Today we’d like to introduce you to Casey Perfetto
Hi Casey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My passion for photography began when I was young. My mother captured thoughtful and elaborate portraits of my twin sister and I as we grew up, documenting every moment so we would have these special memories to look back on. In 5th grade, her cancer returned, but she fought to spend as much time with my sister and I as possible. Despite her illness, she continued to create and capture special memories for us. After she passed away in 8th grade, I picked up her Nikon camera and have not put it down since. I started my own photography business at the age of 16 when I knew this was what I wanted to pursue as a career. I began capturing anything and everything and had friends and family model for me. This path led me to study Fine Arts at the University of Tennessee, where I earned a BFA in 2D Arts with a concentration in Photography. Under the mentorship of Professor Paul Lee, my perspective on photography expanded beyond mere images. He instilled in me a passion for the intricate process of shooting and developing 35mm film—a medium that taught me to pause, reflect, and uncover beauty in unnoticed and smaller moments in life.
After graduation, I honed my skills in diverse roles—from fashion photography at Altar’d State to joining the marketing team at Alumni Hall Stores and Designsensory. These experiences were invaluable, but in March, I took a leap of faith to pursue photography full-time. Embarking on this journey is undeniably scary, but I am inspired by a sense of purpose. It is a privilege to capture moments that resonate deeply with others, to freeze time in fleeting glimpses that tell stories of genuine human experiences. I am in the process of building my business and making authentic connections. Being a Knoxville native, I am passionate about contributing to and supporting the local art community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overcoming self-doubt has been my greatest challenge. Initially, I doubted my ability to pursue photography full-time, so I set aside my dreams. Looking back, I’m grateful for that decision. Along the way, I had incredible experiences and connected with many talented creatives. These experiences also equipped me with invaluable marketing skills that now benefit my own business. I realized that constantly comparing myself to others in such a saturated market was hindering my progress. Now that I’m actively immersed in the world of photography in my day to day, I feel inspired and lighter.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The series I am most proud of is called ‘Timeless’. I began this series in 2016, and it continues to this day, having been exhibited multiple times as it evolves. ‘Timeless’ blends street photography with portraiture, aiming to transform present moments and individuals into the past. This nostalgic approach stems from a longing for the past and grants me the ability to reshape narratives and timelines, creating new and sometimes better stories to escape the present.
I delved deeper into this altered reality with my series ‘Pulse’, capturing my close friends (including my sister’s cat) in a nostalgic disco style. I transformed my apartment living room into a club environment using gel lights and reflections.
‘Timeless’ features images from Knoxville, Florida, New York, Colorado, Asheville, Nashville, and more over the years. Many photographs in this series are shot on black and white 35mm film, which instantly distorts reality and creates a new one. This series was especially meaningful during covid; it allowed me to step outside and capture memories while the world paused. Today, ‘Timeless’ still remains an escape for me.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
My work has been exhibited in over a dozen Knoxville art exhibitions. During my senior year of college, I immersed myself in the local art community. I participated in my first group exhibition at Gallery 1010 with three other photographers, which was such an eye-opening and new experience for me. It allowed me to share my work with others, make connections, and discuss art face-to-face with peers and other talented creatives. I went on to host multiple solo exhibitions, including my series ‘Pulse’ at Florescent Gallery and have been the featured Artist of the Month at multiple downtown businesses. These exhibitions primarily showcased my digital and 35mm street photography and portraits. My most recent group exhibition was at the Community Darkroom with a couple other Knoxville photographers and I am currently creating work to be showcased soon!
In addition to my work as an exhibited artist, I am also an editorial and commercially published photographer. One of my most significant achievements was photographing a past co-worker’s loft at JFG Flats for ORIGIN Travel Magazine, a national publication in the US, UK, EU, and Canada. My work in corporate marketing for Alumni Hall Stores also led to many editorial and commercial publication opportunities nation-wide that I was very thankful to be apart of as the photographer and graphic designer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.perfettophotographs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perfettophotographs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558176722833
- Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wHprW85Bxu4Ee5GV8
