We were lucky to catch up with Cara Bresette-yates recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Cara, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

From a young age, I’ve been captivated by the power of stories and how a single image can invite the viewer in to learn more. I was the kid that would go over to the neighbor’s house and pour through their family photo albums just because I was interested in their stories. The mission of cb Yates Photography emerged from a personal revelation: the struggle many women entrepreneurs face in being seen and heard in their authentic light. In a world that often glosses over genuine stories for polished veneers, I saw an opportunity to make a difference.

I’m driven by the belief that every woman has a unique story brimming with strength, resilience, and passion—the kind of story that deserves to be told and celebrated. Embodying this, my mission extends beyond professional brand photography. It’s about creating a space where women entrepreneurs can embrace their authentic selves, showcasing their confidence and the spirit of their business through strategic personal brand photos.

Why is this mission meaningful to me? Because every session is a testament to breaking barriers, challenging norms, and reaffirming the belief that our stories, when shared, can inspire and elevate others. Witnessing my clients see themselves through the images we create together—not just as business owners but as pioneers of their own narratives—is both humbling and empowering. It underlines the essence of why I do what I do: to empower, to celebrate, and to contribute to a community where every woman’s story is seen, appreciated, and remembered.

Growing up, my dad was an entrepreneur in the construction industry, a testament to hard work, innovation, and the impact of leaving a signature touch on the world. Despite the long days and late evenings, he always found time for my brother and me, instilling in us the understanding that work, when pursued with passion and commitment, extends beyond earning a living; it’s about crafting a legacy.

During my father’s era, branding was not encapsulated in photos; it was the structures he built—the tangible quality of his craftsmanship that stood as his calling card. His legacy was not merely in the physical buildings he left behind but in the integrity, dedication, and heart he poured into every project. Witnessing this, I learned early the power of leaving one’s signature on their work and the importance of authenticity and passion in creating something memorable.

This foundational belief is the bedrock of my mission today. As a professional brand photographer, I’m honored to empower women entrepreneurs, helping them showcase their confidence, authenticity, and the spirit of their businesses. In every session, I strive to capture more than just images; I aim to crystallize their unique stories and strengths, allowing them to stand out and be remembered.

Through my lens, I offer a channel for women entrepreneurs to express their identity, ensuring their brand’s integrity and essence are captured and communicated, much like impact of my father’s constructions. I want every person I photograph to know and believe in the impact they bring to their business and their clients. And how only they can do what they do. There is only one of them and their experiences, their beliefs, their trials have made them the unique person they are today. That’s their personal brand, that’s their “special sauce” and that’s what I want to share and highlight in their brand photos.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Ever wonder how a kid with a 4-H project camera grew up to empower business owners with show-stopping brand photos? From capturing moments of friends, pets, and landscapes for county fairs, my love for photography blossomed. I went to college for graphic design and that background still helps me today as I utilize layout and incorporating “white space” to allow the ability to insert text for when my clients utilize their brand photos in marketing and social media.

I provide full and half day brand photo options for my clients that encompass strategic planning so we spend our time photographing and we’re productive. They walk away with 3-6 months worth of photo content to be used on their website, social media, newsletters and other marketing aspects. I do all the planning for my brand photo clients that starts with a brand questionnaire that encompasses many questions about their brand, who they are as a business owner and the people they serve. I begin with a comprehensive brand questionnaire designed to understand not just their brand, but them as a business owner. This culminates into a tailored brand guide, ensuring that every aspect of the session – from the mood to the shot list – aligns perfectly with their vision.
From there I create a complete brand shoot guide that talks about all the aspects of the shoot, the goals of the brand shoot, the ideal client we’re trying to reach and specific shot examples.

And then? Shoot day magic happens. Fueled by excitement and preparation, we work together to create images that not just resonate with their ideal client but energize them to share their brand with the world. It’s more than a photo session; it’s an empowering experience leaving them charged, confident, and proud of the visuals we’ve created.

What I’m most proud of isn’t just the photos we produce but the journey and transformation my clients experience.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for me is word of mouth from other clients and organizations I’ve worked with in the past. Hands down, hearing from others is the best referral. People see the excitement on their face and hear the authenticity in their voice. I’ve often said that if you “say what you’re going to do and then do what you said” that makes such a difference. People want to work with others that deliver.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most profound reward comes from the ripple effect these images create. Brand photography is not just about the immediate impact on the individual; it’s about the message it sends to others. It inspires, encourages, and empowers other women entrepreneurs to embrace their journey, showcase their authentic selves, and step into their power. The feedback from clients about increased confidence, engagement, and business growth after a session underlines the transformative power of visual storytelling.

In essence, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in the realm of brand photography is the ability to facilitate and witness transformation. It’s about crafting visual narratives that not only capture the essence of a person and their brand but also inspire a community of women entrepreneurs to boldly narrate their own stories. This journey of empowerment, creativity, and connection is what lights up my passion and fuels my mission every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cbyatesphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbyatesphoto
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-bresette-yates-aaa9aa7
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/cbyatesphoto

Image Credits

Ana Iwanski and Kirstie Veatch