“You don’t take a photograph, you make it,” said American photographer Ansel Adams. Adams was known for his black-and-white western landscapes.
Adams was speaking of the importance of placing all your effort into an image.
Cassie Bayer is a photographer who puts all her effort into her photography.
She has been in love with capturing images since she was a child. She learned her craft and built her camera experience through classes, workshops and webinars, she said. Bayer owns Cassie Bayer Photography located in North Augusta, S.C. and is an adjunct instructor at Helms College in Augusta, and she specializes in professional headshots, photo restoration and pet photography.
“It’s a great feeling, especially when the dog gets a new family. I follow the Facebook pages for many different types of rescues, and I love it when I see that they are patched up, if needed, and are ‘off to the good life,’” said Bayer about her experience working with local rescues. “Some of the stories behind the rescues are so horrifying, it makes your heart fill with joy when they get adopted.”
Bayer has always been interested in working with rescues and has been adopting rescues since early in her marriage. She has worked with Friends of North Augusta Animals and, most recently, Team Stinkykiss Shelter Rescue Project Inc.
“I very much believe photographs hold an impact on how rescues are portrayed. A photographer can bring out the personality of the rescues and show them with their best paws forward. Who can resist some of those sweet faces? I know I can’t,” said Bayer about the impact an image can have on rescue pets. “Rudy, one of the rescues I just photographed, got adopted within a week of getting his picture taken. I truly believe that a good picture makes a big difference.”
In addition to her photography, Bayer is on the board of directors of the Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta and volunteers her time with them. She has also served on the Augusta Photo Festival Committee for several years.
“I do see myself continuing to work with local animal rescues. The people who run the rescues, as well as their volunteers, are superstars,” said Bayer about continuing her work with local animal rescues.
A photographer captures more than a moment; she captures souls. Adams captured the soul of Earth; Bayer captures the souls of animals.
Haley Knight is a correspondent for The Augusta Press. Reach her at producers@theaugustapress.com
