We were lucky to catch up with Cara Lindsay recently and have shared our conversation below.
Cara, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Resilience, for me, stems from a lifetime of navigating profound challenges that began at a very young age. At six years old, I was diagnosed with severe chronic anxiety and depression, and I developed emetophobia—a life-altering phobia that continues to be a constant battle. This experience reshaped how I engage with the world and deepened my understanding of both life and human nature.
Living with this phobia has required immense adaptability and perseverance. It has taught me to approach others with empathy and a genuine desire to understand their stories, as I know firsthand how unseen struggles can shape a person. These insights have profoundly influenced my work as a photographer, where I strive to capture people as they truly are—their authentic emotions, quirks, and essence. Through my lens, I aim to celebrate human resilience and vulnerability, seeing the beauty in imperfection and the strength in simply showing up.
What I’ve learned is that resilience isn’t about overcoming every hardship—it’s about continuing to face life’s complexities with courage and finding ways to grow through them. This ongoing journey has made me more compassionate and understanding, qualities I bring to every relationship and project. Whether I’m connecting with clients, collaborating with a team, or capturing the human spirit through my photography, I carry the lessons of resilience and empathy with me, using them to create meaningful connections and impactful work.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story and the work I’m passionate about! I’m Cara Lindsay, a professional photographer and creative entrepreneur based in Portland, Oregon. Through my personal brand, Cowgirl Camera, I specialize in capturing authentic, candid moments that celebrate individuality, connection, and storytelling. I shoot both digital and 35mm film photography, with a strong inspiration drawn from western aesthetics, motorcycles, and the 1970s—a blend of rugged beauty and nostalgia that deeply resonates with my artistic vision.
What excites me most about my work is the ability to preserve the essence of a person or moment in time. My photography isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about building trust, creating a space where people can feel seen and celebrated, and turning their unique stories into compelling visual narratives. I’ve had the privilege of working with local artists, brands, and individuals, helping them develop their branding and promotional materials while also creating keepsakes they can cherish forever.
Currently, I’m focused on expanding my offerings by hosting studio mini photo shoot sessions, which have been a huge hit in the community. These sessions are designed to provide accessible, high-quality photography for individuals and families while allowing me to explore new creative styles. In addition, I’m planning to launch a limited-edition 35mm film series, combining my passion for analog photography with themes of nature and nostalgia.
For me, photography is not just an artistic career but also a way to connect with people on a deeper level. My background, including my ongoing journey with severe chronic anxiety and depression, has given me a unique perspective on human resilience and authenticity. This has shaped the way I approach my work, always striving to capture people as they truly are and to celebrate the beauty in vulnerability.
To learn more about my work, please visit my website at www.caralindsayphotography.com or connect with me on Instagram at @cowgirlcamera. I’m always excited to collaborate and bring new stories to life through my lens!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities have been most impactful: the courage to just try, the willingness to learn from others, and the ability to adapt and grow through challenges.
The Courage to Just Try: Fear of failure can often be paralyzing, but I’ve learned that taking that first step, even when it’s uncertain or intimidating, can lead to incredible opportunities. Starting something new—whether it’s a creative project, a new job, or reaching out to someone for mentorship—requires bravery, but the rewards are worth it. My advice? Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Start small, experiment, and trust that even mistakes will teach you valuable lessons.
The Willingness to Learn from Others: Some of my most profound growth has come from reaching out to people who inspire me and asking if I could assist them to learn how they do what they do. This hands-on learning approach not only builds your skills but also your network and confidence. For anyone early in their journey, don’t be afraid to send that email, message, or ask in person. Many people are more willing to share their knowledge and experience than you might think.
The Ability to Adapt and Grow Through Challenges: Challenges, big and small, are inevitable. In my experience, adapting to them has been key to my personal and professional growth. Each obstacle teaches resilience, problem-solving, and often reveals unexpected opportunities. For those starting out, I’d recommend seeing challenges not as roadblocks but as stepping stones. Learn from them, grow with them, and allow them to shape you into someone even more capable.
To anyone just beginning their journey: be curious, be bold, and never underestimate the power of asking questions and building connections. Success isn’t just about talent; it’s about perseverance, relationships, and the courage to keep moving forward.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The number one challenge I am currently facing is balancing a full-time role that doesn’t value my creative skills and is emotionally taxing, which often leaves me burned out and with less time and energy to invest in my art. While I deeply appreciate the stability my current position provides, I know it’s not aligned with my long-term goals or the creative path I want to pursue.
To address this challenge, I am actively seeking a career change that aligns with my career growth goals and allows me to merge my marketing expertise with my passion for storytelling and creativity. I am focusing on opportunities with brands that value raw, authentic narratives and individuals who appreciate the beauty of realness captured in art. I’ve been refining my portfolio, networking with like-minded professionals, and taking on projects that allow me to tell meaningful stories through my photography and marketing work.
This process has required patience and reflection, but it’s also been incredibly motivating. I’m determined to find a role that not only provides stability but also fuels my passion for creating and connecting through authentic, impactful work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.caralindsayphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cowgirlcamera
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caaralindsay/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caaralindsay/
Image Credits
Photo of Cara by Kait De Angelis @filmbykait_
All other photos by Cara Lindsay @cowgirlcamera
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
