We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cansas Nichols. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cansas below.
Cansas, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
When I was fourteen, my family was planning a vacation to Mexico, and all I wanted was to capture our memories in a way that felt more meaningful than what my iPhone could offer. I wasn’t thinking about starting a business or building a career, I simply wanted to freeze those moments of my family being together. So I worked the entire summer and saved up enough to buy a small digital camera. It wasn’t professional or fancy, but it was mine, and I took it everywhere.
On that trip, something shifted. I used that little camera every single day, and I completely fell in love with the process of taking photos, the joy of documenting real, candid memories and the beauty in everyday details. When I got home, I started bringing it to church and taking photos during services and events. Even with such a tiny camera, I felt so alive doing it.
About a year later, I realized this wasn’t just a hobby anymore, it was something I wanted to grow into. I took a leap of faith, put in a lot of work, and eventually purchased my first professional camera. From there, everything began expanding. I practiced by photographing my siblings and family members, spent hours learning through online classes and YouTube videos, and started teaching myself the technical side of photography. I also poured myself into marketing, building a brand, and slowly stepping into paid sessions and creative shoots.
Looking back now, it’s so surreal. Something that started as a simple desire to take cute vacation photos turned into a calling that God clearly placed in my life. Photography has allowed me to meet so many incredible people, serve my community, and grow creatively and spiritually. It has become a true blessing. One I never saw coming at fourteen, but one I’m endlessly grateful for.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Cansas, and I’m a candid and lifestyle photographer based in the Conroe, Texas area. I started photography when I was fourteen, and what began as a simple desire to take better vacation photos of my family turned into a passion that completely changed my life. Over time, I realized I loved capturing people just as they are, real emotions, candid moments, and the beauty of everyday connection.
Today, my brand focuses on candid, authentic photography for couples, families, creatives, and local businesses. I love creating images that feel warm, natural, and full of storytelling. Whether it’s a couple dancing in the sun, a family laughing together, or behind-the-scenes moments for a brand, my goal is always the same: to make people feel seen, confident, and comfortable in front of the camera.
One of the biggest things I’m proud of is how community centered my journey has been. I started photographing at my church with a small digital camera, and that opened the door to so many relationships and opportunities. Over the years, God has placed some incredible people in my life through this work , clients who became friends, brands that trusted me, and families who invite me into their most meaningful moments.
What sets my brand apart is the experience I create. I’m very detail oriented, intentional, and relationship driven. I don’t just show up, take pictures, and leave, I guide my clients through posing, help plan locations and outfits, and create a safe, fun environment so their real personality and chemistry shine through. My clients always tell me how natural their session felt and how comfortable they were, even if they usually feel awkward in front of a camera.
In terms of services, I offer a range of creative work including couples sessions, family portraits, branding shoots, content creation for small businesses, event coverage, and creative concept sessions.
Looking back, the thing I’m most proud of is how far this little dream has come. From buying my first small camera at fourteen to now shooting professionally, learning constantly, and connecting with so many amazing people, it feels like a blessing I get to walk in every single day. At the heart of my brand is gratitude. Gratitude to God for giving me this talent, and gratitude for every person who has trusted me to capture their moments.
If there’s one thing I want potential clients and readers to know, it’s this: photography is more than a job for me. It’s my way of loving people, serving my community, and telling stories that will last for generations.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I started my social media presence from absolutely nothing, so every bit of growth has been intentional. I built my audience through a mix of online consistency and genuine in person connection. In my community, I focused on meeting people, building relationships, handing out cards, and serving people well so they naturally recommended me. Word of mouth has been one of my biggest growth tools.
Online, I learned how important it is for people to feel connected to the person behind the business. Today’s audience wants to know you, not just your work.
So I show my face often, share behind the scenes moments, post day in the life stories, and let people get involved through polls and small decisions. Even if someone has never met me, I want them to feel like they know me and would be comfortable in front of my camera.
Instagram has been my main platform. Collaborating on posts with clients, encouraging them to tag me, and staying consistent with Reels and stories have helped expand my reach. I also pay attention to how the algorithm works posting engaging content, responding quickly, using saves/shares, and staying active so my account stays visible.
My biggest advice for beginners: be consistent, be personal, and build real relationships. Show your face, share your story, connect with your community, and create content people feel a part of. That connection is what grows your audience and your business.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
For me, the most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been keeping things personal and community focused. Most of my bookings come from word of mouth, people recommending me after a great experience, or clients sharing their photos and tagging me. That organic trust has brought in more clients than anything else.
Alongside that, staying present online has helped me reach people outside my immediate circle. Consistently posting my work, showing recent sessions, and keeping my portfolio active has made it easy for new clients to discover me. The combination of strong referrals and steady online visibility has been the key to growing my business.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @pearls.lens
Image Credits
Cansas Nichols | Pearls Lens