A Vision of Her Own: Cassidy on Creativity, Collaboration & What Comes Next
One of Cassidy’s favourite images
There is something quietly powerful about the moment a creative person realizes they have found the thing they were meant to do. For Cassidy, it began with family, a camera, and a childhood imagination that was already drawn to storytelling. What started as an early fascination with capturing moments would eventually lead her far beyond those first photographs and into a career shaped by fashion, art, travel, and an unmistakable creative vision.
From British Columbia to the international fashion capitals of Paris, Milan, and London, Cassidy’s journey reflects both the possibilities and challenges of building a life in the creative industry. Along the way, she has learned that a photograph can be about far more than what appears in the frame. It can challenge expectations, create connection, and leave someone seeing themselves or the world just a little differently.
In this conversation with Models of Canada, Cassidy takes us behind the images to explore the experiences, people, and lessons that have shaped her path. She speaks candidly about finding her voice, navigating rejection, the importance of collaboration, and what it means to dream bigger for Canadian fashion and the next generation of creatives.
Her story is ultimately one of curiosity, courage, and the decision to keep creating. And perhaps, most importantly, a reminder that sometimes the first step toward discovering what you are meant to do is simply picking up the camera and beginning.
Models of Canada: Every photographer has a story behind the first time they picked up a camera. Can you take us back to that moment and tell us what made you fall in love with photography?
Cassidy: Growing up, my aunt and uncle loved taking photos of birds and the nature around us. When I was younger we would go on family vacations in the summer and rent a house in the interior of British Columbia for my extended family, and they would bring their cameras. They were kind enough to let me experiment, and I just remember being so fascinated by photography and capturing a moment in time. I also grew up playing dress up with my Barbie and American girl dolls, which I think naturally lead me to creative storytelling and fashion photography.
Models of Canada: Looking back at your career, was there one defining moment that made you realize, "This is what I'm meant to do"?
Cassidy: Working in cities like Paris, Milan, and London showed me that creativity has no borders. Being recognized through honours like Forbes 30 Under 30 was incredibly meaningful, but those milestones weren't what convinced me I was on the right path. The defining moment is the recurring feeling every time I step on set. The joy that I experience when my wheels are turning creatively, bouncing ideas off of other creatives, and creating something based on my imagination is what continuously makes me realize that this is what I’m meant to do.
Models of Canada: What do you hope people feel (and not just see) when they look at one of your photographs?
Cassidy: Growing up as a Chinese Canadian, I didn't always see stories that reflected people who looked like me or experiences that felt familiar. That taught me early on that representation isn't just about who is in front of the camera, but the people behind it as well. My own experiences have shaped how important it is to give people space to exist beyond stereotypes, expectations, or simplified narratives. Over time, that perspective has become a core part of my creative voice. Whether I am working in fashion, editorial, or commercial, I am always thinking about how to make my work more immersive, dynamic, and complex. My goal is that when someone looks at one of my images, or my career as an entrepreneur and artist, they feel a sense of recognition, possibility, or even empowerment.
Models of Canada: Creative careers are filled with both incredible highs and difficult lows. Can you share a challenge that changed you, and what it taught you about yourself?
Cassidy: I've learned that rejection is rarely personal. Every "no" has pushed me to refine my work, and become more resilient. The answer is always no until you try. In addition, I have learned that talent alone isn't enough. You can create incredible work, but if you don't know how to build relationships, communicate your vision, and navigate business, opportunities can pass you by.
Models of Canada: Behind every successful artist is a human being. Outside of photography, what keeps your heart full, inspires you, or reminds you who you are?
Cassidy: Travel has always been one of my greatest sources of inspiration. Experiencing different cultures reminds me that there are countless ways to tell a story. I am also a huge advocate for building your support system with people that inspire you outside of the creative industry. It is so inspiring to surround yourself with people who are equally as passionate and hard working, but in their own respective fields. It also allows you to have a larger perspective when you build your support system with people from all walks of life and interests. Outside of that, it is also important for me to stay creative without the pressure of deadlines and rates, and most of the time that looks like trying new artistic mediums.
Models of Canada: Fashion photography is rarely a solo effort! It’s built on collaboration. What has it been like working with agencies, models, and fellow creatives throughout your career, and what changes or growth do you hope to see in the Canadian fashion industry over the next decade?
Cassidy: I've been fortunate to work alongside many incredibly talented creatives, and those collaborations have shaped me just as much as the photographs themselves. Every wardrobe stylist, makeup artist, hair stylist, model, agency, and many more creatives that I have had the pleasure of working with have shown me the power of collaboration and team work. It is so rewarding to see the vision and work of so many talented creatives come to life and execute that vision.
In the next decade, I'd love to see the Canadian fashion industry become more ambitious on a global scale. We have extraordinary talent here, but I think we're capable of creating work that doesn't just follow international trends, it sets them. I hope we can continue to create bold ideas and support Canadian artists into making it on the global stage.
Models of Canada: If your younger self (the one just starting out) could see where you are today, what do you think they would be most proud of, and what advice would you give them?
Cassidy: My younger self would think that I was joking if I told her! Being able to pursue this career feels like a dream everyday, and I feel so lucky that I get to do what I love. It always feels so surreal, no matter how much time goes by. If I were to give my younger self advice, it would be to stop caring about what other people think, and put yourself out there. It doesn’t have to be perfect, you just have to start.
Models of Canada: When your career is one day looked back on, what legacy do you hope you've left, not just as a photographer, but as a person?
Cassidy: I hope people remember that I helped expand what they believed was possible. Whether it's a young photographer, a person of colour, a model stepping onto set for the first time, or a brand taking a creative risk, I want my work to encourage people to think bigger than ever imagined.
The confidence you give someone, the opportunities you create, and the stories you help tell can last far longer than any image. I want that to be my legacy.
Cover photo taken by: Sonia Krishan
Written by: Models of Canada
See more of Cassidy’s work at CassidyChenPhotography.ca