Today we’d like to introduce you to Casie Carow.
Hi Casie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born in Dallas, Texas. My family moved to Hudson, Wisconsin when I was twelve. I originally wanted to be a vet someday. I began my own house and pet sitting business at twelve to adopt my puppy Nala, and the business continued through college. I attended UW-RF. I decided not to be a veterinarian. Being a mom someday began to pull at my heart, and my love of children turned into an Elementary Education degree in 2010. I was married, turned 23, graduated, and completed my student teaching all in a matter of weeks. I taught at a learning center in Hudson for a few years, until I returned to the school I attended middle school (St. Patrick’s in Hudson) to teach. I was pregnant with my first baby as I taught the last half-day Kindergarten class St. Patrick’s would ever have. I then moved to teaching first grade, and my final year (while pregnant with my second baby) 4k.
After the birth of my second, I decided to not sign my contract to teach the following year. I needed to stay home and raise them. However, I also knew I would need to contribute financially. I found a used Sony DSLR online, started playing around with it, and took pictures for family and family friends in 2015.
My third and fourth babies were born in 2015 and 2017. It was around then, my business erupted. I had more people asking questions, booking sessions, and giving my name to others! What began as a hobby….asking fifty dollars for family photos….turned into newborn, family, senior, multigenerational, engagement, and even wedding photography!
Now, ten years later, I have more than one thousand followers, completely booked falls, and waitlists for mini sessions.
I feel beyond blessed to be a part of people’s families: witnessing births, marriages, children grow before my eyes, and grandparents with their grandchildren.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I began my business in 2015, I never imagined being a photographer that mothers would recommend to each other, having my business name on a banner, or having my photos on websites.
However, when things took off, these dreams became a reality.
Until…..2020…..
2020 brought on fear, uncertainty, and decline in possibilities.
For what seemed like forever, I couldn’t enter family’s homes, go into hospital rooms, or shoot indoor weddings.
When everything seemed to stand still, my clients and I made a way. Family seemed to become more important. We shot outside as much as we could, this included newborns (which traditionally were inside at the family’s home). When restrictions began to lift, multigenerational shoots became something everyone wanted. Grandparents were laughing with their grandchildren again, and families were reunited and seemed to grasp for those photographic memories in a new way post-shutdown.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Casie Carow Photography?
My business started off as family photography. However, it didn’t take long for newborn shoots to be added to that list. With four children of my own, babies just came naturally. I also enjoyed talking to parents (especially first time parents) about their new addition and lend any helpful advice I could.
Soon my list began to include: engagement, high school seniors, parties, multigeneration family shoots, and even weddings.
What I enjoy most is capturing a real smile. Not the one that you practice in the mirror, or the other one you paint on to make mom happy. I’m talking about that real, genuine, gut laugh. When you don’t have a mask up, you’re surrounded by the people who love you most, and memories are being captured.
I also love it when a pet tags along! Why not?!
Finally, light. I know some photographers prefer a cloudy day. I don’t. I love that bright sun to be out. I love how it brings out more color, more depth, and–even–more character.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Humility
I’ll never think I’m the best. I will always see room for growth.
Patience
I will also never judge a parent. Parenting is the hardest job you’ll ever love. It is NO JOKE. Part of my job is helping parents be comfortable, and helping children relax by being patient.
Pricing:
- A regular session $225; Mini session $175
- Multigeneration $350
- Senior package $450
- Baby package (nb, 6 mo, 1 yr) $450
- Wedding $2000 (engagement $450; discount if scheduling wedding with me)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://casiecarowphotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: @casiecarowphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlessedMOMentsPhoto
