The Drive: What challenges have you overcome?
I think being self-employed and a creative person, there are challenges daily. Most of them come from within and challenging myself to bettering myself. It’s so important to me that I capture the most beautiful portraits I possibly can, as I can’t go back and make a baby a newborn again, or have them celebrate their first birthday again. These precious moments and milestones are so significant and fleeting, so ensuring I capture them in the best possible way is my main concern and challenge always.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
It can sometimes get lonely, and I put a lot of pressure on myself. Am I good enough, will I book enough shoots this month, are my clients happy? I am my business, so there is no room to blame others if things go wrong. Everything depends on me, I don’t get paid sick days or holiday pay. I miss out on staff functions and being in a social environment.
But on the flip side, I get to do the one thing I am so passionate about. Being a photographer is who I am, it’s in my soul. I value portraits so much and it makes me so incredibly proud to know that these beautiful portraits will exist forever. These amazing people that I meet and their beautiful families, will exist for all time. There are no limits to what I can do, I have no one to answer to and I do something everyday that I love with my whole being.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
There is always room for improvement when you’re an artist. I don’t think I will ever stop learning and setting new goals. I am constantly trying to better myself not only as a photographer but a business owner, mother and wife.
Ultimately I want to be able to share my skills with others and create an environment where I can teach others what I do and help enable them to reach their own photographic goals.
To learn more and see more of her work, visit the Casey Van Liefde website, and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
