Meet PI Student Cassie Atkins

We recently caught up with #PIstudent Cassie Atkins to hear more about her photography journey, and how studying with The Photography Institute has shaped her creative development.

Image Source: Cassie Atkins @cassandrajane.photography

Please share a bit about yourself

Hi, I’m Cassie! I’m a creative person at heart and love finding beauty in everyday moments. I’m a 33-year-old mum of two young children who definitely keep me on my toes! Outside of photography, I enjoy music, fitness and spending time with my family.

I’ve always loved being creative, whatever stage of life I’ve been in. Back in Year 11 (quite a while ago now!) I learnt film photography, and although I put the camera down for some years, I picked it up again about five years ago and have been shooting on and off ever since.

This year I decided it was time to fully commit and enrol in CUA50925 - Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging with The Photography Institute. I’m currently working through the course and absolutely loving it. I’ve learnt so much already, and I’m really excited to see what the upcoming modules have in store.

My long-term goal is to start my own photography business, @cassandrajane.photography, and continue growing as both a photographer and a creative.

What was your childhood dream?

My childhood dream was to be an actress! Looking back, I think creativity has always been the common thread. Photography has become the outlet I enjoy the most, and I love that there’s always something new to learn.

What’s on your wish list?

To complete my diploma, continue learning, build @cassandrajane.photography into a successful business, and create photos that become special memories for people.

What brings you joy?

Spending time with my family, movie nights and dance sessions with my kids, and those moments when everything comes together, and I know I’ve captured a photo I’m really proud of.

Image Source: Cassie Atkins @cassandrajane.photography

What are your hobbies?

DIY projects, heading to the gym and building strength, and listening to music.

What inspired you to become a photographer?

I’ve always loved creating images that capture a memory or the beauty in something. I still remember a photograph my grandmother had hanging in her house of a pink rose covered in water droplets. I think I’ve always been drawn to the beauty and emotion that photography can capture.

What is a typical day in your life like as a photographer? Do you have any rituals that you stick to?

As photography isn’t my full-time job yet, it fits around work and family life. I spend my spare time studying, practising with my camera, editing, or heading out for sunrise or sunset. One ritual I do have is always checking I’ve packed a spare memory card and battery after forgetting them more than once!

Image Source: Cassie Atkins @cassandrajane.photography

What are some of your goals in photography?

My goal is to continue learning, build @cassandrajane.photography into a successful business, and create images I can truly be proud of, whether that’s capturing beautiful connections and memories for my clients or telling the story of a time or place.

Is the online community important to your work?

Yes, I really enjoy sharing my work, seeing what other photographers create, and building connections within the online photography community.

Describe your work in three words:

Storytelling. Connection. Atmosphere

Image Source: Cassie Atkins @cassandrajane.photography

Rapid Questions

What is your favourite colour?

Pink

What is your favourite quote?

I love several Audrey Hepburn quotes, my favourite being the full version of this one: "I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot"

What are your favourite movies and/or series?

Breakfast at Tiffany's is my favourite movie.

What are your favourite accounts to follow?

I enjoy following a mix of photography pages. Some of my favourites include Julia Trotti, Helen Bartlett and Allan Schaller. I also love supporting fellow Photography Institute students and following local family and landscape photographers.

Image Source: Cassie Atkins @cassandrajane.photography

Work & Study

Why did you choose to study with PI?

I chose The Photography Institute because I wanted to take my photography beyond a hobby and build a solid foundation. The flexible, self-paced learning fit around work and family, while still giving me the opportunity to develop both my technical skills and creativity.

What did you like most about the course?

I really like the structure of the course and how each module builds on the last. The visual diary exercises help reinforce what I’ve learned by putting it into practice, and I’ve really appreciated the support and feedback from my tutor, Julian.

What advice would you give to new students?

Enjoy the process!

What projects are you working on now?

I’m currently working on the visual diary for Module 4: Lighting. I’m also about to photograph my first free couples and family sessions, which I’m excited to use as an opportunity to keep learning and building my portfolio.

How can people connect with you?

You can connect with me on Instagram or Facebook, where I share my photography journey and latest work.

Could you share more details about your experience studying at PI?

Studying with The Photography Institute has given me the confidence to build a strong foundation in photography. The flexible learning, practical assignments and helpful feedback from my tutor have made it an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Image Source: Cassie Atkins @cassandrajane.photography

Ready to Unlock Your Potential?

Cassie’s journey shows what’s possible when passion is combined with purpose and dedication. If her story has inspired you to explore your own creative goals, now could be the time to take the next step. Begin your photography journey with the flexibility to learn at your own pace and expert guidance along the way.

Enrol on our photography course today and start your journey!