SERIES INTRO
Through my work as a portrait photographer between Paris and New York,
I get to meet amazing personalities, women, and men.
Through the recent challenging times (covid19 NYC lockdown) it struck me that what I MISS the most, and so what drives me to wake up in the morning, is to meet the people I photograph, get to know their stories to create those soulful portraits of them.
After a photoshoot, I am always literally 'high' from all the exchange of energy
and SUPER inspiring discussions that just happened in the studio.
So I decided to share all that stimulation with you
through the blog series "Empowered Madames" as... the saying goes:
"Empowered women empower women".
CAITLIN TIMMINS
WHO IS CAITLIN TIMMINS
As the real artist that she is, she has 2 names: Caitlin in real life and if you search for her music and songs, she is under Cait (see all the links at the end of the article). I got to meet and work with Caitlin while she was working for the internationally known portrait photographer Sue Bryce.
Cailin is that "mysteriously" naturally very beautiful woman that you could think shy at first, and comes the moment when you hear her sing and you see the amazing videography work she does: you drop your jaw and everything your have in your hands!
It is PURE TALENT right there.
What is fascinating with seeing Caitlin evolve over the years is her ability to create pure gold from nothing through music and video. Her growth is amazing to witness and that's why I wanted to share her talent with you through this series.
Cait has now been singing for 10yrs and worked with a range of artists from indie to major label. Now as an artist herself, Cait has crafted an undeniable and refreshing pop sound that has been featured in publications such as Billboard, Earmilk, and more.
Along with songwriting, Cait now spent years as a professional videographer creating some amazing video marketing for brands such as LashboxLA, Pronovias, Animoto, and creative entrepreneurs such as Sue Bryce, Lara Jade, Elizabeth Keene and more.
The WOW factor of Cait: An artist in many realms and a storyteller by nature, she now writes & independently releases her own music and is the sole visual creator for her music career: producing her own photoshoots, filming, directing and editing her own music videos and online visual content.
You will be blown away by the quality of it through her Youtube channel and her Instagram account.
HOW CAITLIN EMPOWER OTHER WOMEN
Her 'WHY' is "connecting through creativity": Through her brand "Visuals by Caitlin" and her newly launched YouTube channel, she provides a whole series of tools for other creatives & entrepreneurs to succeed with products like her social motion packs and behind-the-scenes of her creative process.
Caitlin shares here more personal details on what it takes on an everyday basis to be an Empowered Madame and also what are her tricks to cheer up when some days feel harder than others!
THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE & CAREER, HOW DID YOU PUSH PAST FEAR?
WHAT WAS THAT FEAR?
"Sometimes, I feel like I’m constantly pushing past fear!
I have seen a pattern though. The times when I feel nervous or scared to do something - it usually means that I should do it. I was scared to send cold-emails, I was scared to write with other musicians, I was scared to get back on the stage after 3 years off of it, I was scared to film my first client, I was scared to launch my new YouTube channel - and I’m scared for many things to come.
But the thing that helps me push through fear the most is preparation. I prepare a lot.. I get advice, I make checklists, I practice for weeks, I visualize what it will be like to do these things. I like to prepare as much as I can - until all that’s left to do is leap!
Not everyone is wired that way, but that’s what I’ve found works for me."
WHAT WAS SOMETHING THAT YOU NEVER THOUGHT YOURSELF ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH AND THAT YOU DID ANYWAY?
"One thing that stands out to me was getting one of my songs to premiere on Billboard.com - they had the exclusive a day before it released.
In the grand scheme of things, it’s not a “huge” accomplishment - but usually, things like that don’t happen for independent artists who don’t have PR or management… that happened just by me spending the time researching writers and cold-emailing them about my music. Until one of them saw the potential. When I sent that email to the Billboard writer, I never in a million years thought she would read it - let alone say yes!
It just solidified to me that phrase - “Ask and you shall receive.” And I’ve never been nervous about sending a cold-email again, ha!"
FOR SOMEONE FEELING LOST IN THEIR CAREER/LIFE CHOICES AND WHO DO NOT REALLY KNOW WHAT’S THEIR NEXT STEP IS, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE?
"I remember listening to a podcast or speech by Elizabeth Gilbert (best known as the author of Eat, Pray, Love). She said to “Follow your curiosity.”
I think a lot of people don’t know what their passion is or feel like they are interested in a lot of different things. That’s ok - follow those interests, explore them. You might find that one is not for you, but you might find a passion grows for another.
There’s also this weird societal expectation that you have to choose one career, and that’s what defines you. I think that’s actually counterproductive. I’ve always been interested in a lot of different things. Songwriting, videography, photoshop, interior design, fashion, art - and I want all of these things to be part of my career, life, and brand.
I guess I’m not one for putting all my eggs in one basket - so the advice I’d give is to not to be afraid of having multiple baskets. "
DO YOU HAVE MORNINGS WHEN YOU FEEL UNINSPIRED AND TIRED?
WHAT DO YOU DO TO GET BACK YOUR ENERGY & DRIVE?
"Yes, literally all the time.
Something I’ve found that helps me when I’m feeling uninspired is to create something that’s different than what I normally create.
For example, I painted the other day for the first time in years. It wasn’t for anything in particular, and there was no pressure for it to be any good - it was just for me. Sometimes getting out of my normal creative routine and trying to create something new inspires me and gives me a new perspective on my own last work."
WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION IN GENERAL?
"There isn’t really one place or thing that brings me inspiration, it can be anywhere and anytime with anyone.
But usually, I’d say I am inspired by words. Phrases I hear people say, metaphors, social media posts. I keep a note on my phone where I’ll write down interesting lines or sentences I heard throughout the day or combinations of words I think are cool.
I love storytelling through art, so yes, I’d say words inspire me."
📚 THE MOST INSPIRING BOOK?
"I am the slowwwwest reader, I almost never finish a book, I get too distracted.
That said, the fact that I finished “High Performance Habits” by Brendon Bouchard is a testament in and of itself!
It’s super insightful in helping you understand what areas of your life/career you are great at and what areas you need to work on.
💃🏻 FAVORITE MUSIC, SONG TO CHEER YOU UP
This changes almost every week, but right now I love putting on “Know Your Worth” by Khalid. It instantly lifts my spirit.
🍿 FAVORITE MOVIE TO TRIGGER SOME GRIT IN YOU
I really enjoyed watching Taylor Swift's latest documentary on Netflix.
Or pretty much any documentary showing the life of someone I view as successful. It makes me want to get back in the studio and keep working!
✨ YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE
“Stop acting so small, you are the universe in ecstatic motion.” - Rumi
Another Empowered Madame, Khushnuda Shukurova, also referred to as a Rumi's quote 🤗!
WHERE CAN YOU CONNECT WITH CAIT
WANT TO MEET OTHER EMPOWERED MADAMES ?
All the professional headshots & portraits of Caitlin Timmins in this article have been taken by the NYC photographer Alice Prenat - studio Portrait Madame.
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