Who's in the Crew? - Spotlight on Cara Paiuk

NAME: Cara Paiuk
WEBSITE www.faceforwardheadshot.com
CREW PROFILE https://headshotcrew.com/carapaiuk
INSTAGRAM https://headshotcrew.com/carapaiuk
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/faceforwardheadshots
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/faceforwardheadshots/

WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
I grew up in Winnipeg and Vancouver, Canada. The first opportunity I got to leave the North, I took it. I studied nuclear medicine technology at California State University and stayed in Southern California for another decade. It was probably 9 ½ years too much. After one too many bad dates, and having exhausted the entire supply of eligible bachelors, I made my way to New York City. The Big Apple was the first place I really felt comfortable.

Somehow, my career had veered into a professional contract negotiator, dealing mostly with software. With my penchant for kicking ass and taking names, it seemed like a perfect fit. Yet, something was missing – that artistic itch that needed to be scratched. I met my husband while in New York, and after we had our first child, I saw a chance to reinvent myself. At first, I tried my hand at writing and publishing, becoming one of the country's top parenting bloggers. Still, it didn't entirely pay the bills. Internet fame did not suit me, nor did the other parents' judgment of my articles.

I stumbled somewhat accidentally into photography and thus launched my umpteenth career. I've lost count, but I've had over 20 different jobs over the years: good, bad, and just plain weird. As my family grew from one to three kids, I found myself taking pictures of them more often. Friends and acquaintances saw my social posts and asked whether I would take family photos for them, too. So, I dabbled in family photography, but I wasn't passionate about it. It turned out I love to take pictures of my own kids and not so much for others. Intuitively, I knew that I had to find a niche for myself. There were plenty of other photographers in the area (by then, I had moved to Connecticut), and I wanted to offer something distinctive.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SHOOTING HEADSHOTS?
One day in 2016, a friend asked me to take her headshot for a conference bio. I started researching online for the best techniques for taking a headshot. Soon, I was perusing the Peter Hurley website. I loved the intimate experience of a headshot session, so I doubled down on headshot photography. I joined the Headshot Crew, created a new brand and website, and started collecting the right equipment to put together a home studio.

WHAT IS YOUR LIGHTING SETUP FOR HEADSHOTS?
I remember Peter saying during a Headshot Intensive that the Flex Kit would pay for itself. That stuck in my head, and I will never forget the day I decided to invest in the Flex Kit. My husband was out of work, and money was tight, but I believed that a Flex Kit would be a fantastic investment. Truthfully, it blew away all my expectations, and this was probably the best business decision I've ever made.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR STUDIO. DO YOU OWN IT? RENT IT? OR LIVE IN IT?
These days, I work out of my home studio in West Hartford, CT. I installed curtains, walling it off from the rest of my living room, and it's been working quite well. I have often dreamt about renting a dedicated studio space. However, part of my success has been the charm of hosting people inside my home. So, at some point, I plan to convert my garage into a studio. I hope it gives me the best of both worlds – the comfort and convenience of home without the constant interruptions of home life.

WHAT ELSE DO YOU LIKE TO SHOOT?
My kids. Other than headshots, that is what I post most on my personal feeds.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST DISCOVER PH AND THE HSC?
2016. I joined HSC and went to the Intensive in early 2017. Being part of the Headshot Crew has been very meaningful for me, both personally and professionally. I've made some fabulous friends while also learning how to become financially independent. With tough love and all, the entire community helped me succeed in my business with advice, guidance, and support. 2020 has dealt us all some setbacks for sure, but I have never felt more confident about our future success with the Crew by my side!

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO JOIN THE CREW ONCE YOU FOUND IT?
I joined within a couple of weeks of finding the Headshot Crew.

WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE WOULD NEVER GUESS ABOUT YOU?
Let's play a game: two truths and one lie.
I won the Hamilton lottery
I have a vegan recipe in a celebrity cookbook
I paid for college by gambling in Vegas a lot

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT YOU?
I'm a Jewish Secret Santa