Casey Colopy holding a camera with a long lens and displaying a conference badge, wearing a Nike jacket, standing against a blue and white backdrop.

Hi, I’m Casey.

"Happiness is only real when shared." That line from Into the Wild captures exactly how I feel about photography.

I'm most alive behind the camera, hunting for those unguarded moments, the confident smile in a headshot, spontaneous laughter at a family gathering, the electricity of a corporate event. These real, authentic expressions are what drive me.

At Casey's Corner Photography, I bring this philosophy to every session in San Jose and beyond. Whether it's corporate headshots, event coverage, or family portraits, I'm here to capture the genuine moments that tell your story. Because the best images aren't just seen, they're felt.

Where my story begins

Golden Gate Bridge at sunset with cars crossing, San Francisco Bay on both sides, and hills in the background under a vibrant sky.

My journey started with an iPhone at Big Sur, one shot of that rugged coastline, and I was hooked. Soon I was carrying a real camera everywhere, learning to find beauty in sweeping vistas and quiet, everyday moments.

When I lost my mother and grandfather, it showed me the true value of photography. The handful of photos I had of her became irreplaceable. That's when I left my 14-year IT career to do this full-time.

Now every session is a chance to create something lasting, not just images, but memories people will treasure. That's what gets me up in the morning.

Woman preparing food in a kitchen, placing tortillas and filling into a baking dish, surrounded by ingredients and kitchen items.

A turning point

Smiling man sitting at a dining table with a beverage, blurred background with another person in the kitchen.

Through loss, I found that I clung to the few photos I had of them. Those images became everything, proof they were here, proof we were together.

That's when it clicked: I could do this for others.

Starting out felt intimidating, but something deeper pushed me forward. I began photographing friends and family, and their reactions showed me I was onto something real. It wasn't just about creating beautiful images, it was about preserving the moments that matter most.

Two smiling men indoors, with one wearing glasses and a blue shirt, and the other in a black hoodie. They appear happy and relaxed.

Then I started photographing people!

I never expected to fall this hard for photographing people, but here we are.

Families, events, celebrations, every session brings something I couldn't have predicted. People are endlessly surprising. A quiet kid suddenly cracks up. A shy couple forgets I'm there. Someone's guard drops for just a second, and that's the shot.

My job is creating space for those moments, helping people relax, connect, and forget about the camera. When it works, when they're fully themselves? That's the magic I live for.