I was so thrilled when I saw Cassandra schedule a virtual session for herself and her boyfriend!

For starters, I ADORE Cassandra, and she is one of my most loyal and supportive clients! She’s a rockstar business owner that I admire so much, and I was so excited to finally meet her boyfriend Mario! 

She lives in Madrid these days, and I’m so glad we were able to find a time that worked for both of us, given the time difference.

Isn’t it amazing that we could make magic like this despite the distance? I am so thrilled that this was possible!

I’m so excited to share Cassandra’s thoughts on her virtual shoot experience, as well as some of our favorite photos from the shoot!

What made you want to schedule a virtual photo shoot?

I’ve worked with you before and always love the experience! When I saw that you were offering virtual photo shoots, I asked Mario (the boyfriend) if he’d be interested! We thought it was a great idea because we get to document “quarantine” during this entire situation and have photos of us together! I also loved the idea that you were doing it by donation base and raising funds to help with COVID-19 relief.

After doing the photos we thought to ourselves, this was so fun and a great experience that we should’ve done it before!

What was the virtual photo shoot experience like for you?

It was definitely a different experience! Working with our phones and finding different ways to place the phone was funny. In the end it was a really great experience for us because we had the opportunity to do something different during quarantine.

Mario and I have lots of photos together, selfie-style, and we don’t have many as a couples shoot. Having something fun to do during the weekend and the photos afterward is really special for us – especially in our little home!

What has self-isolation/quarantine been like?

For me, it’s been difficult. I’m an extrovert and have missed having human contact and interaction. Although my working situation hasn’t changed, since I worked from home before, adapting to being home with my boyfriend 24/7 has been an interesting activity for us both.

Mario hasn’t been bored AT ALL. He’s found lots of different activities to do, like reading, using this time to research things he didn’t have time to before, gardening, and doing things around the house.

Me, on the other hand… I’m finding it difficult to be so still and be in one place for a long period of time. I’ve taken up more virtual calls with my family, reading a bit, and doing lots of dancing TikTok videos.

What has been your favorite self-isolation/quarantine activity?

For me, it’s been baking and hanging out with Mario all the time haha!

For Mario it’s been having the time and space to do whatever he wants!

What song/artist/playlist have you been turning to for comfort?

Funnily enough, it’s been your Quarantine Boogie Spotify playlist! We usually have that on haha 

 (shameless plug: it’s a pretty great playlist. check it out here!)

What are you missing the most these days?

Hearing the sounds of others… it sounds weird… but I miss hearing the soft background noises of distant conversations, moving through the city, and the sounds of coffee shops!

What are you most looking forward to once things get back to normal?

Travel! I’m most excited to be able to travel again and not have the same scenery every single day.

A note for Laura: this session was from April, when returning to normalcy felt possible. Halfway through October, going “back to normal” doesn’t seem as likely anymore, and I want to acknowledge that.

What lesson have you learned that you will carry through to the future?

That rest is most important for me. I was working from home before, but when we were required to be in a very strict quarantine, I felt like I had ‘more time’ that I felt I needed to fill. I learned I don’t need to fill those hours with MORE work, I can sit and do nothing and it’s totally acceptable.

Is there a local/small business that you want to give love to?

Koa.SK – a Spain based clay earring company 
Erin Corine Music – who’s offering living room concerts & Sunday Disney sing alongs

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I’d love to share about my free Facebook group, Own Your Voice Movement! It was really “reborn” during quarantine and was the best way I could show up and help my community with ideas on how to continuously get visible online and stand out, especially now that everyone is consuming and jumping online even more. 

Where can people connect with you?

Woohoo – ok!
Website – www.thequirkypineapple.com
Personal IG – @cassandratle
Business IG – @thequirkypineapplestudio

I loved this session so much and the opportunity to connect with a friend and client who has been there for me from the beginning, and who inspires me EVERY. SINGLE. DAY to be more myself. 

She’s doing some amazing work these days in her business & personal brand, and Mario has starting his own booking business, The Digital Pudding! Talk about a power couple, am I right?

Remember, I’m still offering virtual sessions while the studio is closed to clients, so if you’re interested in learning more and scheduling your own, you can do so right here!!