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Life & Work with Claudia LaCasse of Riverside

Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudia LaCasse

Hi Claudia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Claudia LaCasse, and I’ve been pursuing photography since I was a little girl. I was always drawn to it—I begged my parents for a phone with a camera, insisting that I didn’t need the phone unless it had one. I would visualize photos in my head and then try to capture them with my sidekick camera phone in middle school. My parents were always supportive and encouraged me to follow this passion.

I was lucky enough to attend a high school with a photography program. My photography teacher truly believed in me. She helped me take photography seriously, giving me the freedom to be creative and constantly challenging me to improve. I’d complete my class assignments and then take photos of my friends after school. I documented everything, and not just through photos—I also started making videos. I had a natural eye for it.

After high school, I kept following my passion for photography. I have done an art show, graduation photos and hired shoots with other creatives around Jax. I started taking photos while I traveled and developed a love for street photography. I enjoyed capturing people in their natural environments and turning everyday moments into art. Photography has always been my creative outlet—it’s something I can’t shake because it’s truly a part of who I am.

Now, with social media, I can share my work and creative journey on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. It’s an amazing way to connect with others who share the same passion for photography.

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?
For any artist, following your passions can be a challenge. I mostly struggle internally and can be hard on myself. With social media, it’s easy to compare yourself to others, so I try to avoid that. Jealousy is the root of many of our desires, so I try to learn from others instead. We are all on our own journeys, and I have to continue learning and challenging myself to grow!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a free-flowing photographer—I take pictures as I go. That’s why I fell in love with street photography. If something captures my eye, I have to take a picture of it. Posed photos are hard for me; they never feel right. Portraits can be a challenge, as they’re typically posed. To avoid that, I focus on capturing the moment and the essence of a person as much as I can.

My photography style definitely sets me apart from others. The way I edit and shoot is completely different from what you’d get with a photographer booked for special occasions. I lean into the artistic side of photography and have fun with it. Photography isn’t a business to me; I genuinely do it because I love it. With that mindset, the pressure is lifted, allowing me to be my creative self!

I’m proud of staying true to myself. Instead of following the norm, I trust my intuition and creativity to guide me. This approach has not only allowed me to truly become an artist but has also helped me gain a deeper understanding of who I am. By embracing my authenticity, I’ve learned to appreciate the unique journey I’m on. I want to attract like-minded individuals who share a passion for creativity, self-expression, and living authentically. I hope my photos can reflect that.

What matters most to you? Why?
Love. Love is the foundation of my life; it guides everything I do. It’s not just a romantic feeling, but a way of living. Love has transformed the way I see the world and how I connect with others. I seek it in everything, practicing gratitude and appreciating the small moments that have led me to where I am today.

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