We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cassandra Panek. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cassandra below.
Cassandra, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)
The best investment will always be time and education. It’s so important to practice your craft, to experiment, to try new things and give yourself permission to fail as you learn. I see so many photographers in particular think that quality images are about having bigger or better, newer or more expensive equipment, but the truth is one of my favorite artists has been doing photography with a glorified desk lamp! Art is about challenging yourself to use the tools you have with purpose and intention, not about chasing better tools.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Cassie! I’m a queer multidisciplinary artist based in Philadelphia, I’ve been working as a freelance photographer since the mid-2000s, when I began doing portfolio development for alternative and glamour models, alongside press kit photography for performers, dancers, and musicians. I started by photographing friends, moved on to finding models who wanted to trade services on the internet. I worked with any film or digital camera I could lay hands on, and practiced lighting, pose coaching, and retouching as I developed a personal style. When there was demand for my services outside Philly I began touring for multi-day marathon sessions, as near as Delaware and as far as California. I networked with brands, art magazines, and other artists. I hustled, doing weddings, food and product photography, lookbooks for clothing and jewelry designers.
In 2021 I opened Neon Velvet Studio, based in suburban Philadelphia, to offer luxury boudoir photography and intimate portraits to the LGBTQ community and our allies. My sessions offer a luxurious suite of services including professional hair and makeup, wardrobe assistance, pose coaching and direction. This year I’m looking at working with a local artisan to add charcuterie snack trays for my clients too!
My focus is on getting to know my clients and delivering them a fun and energizing photo session that helps their unique and beautiful qualities shine. I believe everyone deserves gorgeous life-affirming photos. I work to showcase the beauty of diversity; my portfolio shows people of all sizes, gender expressions, races, and demographics, all radiant and worthy of celebration. I love giving everyday people the chance to be pampered and see themselves through loving eyes.
Aside from boudoir and glamour, my other loves are food photography and bespoke branding projects! It’s a joy to collaborate with other small businesses, makers and creatives to build a library of marketing photos showcasing who they are and what they’re offering. I sit with my clients and learn what they’re about, and together we make a shot list of everything they’ll need to promote their project: headshots, candids of them working, detail shots of studio and workspace, video footage, and more. With social media marketing being so important, photos of who you are and what your business does are as important as your logo or website.
I don’t do marathon sessions anymore–I’ve shifted my priority to personalizing my clients’ experience, the photographic equivalent of getting your clothes tailored vs buying off the rack.
Since opening Neon Velvet Studio I’ve won a handful of awards, but my greatest pride as a business owner is that the majority of new clients find me from referrals! There’s no greater compliment than people being so happy with their experience they tell their friends to book with me too.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Sitting around and waiting to be discovered is a fairy tale. Sure, it happens, but it’s not the statistical norm. I spent the early years of my career thinking that if my work was good enough people would find it, like magic! I confused insecurity with humility, and would diminish my wins saying things like, “It’s not a big deal, but–”
It is a big deal! Be as excited for yourself as you’d be for your best friend. You worked hard, right? You earned this opportunity.
You have to advocate for yourself and be your own #1 cheerleader from the start. Take pride in your work and announce it with joy! Don’t minimize your achievements and don’t shrink yourself because “it’s just a little magazine,” or “it’s only a small award.” Do you know how many people have never been in ANY magazine? Won ANY award? Celebrate your wins and invite people to celebrate them with you. Speak well of yourself.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Start small in every aspect of your life, to the best of your ability and resources.
If you have the means, maybe this looks like going to a locally owned yoga studio instead of a big chain. Or doing your holiday shopping at a local art market instead of on amazon. Barnes and Noble won’t notice if you don’t buy a book, but the local bookshop will notice when you buy from them! And don’t get caught up in perfection; this isn’t an all-or-nothing lifestyle change. If your mom wants that hot new spatula from target for Christmas it doesn’t mean your other efforts to shop locally are wasted. I promise you still made someone’s day at the craft fair by buying their $5 art print.
If you don’t have money, you can support artists with your energy and attention. Like, share, and comment on your favorite artists’ social media posts. Watch their videos all the way to the end. Engage with excitement and enthusiasm. Nominate them for awards, then vote! Introduce your friends to your favorite local band. Request queer indie authors’ books at your local library. In short, tell people about things you love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://neonvelvetstudio.com
- Instagram: neonvelvetstudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neonvelvetstudio
Image Credits
all photos by Cassandra Panek, Neon Velvet Studio