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

Caroline , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

I feel like I have set myself apart from other Senior photographers with my Senior Rep program. I have had a rep team for the past 4 years. This year I have 2 teams, one in Desoto County (10 girls) and one in Alcorn County (14 girls). It’s a fun program where there is an application process that gives me insight on the girls community/school involvement, their dream photoshoot, ways they plan to promote my small business and their future plans. Over their senior year we have styled and individual shoots. They get a bunch of fun pictures in return to promote my business to clients that may not know about my business. This year the styled shoots were Sunset party and Garden tea party. I have so much fun creating a mood board and having my inspo come to life. Seeing the girls enjoy the shoots and post my work is one of the most rewarding things.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Caroline Gardner and I own Caroline Casey Photography. I got married in 2023 to my best friend and we are located in Corinth, MS. I have been taking pictures for as long as I can remember but I didn’t start taking it seriously until 2020. I played college softball at The University of Southern Mississippi. My softball career ended earlier than I expected and I moved home in 2021 and went full time with it. I have grown so much over the past four years and never imagined I would be where I am today. This year I got my own studio which has sparked my creative juices. I stay booked and busy with seniors, families, weddings, events, brands and newborns. I love what I do and I’m so glad I chased after my passion in 2020.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

I truly believe my Senior rep program helps send new clients my way. I started my photography business in Desoto County and in 2023 I moved my business to Corinth, MS. Being in a new town I really had to rely on my Senior Rep program and past clients to help spread the word. I knew I would have to set myself apart from the photographers in the new area to start getting new clients. The Senior rep program has grown my following not only in the senior field but also with families. Once they post their pictures, their followers are introduced to my photography business. It’s a great way to get my business out to new clients by posting and also word of mouth.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect to me is seeing how excited my clients are once they get their pictures back. I love seeing how beautiful and confident my seniors get. I love seeing how happy mommas get when they get their family sessions or newborn sessions back and I love seeing how excited my brides are once they get their wedding album back. Capturing memories that will last a lifetime is a big deal that I don’t take for granted. I love being able to see how my clients use their pictures as well. For example, hanging them in their house, posting on social media, changing their profile picture, sending out Christmas cards or senior announcements. I love seeing people love my work that’s the most rewarding part.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://carolinecaseyphotography.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinecaseyphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarolineC.Photography

Image Credits

All images from Caroline Casey Photography