Prodigies in any field serve as fascinating case studies of talent and drive, and 19-year-old Cassoday Harder of Newton, Kansas is no exception. Cassoday Harder only began taking photographs just a few years ago and has quickly garnered attention for her candid, beautiful and melancholic style of shooting.
Looking through Cassoday Harder’s selected portfolio evokes a sense of longing, with many of her photographs highlighting beautiful young women in moments of solemn reflection or blissful relaxation. One of Cassoday Harder’s biggest skills as a shutterbug is her ability to rouse multiple (often conflicting) emotions in each snap, forcing the viewer to create a story or project their own feelings onto the subject.
Bigwigs are starting to take notice. Just last year, Cassoday Harder was featured on Vogue’s photoblog Photo Vogue. With a strong and assured portfolio in her back pocket and buzz already developing around her skills, Cassoday Harder’s future in commercial and fashion photography looks bright.
Solemn Sun-Kissed Portraits
Cassoday Harder Captures the Sensual and Serene
Trend Themes
1. Prodigy Photography - The emergence of young prodigy photographers presents an opportunity for industry disruptors to create new business models and develop tools and platforms to support their growth.
2. Emotional Photography - The trend towards photography that evokes strong emotions provides an opportunity for disruptive innovation in image analysis and recognition, as well as marketing and advertising.
3. Candid Photography - The popularity of candid, un-staged photography creates opportunities for disruptive innovation in camera technology, as well as social media marketing and sharing platforms.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - The photography industry, particularly in commercial and fashion segments, is primed for disruption with the emergence of new talent and changing consumer preferences.
2. Marketing and Advertising - The trend towards emotional and candid photography creates opportunities for disruptive innovation in marketing and advertising, particularly in the development of new content and engagement strategies.
3. Social Media - The popularity of candid photography and the emergence of young prodigy photographers creates opportunities for disruptive innovation in social media sharing and monetization, particularly for platforms that cater to niche audiences.