and Business Is Good Archives - Neon Velvet Studio

2026’s Best Photographer In Philly Suburbs? 👀

Posted on January 20, 2026February 4, 2026 by cassieadmin in and Business Is Good, News and Events

Neon Velvet Studio has been nominated for the fourth year in a row!

Is Neon Velvet Studio the Best Photographer in the Philly Suburbs? Montco Happening wants to know!

a graphic, white text on abstract red and purple. text reads: We need your vote! happening list 2026.

vote for the best photographer in Philly suburbs and Montgomery County, PA — it’s a major award!

I’ve been a finalist for the best photographer in Philly suburbs for several years now, as voted on by locals, past clients, future clients, and friends! This year, can we take home the prize of Best Photographer in Montco?

Want to be part of the winning team?
Vote here for Neon Velvet Studio
and be sure to follow all the instructions.

photo of a beautiful boudoir photo album open to a gorgeous romantic couples boudoir photo, on red satin sheets surrounded by roses. Photo is by Neon Velvet Studio, an LGBTQ boudoir studio in the Philly suburbs serving the best photography in town to queer people and our allies!

Robots can’t vote, but I’m not your mother, so if you’re a robot that’s between you and robogod.

If you’re wondering why your vote is important to me, I listed some reasons I care in last year’s post! But here are a few new ones for the new year:

✧ This local contest drives hundreds of eyes to my website every year, and that’s just as a nominee! Imagine what a win could do! Small local businesses need all the help we can get, and this is a free and easy way you can support me and the work I do for my clients and for my community.

✧ The voting process involves a few steps and a few minutes of your time. Some people—no matter how much they love my work—won’t do that, so every vote really counts and I appreciate any and all help to spread the word!

✧ It feels more important than ever for LGBTQ+ artists and queer-owned businesses to be represented and visible for our community and for our allies!

✧ In an increasingly AI slop-filled world (I am a HATER), human-made art matters more than ever. I build my sets by hand, nurture my client relationships manually, write every stupid blog post and email you read! Everything you see and think is silly is all me, baby. Every mistake I make? Organic. I retouch every image lovingly by hand, like I’ve been doing since the early aughts. I take pride in my craft and joy in my process and I will not be outsourcing that to a plagiarism machine that poisons communities, raises our utility bills, and guzzles potable water.

✧ I’m a one-woman show*! In a given day I’m photographer, editor, curator, administrator, social media team, book-keeper, set designer, fabricator, craft services, dj, videographer, stand-up comedian, stylist, florist, laundry service, cleaner, blogger, content creator, graphic designer, and more! *thank god I get to outsource hair and makeup to trusted professionals

✧ I’ve been a Montco resident since I moved to the Philly area in 2002, which officially means I’ve been here more than half my life! I love being part of the community here, and the more people who know about me, the more I get to meet and make gorgeous photos of!

✧ 2025 was stressful and tumultuous and 2026 is off to a roaring (derogatory) start; a win would make me feel very appreciated for the queer joyful work I’m putting into the world.

✧ I argue with bots in the comments on my instagram posts and try to convince them to pay me money. I’m told this is very entertaining.

✧ I have a sweet elderly dog who loves guests! The more people who love Neon Velvet Studio, the more friends he gets to meet, and the happier he is! Don’t you want to make a sweet old pup happy?

✧ Reason #10 is the free space on a bingo card. I just wanna make people feel great about themselves. I invest a ton of time and energy gladly into doing it. Maybe you can invest a little time back and vote for me?

Photo of a queer person in a beanie and a hoodie that says "You've got an enemy in Pennsylvania" grinning to the left at several heart-shaped art pieces on a black wall.

It’s silly but I don’t have many recent photos of myself! Here’s me with my painting ‘Santa Cipolla’ from Gold Door Gallery’s 2025 Heart of Gold fundraiser group art show! You can vote for Hannah’s gallery and boutique tattoo removal shop below because she’s nominated too!
PS—Gold Door is hosting their annual charity fundraiser on February 7th 2026!

Got more love to share? Here are links to vote for some of our nominated friends:

Deleted Scene Tattoo Removal
Gold Door Gallery
Echo House Studios

Are you a nominated friend? Message me and I’ll add you above too! Let’s spread the love 🖤

I will leave you with our local blessing: go birds (next season)

Build your dream boudoir session now!

