We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Casey Hanson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Casey, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
By pushing through hard things. You won’t hear that your work is good when you first start out as an artist. You have to really get used to hearing that “it could be better’. When you can hear criticism without being insulted, you will get stronger and more confident. It takes building yourself up with positive talk, discipline and the willingness to grow while making mistakes.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My Mom was my inspiration to pick up a camera. She was always taking pictures. I started out as a portrait photographer 27 years ago. I met so many fun people along the way and made lifelong friendships with some of the people that I photographed.
I also dabble in fine art with a concentration on landscape and macro. It has been fairly successful, thus far. Living in Wyoming, the landscape can be beautiful and dramatic. I love to photograph water too, it is mesmerizing!
But the music…that is where I am at my happiest. I was in a band, my children are musicians, and we genuinely love music to our core. So, being in the pit, photographing bands was, and is so natural for me. Each show is so exciting. The exchange of energy from the bands to the fans is incredible to witness and document.
It truly is a dream job!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
One of the most important qualities to have as an artist, and particularly a concert photographer, is you have to be tough. There have been people that have been down right mean to me. Early on, I was hurt, and it made me doubtful of my abilities. I didn’t understand the reasons why it was necessary to treat someone like that. These times were trying and tested me. I learned from each show that you cannot enter any pit with your heart on your sleeve. If you do, they will eat you alive. As time went on, I gained more confidence and dug my heels in. Especially being a woman in this field. You have to be pleasant, be accountable, follow the rules, and be respectful, but don’t be a pushover. Stand your ground.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Breath. meditate. Positive self-talk. Remind myself of how hard I have worked and where I am. The journey has been rough at times, but so worth the growing pains!
Contact Info:
- Website: caseyhansonart.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/activelightphoto
- Facebook: facebook.com/activelightphoto
Image Credits
Photo credits, the bands Walk Off The Earth, Lindsey Stirling, Hairball, Nita Strauss, Moon Fever. Fine art prints titled “Weathered” and “Watercolors”.
