Meet Casandra Bega | Lifestyle Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Casandra Bega and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Casandra, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I didn’t necessarily have a thought because I kind of stumbled into my business. It started off as a hobby and before I knew it, it grew into something bigger. I started just taking photos of friends and family, but then I had people start asking my rates and if I did events and before I knew it, I had a whole business behind my name, it feels surreal some days. Once I started to realize I had a business I was grateful I went headfirst into it because I think if I would have really known everything a business entails, I wouldn’t have a business.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My goal with my business was to create art that felt eternal, moments that could be kept forever. As someone who understands the importance of moments that turn into memories, it was a priority to be able to capture them in an authentic light. With my photography I’m able to create an environment that encourages those authentic and real moments while also incorporating poses for clients who want a little more straight-forward guidance. Some of the work I’m proudest of is the Quinceanera’s. Most of these girls come meek and mild and by the end of the session I’ve been able to learn their likes, dislikes, and what makes them feel confident. Being able to connect with them on a personal level makes it easier to make sure they are getting exactly what they want out of their time with me. My favorite part of the job is making it personal. Meeting new people, watching clients grow their family from two to three, and meeting other photographers who have become some of my biggest supporters and friends. While professionally this job, like any other, requires its sacrifices, the rewards are priceless. The biggest challenged I’ve faced is the sacrifice of time, weekends, holidays, and my own moments. Sometimes it’s easy it gets invested in creating art for others, but the most important lesson was learning to set apart time for myself. Learning to allow myself to create and enjoy those moments with my own family. I want people to know I’m investing in my art because of you and completely for you. People who work with me deserve nothing but all of me and the best I have to offer.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Whatever we’re doing is definitely involving coffee first and foremost. Crave coffee has got to be the spot to hit in Riverside. After we are awake and caffeinated, we’ll be heading to the heart of downtown Riverside to walk around and enjoy the architecture of the mission inn, walk through the Mission Galleria Antiques Shope and then stopping by Antonious Pizza for lunch. With our bellies full, it would be time to hit the Cheech Art Museum and walk off some of the food while being able to enjoy some fruitful conversation around some of the important topics being brought to the community’s attention through art. After, there is a hidden gem of a bookstore called the downtown bookstore that has just expanded, and I know I definitely can’t wait to check out. To end the night, we would catch whatever scary movie is out at the Regal theaters in the riverside plaza.

Genuinely, Riverside has so much to offer and there is always something to do. Theres plenty of places to bar hop and dance if that’s what you’re into or hikes like mt. Rubidoux to hit if you’re looking for some killer views. No matter what you’re looking for, I know Riverside has a spot for you.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My aunt Judy deserves every ounce of recognition I have to offer, she is a major key player in my success and why I strive to continuously be better. Judy always held me to the highest standards, because she saw the potential in me to grow and achieve great things. Growing up Judy always had a camera in her hand, and took pictures of everything, and I mean EVERYTHING. But it’s because of her I have my favorite memories in photos; it’s because of her I learned to love art. From day one Judy has never stopped believing in me, has continuously advocated for me, and for that I’ll always have someone to make proud.

Website: https://casbegaphoto.mypixieset.com

Instagram: @Casbegaphoto

Facebook: @casbegaphoto