Schedule a Free Consultation

What Clients are Saying

“Cassandra is one of my favorite photographers to work with! She’s so talented and such a pleasure to hang out with. From the first time I met her I felt like we had been friends for ages. I have done makeup and hair for her shoots and also modeled for her. I loved both roles … Continue reading Jessica Saint →

― Jessica Saint

“I have worked with Cassie numerous times. And every time she impresses me more and more. She is so creative and fun to work with. Whether it’s her project idea or mine. She knocks it out every time. She is one of my top favorite female artists!”

― Ashlie F.

Meet the 2026 Boudoir Brand Ambassadors!

Posted on January 15, 2026January 15, 2026 by cassieadmin in and Business Is Good, behind the scenes

The results are in! When I posted about brand ambassadors last summer I received dozens of incredible applications from so many beautiful people, and I’m deeply touched by how many of you wanted to take this journey with me! In the end there were so many phenomenal applicants that I couldn’t pick just one—so I picked four!

Is that a silly, overwhelming decision for my first year trying something new? Probably. But I’m an Aries, so I never do anything small.

We kicked off 2026 by getting together for a casual pizza party meet and greet, and since everybody turned up so cute, we did a group photo and headshots as well as discussing the team’s goals and projects for the year.

Read on to learn a little more about each Ambassador, and be sure to follow on social media to see what we all make together this year!

Raquel Skellington

Raquel Skellington (she/her) is a multifaceted creative visionary and cultural pioneer hailing from Philadelphia, USA. Renowned as the world’s first professional Live Action Role Player (LARPer), Raquel has made a lasting impact on immersive storytelling, geek culture, and fashion spaces.

Her versatility shines through a career that blends performance art, fashion influence, and engaging digital content creation.

Her work inspires audiences to explore new realms of creativity and self-expression. A champion for diversity and inclusivity, Raquel is dedicated to fostering welcoming spaces where everyone’s story matters.

Raquel can be found on instagram and YouTube! Follow her and check out her amazing art projects and creative collaborations!

Bree

Bree (they/them)

Nonbinary Cancer sun, Virgo moon, Pisces rising

I crochet, draw, love to design characters and costumes for cosplay, and do SPFX makeup.

I am a laser technician performing laser tattoo removal. I have a 12 year old daughter and 2 cats.

I am an activist as well.

Bree can be found on instagram and TikTok! Follow their adventures and creative pursuits!

Avery Carter

My name is Avery Carter (he/they), a New York native. A ceramicist by day and pro domme at night, I’ve always been moved by the unconventional, the primal, and the sumptuous. Through the years of my work, I’ve found that I can reveal my rawest self by spaces who allow me to be in the first place. As such, you can imagine I was grateful to stumble across a platform like Neon Velvet Studio.

I’m happy to be an ambassador for a space whose ethos I’ve shared for a long time, authenticity, expression, passion for life, and create art rooted in that.

Oh, and, I’m a Sagittarius Sun, Sagittarius Rising, and Gemini Moon, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Avery can be found on instagram! Follow him and check out his incredible art, including the Black Leatherdyke Calendar!

Meg

I am Meg (she/her), an artist, teacher, learner, and most importantly, a mother!

As an Aries guided by fire, creativity, and intuition, I find fulfillment in creating through photography, art, modeling, and motherhood—each one a ritual of self-expression and connection.

As a brand ambassador for Neon Velvet Studio, I’m drawn to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and LGBTQ+ rights that embraces the beauty of all identities, shapes, and stories. Partnering with this studio allows me to merge my passions with purpose, weaving together art, empowerment, and expression.

Meg can be found on instagram! Follow her art modeling work and the journey of her first boudoir photoshoot!

And Me too!

And if you’re new here, I’m Cassie! I’ve got a whole about me page if you’re curious to know more about me, and Neon Velvet Studio is my one-woman show (though as you can see above I’m blessed with really wonderful collaborators, and partner with some incredible hair and makeup people to bring you an immersive and luxurious photoshoot experience!

Want to be a Brand Ambassador?

I haven’t decided if I’ll be doing the program again for 2027, but if you want to be the first to know, sign up for my monthly mailing list. That’s it. Once a month, if even that often! You’ll be the first to know about unique sets, any special sales or promotions, and if I search for brand ambassadors again next year!

Build your dream boudoir session now!

Schedule a Free Consultation

What Clients are Saying

“Working with Cassie is like working with your badass friend who hypes you up no matter what you’re doing. Cassandra has helped me advertise both sides of my personality with comedy headshots and spicy portraits. I always feel so comfortable in their studio and I always appreciate their direction! Sometimes I feel lost or intimidated, … Continue reading Oliver D. →

― Oliver D.

― Ashlie F.

Want to be a Boudoir Brand Ambassador? Applications are Open!

