographer/artist. Her skills and talents always blew my mind. She sadly passed away in a rafting accident in 1998, and I was left one of her film cameras to use. I started taking images of flowers, animals, and everything I could find at a young age. It was something I really enjoyed! After years of fighting fire, I decided it was time to pack my bags and move from Northern California to Southern California. This was the biggest risk of my life. I left a career job for photography and no guarantees of anything. I was fortunate to be taken in by some great people right away that helped push my work and my photography career to what it is today. I was taught discipline at a young age and that has always pushed me to be the best and work as hard as I can.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think what helped build my reputation was my dedication to every single photo I shot. I never took any serious photography courses or classes. I had to teach myself through trial and error which made things very difficult at times. Once I started creating professional images, I had plenty of other help building my reputation from amazing friends and clients that I have made along the way.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

I started my business from the ground up, so making new clients and getting my name out there wasn’t easy. Once I started all my social media and website, it allowed me to display my work for thousands to see and follow along with. It has played a major roll in finding new clients and allowing other to discover my creations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.defyfocusphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defyfocusphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DefyFocus

Image Credits
All images taken by me: Defy Focus Photography