Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Caylee Robillard. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Caylee, appreciate you joining 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 I’ve made within my job and the industry would definitely be making connections with other creatives that I look up or who’s work inspires me. As important as gear can be, that isn’t what defines a creative. Investing your time and energy into learning from the people that inspire you is incredibly beneficial. There is so much to be said for other creatives that are willing to teach and mentor, and I’ve been lucky enough to be able to learn from some of the best. I’ve heard so many young/up and coming photographers say they’re afraid that someone won’t reply or that it’ll be a bother but the worst thing that can happen is they’ll say no! Always send the message, always shoot the shot.
Caylee, 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?
I started photography about 6 years ago, and at the time I was just experimenting with portraits, I spent about two years doing family shoots and graduation pictures. I’ve been really passionate about music since I can remember and was always finding myself at shows, so one day I decided to send a message to one of my favorite local bands to see if I could come shoot their show at a bar downtown and they said yes! That was the start for me and after that, I started messaging any band I loved that was local or coming through on tour. Again, the worst they can say is no! But, most of the time, up and coming bands love to have new live photos of their shows! Once I had begun building my portfolio I applied to contribute to some publications. This was my foot in the door to shooting bigger shows! I spent the next few years shooting any show that would give me photo pass, and loving every second of it. That’s a long story short but, I’ve been out on the road touring with Ella Langley since January. Touring has given me the chance to collaborate with an artist and really expand on a creative vision which has been incredibly fulfilling.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is truly creating work that I am deeply proud of. I’ve learned that finding validation from outside sources will just leave you starving, but growing to appreciate your own creative journey is so much more gratifying. I’m definitely my own worst critic when it comes to my work but, over the past few years I’ve learned to celebrate wins when they come. Producing work that I am proud to share is what I find the most rewarding, and it keeps me motivated to keep growing!
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
This question is a little more recent for me, within the last month I quit my 9-5 job and moved to Nashville to pursue touring/photography full time. It was a big decision and was something that I’d wanted to do for a long time. It was a really pivotal moment in my career and I couldn’t be more excited to see what the next few years will hold.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cayleerobillard.com
- Instagram: @cayleerobillard