Posted on August 8, 2025August 9, 2025 by cassieadmin in and Business Is Good, News and Events

Brand Ambassadors have more fun

You’re obsessed with boudoir. I get it. Me too, honestly! You love that it’s fun, empowering, versatile, and infinitely personalizable—it can be sexy, funny, powerful, or sweet! It can be masc, femme, or somewhere in between.

For 2026 I’m launching the first boudoir Brand Ambassador program for Neon Velvet Studio, and I’m looking for a few bold babes who love boudoir photos, content creation, and uplifting others to help me grow my studio and community! In exchange for your promotional work, you get a totally free boudoir session in 2026, including all the luxury pampering you’d get with a paid boudoir photoshoot—hair and makeup styling, wardrobe, and posing guidance!

What does it mean to be a brand ambassador for a photography studio?

First and foremost, you love Neon Velvet Studio! You vibe with my artistic aesthetic and core values. You want to help represent Neon Velvet Studio out in the world!

You encourage community. You hype up others for being their gorgeous authentic selves. You want to shout from the rooftops about how boudoir can be a transformative experience on the self-love journey.

Your responsibilities will include sharing your photos and being informative and enthusiastic about your Neon Velvet photoshoot experience. This can include instagram posts and reels, TikTok and YouTube shorts of video/behind the scenes content and outtakes, participating regularly in the private Facebook community, and writing a blog post about your experience! There’s more you can do too, but this is the minimum.

This is a one year appointment, beginning in January 2026 and running through December. Each boudoir Brand Ambassador will help me test new studio setups, mini session themes, and exclusive promotions. I pick the details, but you’ll get a chance to customize your experience; if you hate Valentine’s Day I’m not gonna put you in pink and hearts! This is a mutually beneficial thing. I want us all to enjoy the experience.

Who can apply?

I know this sounds insufferable, but as these will be people I’ll be working closely with for an entire year I’m going to be making the decisions on ✨vibes✨. Anyone who feels excited about the info presented here is encouraged to apply. Maybe you’re at the beginning of your self-love journey, or maybe you’re a confident cutie. As long as you’re passionate about uplifting others, you don’t need boudoir modeling experience. You do need to love social media though, because that’s where I need the most help.

If you have any special skills or experience you think would be relevant or beneficial I encourage you to brag! I love getting to know people.

NV Brand Ambassadors Must:

be over 18 at the time of application

sign a full model release

understand that your photos/videos will be shared publicly online in my portfolio, social feed, and marketing materials

align with Neon Velvet Studio’s values and represent them publicly

be LGBTQ+ or a strong advocate and ally to the community

be body-positive and gender-inclusive

be active on social media (even if you don’t have a huge following)

participate in the NV online community

commit to at least 1 boudoir session in 2026 in the greater Philadelphia area (and ideally be based in PA, NJ, DE, NY, or MD)

not currently be affiliated with another photographer as a brand ambassador/employee/work associate/etc. (this is just to prevent confusion! If you’ve been a brand ambassador for another photographer in the past you’re still welcome to apply and explain the circumstances in your application)

NV Brand Ambassadors do not have to:

have modeling experience

have a particular body size or shape

be a cis woman or present in a femme way

be influencers

NV Brand Ambassadors Must Not:

be racist, homophobic, fat phobic, or bigoted. No TERFs, no SWERFs, no fascists.

When Will Brand Ambassadors Be Announced?

Great question. I don’t know. It’s my intention to reply to every applicant, and I will be accepting applications until 8/31/25. How long after applications close will depend on how many people apply!

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love u boo <3

2025’s Best Photographer In Montgomery County? 👀

Posted on January 21, 2025January 21, 2025 by cassieadmin in and Business Is Good

Neon Velvet Studio has been nominated again!

Montco Happening wants to know: Who is the Best Photographer in Montgomery County for 2025?

2024 best photographer in montco finalist badge from montco happening, Montgomery county's best photographer — it’s a major award!

Last year we were a top Finalist for best photographer in Montgomery County, as voted on by locals! This year, can we score a total win?

Want to be part of the winning team? Vote here, and be sure to follow all the instructions. If you’re a robot, please ask a human friend to vote on your behalf.

If you’re wondering why your vote is important to me, I listed some reasons I care in last year’s post! But here are a few new ones for the new year:

✧ Last year’s posts about voting brought hundreds of new eyes to my work! Literally hundreds of people who might not have otherwise known about me. For a small local business, that’s huge. I’m so grateful for it, and for the chance to grow my network again this year.

✧ The voting process involves a few steps and a few minutes of your time. Some people—no matter how much they love my work—won’t do that, so every vote really counts and I appreciate any and all help to spread the word!

