Kassandra Donaldson: The Magic of Honest Emotion
In this heartwarming and vulnerable conversation, photographer Kass Johnson shares how she captures emotion-rich wedding days by leading with empathy, ditching rigid shot lists, and leaning into the unique energy of every couple. From the candid chaos of Super 8 film to the calming rituals that help her manage anxiety, Kass walks us through her process, mindset, and journey of growth over the last 10 years in business. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of how to trust your gut, create authentic client experiences, and build a business that supports both your passion and peace.
Key Quotes From Kass:
- “The more pressure you put on yourself, the less joy you get to feel.”
- “You're photographing people's lives happening—but you have to make sure you're living yours, too.”
- “People don't want perfection—they want to feel something when they look at their photos.”
- “If I heard someone say to themselves what I say to myself, I’d tell them to stop being so hard on themselves.”
- “Let your thoughts go. Blank slate of mind. That’s how you shoot more creatively.”
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How Kass uses film, digital, and Super 8 to tell dynamic wedding stories
The power of emotional awareness in client relationships
Why she avoids copy-paste shot lists and leads with intuition instead
Her exact tips for calming anxiety before a shoot
How hiring an assistant changed everything for her business and mental health
The subtle magic of observing people and letting the moment unfold
Connect with Kass:
Instagram: @kassdonaldson
Website: kassandradonaldson.com
Connect with Nicole:
Instagram: @artistdatepodcast and @nicoleromanoffphoto
Join the Artist Date Community:
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