WHo Is Cassidy Shay?

Born on the outskirts of Yellowstone National Park, the way of the west has always been a love affair of mine. Learning the history of where I come from while advocating for the agricultural practices that keep our world turning are what honestly drive me. With that passion, and the blessings my family allowed me, I was able to grow up rodeoing and actively holding rodeo queen titles across the state of Montana.

I was blessed enough to start riding horses before I could walk and with that I was able to explore some of the most beautiful country in the world on the back of a horse or mule. Growing up in rural Montana gave me so much and kept me very active in my adolescence— 4H and FFA were always a priority. That then led me to competing in rodeo queen pageants. Any advocacy role I could take - I did; as sharing the sustainability and history of my little part of the world is very important to me.

And now you can see how photography fits into my world; after I graduated high school I fell in love with being able to share my world with others through images — particularly the view was from the back of the bucking chutes at rodeos where I often had the pleasure of being. Eventually that led me to just falling in love with being behind the camera anyway I could. Luckily, time and perseverance paid off and some awesome people took me under their wing to teach me and give me hands on experience to grow and better my portfolio.

Currently though, I chase my two year old baby girl, Hazel Mae, around the Sandhills of Nebraska and capture her and our crazy life as much as I can with the 9-5 job I hold.

For the most part, getting to capture rodeo queens, bucking horses and love/families are some of my favorite Double Y moments. I hope this little section helped you to get to know me better as a photographer and person as I would love to answer any questions you may have :))