Teacher Spotlight: Casey Longfield - On Photography
Photography is about more than capturing an image — it’s about slowing down, noticing the world, and finding stories in the moments between moments.
This week in our Teacher Spotlight series, we sat down with photographer, writer, and YAS Studio educator Casey Longfield — whose poetic visual storytelling has taken her from intimate portrait work to her own deeply personal projects like No Ordinary Sky and a published book of photography and poetry.
Her approach to teaching mirrors her creative philosophy: that art isn’t just about perfection, but about presence, courage, and curiosity.
What are you currently working on in the industry right now?
I’m working on a really special, unique project called No Ordinary Sky. It’s been quietly forming for a while, and it’s a project that’s close to my heart.
What’s a moment from your career that changed how you see creativity?
I did a workshop with one of my favourite photographers and got to see all his work — not just the highlight reel. It completely changed how I saw my own creative process. It reminded me that not everything has to be perfect or jaw-dropping to matter. The in-between shots, the quiet ones, the ‘ordinary’ ones tell the story just as much as the showstoppers.
What’s one skill you wish you learnt earlier in photography?
Listening to my own creative gut. I used to think too much about pleasing other people or fitting into a certain style. Once I started trusting my instincts, things fell into place.
Why do you want to teach the next generation of young creatives?
Photography teaches you so much more than how to take a beautiful image. It helps you slow down, notice things, and express how you see the world. I want young people to experience that use of creativity as mindfulness, expression, and even activism.
What’s your favourite thing about those ‘aha’ learning moments with young people?
That moment when something clicks — when they go from trying to get it ‘right’ to actually feeling confident in what they’re doing. You can literally see it happen, and it’s the best.
What’s one piece of advice you would give every young creative starting out?
Notice what makes you light up. Write those moments down, even the tiny ones. When you hit a creative block (and you will), that Joy-list becomes your compass.
What’s the piece of work you’re most proud of?
A book of poetry and photographs based on life lessons from my Grandma and Nan. It’s deeply personal, and it pulled together so many parts of who I am — writing, photography, storytelling, memory. It’s one of those projects that feels like a love letter.
If you could show your 12-year-old self your career now, what would surprise them most?
That it’s not a straight line and that’s actually a good thing. You can change your mind, change direction, try new things. It’s all part of the creative adventure.
Join Casey for term 1 of Photography at YAS Studio - applications are now open with limited places available.