✧ It feels more important than ever for LGBTQ+ artists and queer-owned businesses to be represented and visible for our community and for our allies!

✧ I’ve been a Montco resident since I moved to the Philly metro in 2002, which officially means I’ve been here more than half my life! I love being part of the community here, and the more people who know about me, the more I get to meet and make gorgeous photos of!

✧ 2024 was a difficult and often demoralizing year and 2025 is already bringing its own complications; a win would make me feel very appreciated for the queer joyful work I’m putting into the world.

Photo of Cassandra Panek, owner and artist of Neon Velvet Studio. Image features a dark-haired white person wearing red, posing in front of a black wall that shows four monochrome red canvas paintings.

It’s silly but I don’t have many recent photos of myself! Here’s me with a few of my paintings from Gold Door Gallery’s Monochrome Red group art show! You can vote for Hannah’s gallery and boutique tattoo removal shop below!
PS—Gold Door is hosting their annual charity fundraiser on February 8th 2025!

Got more love to share? Here are links to vote for some of our nominated friends:

Deleted Scene Tattoo Removal
Gold Door Gallery
Joy Movement Arts
Reya Barre and Yoga

Are you a nominated friend? Message me and I’ll add you above too! Let’s spread the love 🖤

I will leave you with our local blessing: go birds

Build your dream boudoir session now!

Schedule a Free Consultation

What Clients are Saying

“Getting boudoir shots was always on my bucket list, but getting them done with Cassie made the whole thing that much more special. She was super supportive and made sure I was comfortable with every aspect of the experience. I had a rough patch several months before my session (the passing of one of my … Continue reading Rommy D. →

― Rommy D.

― Jessica Saint

The Results Are In! Best Photographer in Montco is…

Posted on April 17, 2024April 17, 2024 by cassieadmin in and Business Is Good

Have I been biting my nails for months, waiting to see who Montco Happening would crown best photographer for 2024 in Montgomery County?

Not exactly, but I have checked several times to see if results dropped without me noticing.

But the wait is over!

I’m excited to announce that, while I didn’t win the whole deal, I was voted a finalist! So I’m not quite the best photographer in montco, but I’m one of them! I might even be the best boudoir photographer in montco; the list doesn’t get that specific. 🤔

Congrats to the winner, the other finalists, and the nominees! If you’re curious you can find everyone’s info at Montco Happening; we all do very different genres of work so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And I also love being part of an industry that has so many creative woman-owned small businesses.

Thanks to my clients, friends, and everyone who took the time to vote or share and hype me up on this journey. I appreciate your time and energy and love so so much! I’m gonna take another try at the title next year, and in the meantime I’ll be here working on my craft! <3

Some things I’ve got planned:

✧ More themed mini sessions, announced ahead of time so payment plans can be accessible to more clients!
✧ An exciting collaboration & promotion with other local businesses, because teamwork makes the dream work
✧ A super special giveaway? 👀

If you want to be the first to know, be sure to join my VIP mailing list!

hate lots of emails? me too bestie. it’s RARE you’ll get more than 2 per month from me!

Lastly: congratulations to my friends at Gold Door Gallery in Hatboro for being a finalist in their category too!

Are We Best Photographer In Montco?

Posted on January 16, 2024February 5, 2025 by cassieadmin in and Business Is Good

Neon Velvet Studio has been nominated for the Montco Happening Best Photographer category for 2024!

Last year we got the coveted ‘Best Photographer in Glenside,’ and this year we’re dreaming big and going for Best Photographer in County. Want to help? Vote here, and be sure to follow all the instructions. If you are a robot, please ask a human friend to vote on your behalf.

You might be wondering why this is important, and I’m sure everyone who gets nominated for awards cares about it for different reasons, but here are mine:

✧ It’s free advertising ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Can’t beat that.

✧ Something like 90% of my clients find me through referrals from existing clients. I love that, and this feels similar: People who know or have worked with me appreciating what I do enough they tell the world (or at least Montgomery County, Pennsylvania)

✧ If you’ve been following me awhile you’ll know I struggle with what to post on social media, and this is a bona fide Thing To Talk About.

✧ I think the little green Best Of badge will look really cute on my site.

✧ Doesn’t it just make you feel good when somebody tells you you’re the best at something?

✧ I like seeing LGBTQ+ and woman-owned businesses win things. Neon Velvet Studio is both!

Got more love to share? Here are some of our nominated friends:

Deleted Scene Tattoo Removal
Gold Door Gallery

Are you a nominated friend? Message me and I’ll add you above too!