Meet Jessica Cassandro | Couples Photographer

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

Hi Jessica, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Before my husband and I got married, I was a nursing assistant and going to college for my AA. During covid I was laid off of my job and took some time off from working and during that time we got married and moved across country twice. My husband and I never got professional pictures of us until after we got married. We had just moved to the Bay Area and I saw a neighbor post that she was offering photography sessions. I jumped on it. My thoughts behind it were, “Why not?! it will be nice to have some of us and with our two pups.” After I got them back I just remember how much fun my husband and I had and loved the pictures. Right then and there I knew that’s what I wanted to do. I had always loved photography. Took a class in high school and my husband was the first one to buy me a nice camera when we were first dating. After that I, jumped into it and put everything I had into starting a photography 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.
From the beginning, my goal was for people to feel comfortable around me and wanted them to love the photos I take. I started interning at a photography studio, Desire to Inspire Studios Foundation. I learned so much from them and it was a safe environment for me to practice and learn. They are so amazing and supportive. As I continued my journey, I would go to workshops, where I would meet other photographers. I could see how they would look at each subject and everyone had a unique style. I loved taking what I would see and trying in out in my next session. Finding what I liked and don’t like along the way. I love the community of photographer friends I have made. Getting to bounce thoughts and ideas off each other, asking questions when I was suck, and going out and shooting together and for each other when we can. Everyday I am watching videos or practicing because I want to better myself and challenge myself to get better and learn.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have grown up in California. After high I moved from Kern county to LA county where I met my husband and went to college. Two years after dating, he joined the military were he moved to the east coast. Once we got married I followed him to the East Coast where we lived for 6 months and then moved back to California, where now we live in the Bay Area. We had friends visit from the East Coast, which was their first time in California. After traveling up and down California I have a pretty good idea of my favorite places. In Northern California, we would first take them to eat at our favorite sandwich shop in San Rafael, Michael’s Sourdough Sandwiches. After we would go to see and walk the Golden gate bridge & hike in the Marin Headlands. Next day we would go check out Lombardi Street, Pier 39 & the Ghirardelli chocolate factory. While we are there we would eat at our favorite place called, Boudin Bakery, and get a Calm Chowder Bread bowl. Of course you have to stop and see the seals at pier 39. There are so many and so fascinating to watch. Another fun food place to check out and eat at is Spark Social. There is food trucks everyday. So many options and the food is amazing, as well as, the environment. While in the city if it’s Baseball Season, which it is, you can get a ticket to see the Giants play at the beautiful Oracle Park. To top it off, it may be a bit of a drive, but totally worth it, is Yosemite National Park. It is stunning, with all the waterfalls and trees, then getting to see half Dome is amazing! If you are able to get a camping spot, do it. We are love tent camping. Having a wood fire and cooking over it, while getting to look up at all the stars at night, then starting the next day hiking the beautiful trails.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to recognize my mom & dad. My dad had passed away before I got married. Since then my mom had moved closer to me. She helped me jump start my business with anything I needed and supported from the beginning. As well as, my husband, he works hard and supports our family so that I can pursue my passion in photography.

Website: jessicacassandrophotography.com

Instagram: jessicacassandrophotography

Facebook: Jessica Cassandro Photography

Yelp: Jessica Cassandro Photography

Image Credits
The very First photo of me was taken by Jennifer Bond (Sunny Layne Photography)