In this week’s episode, I interview sensational photographer, Candra Cain of Candra Cain Photography. We talk about building her business from the ground up, how shooting aerial helped her find her tribe, working with some seriously impressive lighting, and making women feel safe and beautiful. I also dub her THE QUEEN OF LIGHTING because… it’s the truth, people!
Candra has been shooting photography professionally for 10 years. She opened her own private studio space in Bellair Bluffs, FL, and has been there for over a year now.
Getting Started
- Candra started building her photography business, initially focusing on boudoir
- She thought about her ideal client and where she would find that person – “An empowered, powerhouse of a woman” – That woman would be a pole dancer!
- Candra would reach out to studios on a consistent basis – Following up every couple of weeks/months until people started saying yes
- Initially, she thought this would help build her boudoir business – instead, it opened up a whole new world for her
Creating a Safe Environment
- Candra works hard to make sure her clients feel safe, beautiful, and comfortable – She credits this as an essential part of her business
- She says it’s more than her just shooting you – it’s about establishing a genuine connection with her clients, which she cares deeply for
- She sets the tone from the moment you pull up to the studio. From the charming secret vibe to the first step through the door, everything has been set up intentionally to make you feel at home
- Then Candra acts like her silly self or “invokes Beyonce vibes” to get clients feeling both comfortable and hot!
- She works with make-up artist/pole star/upcoming guest, Gemma Lux, who further encourages women while she is getting them ready
- She says that being a photographer comes second to making her clients feel good
Creating Themed Shoots
- Candra incorporates different themes ALL OF THE TIME – Super Dope Theme
- She says they usually come from a client wanting to try something – then it blossoms into a theme
- Candra experiments to perfect her technique before creating a shoot for clients
- Sometimes she feels like she’s doing a theme that no one will like – However, to her surprise, everyone usually loves it and it becomes a whole thing. POINT BEING – DON’T BE AFRAID TO TRY THINGS!
Lighting is EVERYTHING
- Candra has always loved dark vintage lighting – she recalled a specific image featuring Kelly Maglia and lighting that highlighted all the best things
- She credits her instructors at the International Academy of Design & Technology teaching her how to use lighting to enhance her photography
- She has also spent the last 10 years experimenting and improving her technique
Candra’s Favorite Boudoir Image – Business Card Image
Candra’s Favorite Pole Image – BooBoo Brian after winning Dance Filthy USA
Candra’s favorite image someone else shot – Gabriele Rigon Picture #8 from the right
To Connect with Candra Cain of Candra Cain Photography:
Instagram | Facebook | Website| Candra’s Boudie Babes
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Want to hear more? Check out Episode #6 with Brandi Godcharles and Episode #7 with Jax Spencer!