Meet Kassy Menke | Always learning something

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

Hi Kassy, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I mean this in the nicest way I can say it but everyone thinks they can do your job. Especially when it comes to photography. Everyone has a phone or a camera these days and they assume they can do it better and don’t get me wrong, I am sure there are some people who could who are not photographers but a lot of the time they don’t really understand all that goes into the work we do. Another thing to know is that people frequently say that I am “just pushing a button” or “I can find someone else to do it for free.” I bring these three things up because it took me a long time to be okay with it all. In my early days, I always felt the need to defend myself and oftentimes lower my rates because I didn’t want to have them not pick me as their photographer. I would compromise myself as a photographer and artist for the client and I have learned with experience that I don’t need to and shouldn’t do that. If someone wants to work with me, they will. Be confident in your work and who you are in whatever career path you are in.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The four main passions I always say I am working towards are (in no particular order) photography, writing, stage management and acting. I hope to continue to get to create in these fields for the foreseeable future. These might change as time goes on but these are where my heart lives currently.

I think one of the biggest things that might set me apart isn’t really about my art at all but rather my mindset and attitude and that is that I want others to succeed too. We are not always in competition with each other. We all have unique visions and perspectives that even if we were to cover the same thing, it will still have a slightly different perspective placed on it. I am excited to create and I hope others are too. I have been in a creative slump a bit this past year and I am slowly getting back into it all. I recently got back into drawing which has been nice.

Was it easy to get to where I am today professionally? Honestly, yes and no. The passion has been there and that was the easy part. The hard part is finding work and making a living off of your passions was a lot more challenging than I anticipated. I have some seasons where the flow and work was constant and others where I was picking at straws. It has been an up and down journey for sure. But from all of that, one of the main lessons I have learned is to give yourself some grace and to always be kind. Now that doesn’t mean allowing others to treat you badly. It means to treat others with kindness as much as you can. It goes a long way and 9 out of 10 times, the person receiving it, appreciates it.

I think I would like everyone to know that we all have to start somewhere and I was no different. I am always trying to continue to grow and develop as a person and in my professional life. We are never “too much of a pro” to take lessons and apply them. I also love reaching out to other artists that inspire me and ask them about their process and art. Most of the time it is met with conversational responses and it can be really insightful.

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?
That question really has me thinking…hmmm… I think that Universal and Disneyland would both receive a day if budget was no question. Then we would have to hit up one of the smaller beaches along the PCH and have a trunk picnic. We would have to get Salt n Straw ice cream and Sprinkles cupcakes. One of my favorite views is from the Griffith Observatory at Dawn. Getting up there before the sun comes up and watching the city wake up is such a cool thing to experience. I also think The Americana and the Glendale Galleria are always nice spots to hit-up for some shopping and just walking around visiting time. I know we would probably spend a lot of time at home as well just enjoying the company and eating in. Those are just some of the things I think we would try to do.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh man! How much space do I have? I could list off name after name of all the people who have helped, supported and positively impacted my journey. First and foremost for me is God. Second is my parents. They have been my biggest supporters from the beginning and even during times when I didn’t believe in myself. I can’t even begin to describe the love I have for them. Next would be my siblings. You know who you are! You have shown me love, grace and support over the years. All the times you heard me say “hey can I read this? Show you this? Can you help me with…?” The list goes on and on. Now the friends who have put up with me always saying “I don’t usually share my work so I am nervous for you to read/see/critique it…” sentence the many times, your help has been undeniable! Thank you if I haven’t said it before. Next up I would have to say the handful of awesome educators that have helped teach me the tools and lessons I need to continue on in my learning journey and take it into the professional world. This one might sound strange but I would also like to shout out to all the strangers who have shared their kind words, comments and love towards me and my work. It really doesn’t go unnoticed. I am sure I am missing someone in this list but I am thankful, grateful and blessed by the people around me.

Website: https://linktr.ee/kassymenke

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kasandrafaithphotography/

Image Credits
Bruce Menke
Zak with Zeal Images
Lindsay Morrison
Kasandra Faith Photography