Today we’d like to introduce you to NakeshiaRenee Shannon.
Photographer Nakeshia is rising to the top of her industry as both a photographer and educator. Based in South Carolina, her work has appeared in numerous fashion, editorial, popular and local publications including Upstate Parent, Epic Style Magazine, Vogue Italy, BuzzFeed, New Revelations and dozens more. She’s also worked with several charitable organizations close to her heart such as Habitat for Humanity, Walk MS as well as The Emerson Rose Foundation.
As a photographic educator, she is one of the most sought-after speakers in her hometown because she’s down to earth and willing to take time one on one with each student so they get the most out of her classes. Recently she’s been named the top liked photographer in her area through Social Media.
A clean, bold, and graphic style has become the hallmark of her work, whether shooting weddings, families, advertising campaigns, designer look books, jewelry, hair campaigns, fashion editorials, or professional athletes. She is renowned for her creativity and collaborating with designers and stylists in order to create fresh looks.
Outside of her photography she’s a wife and mother of three children. She prides herself on putting her family first no matter what she does. She’s continually building her portfolio with a list of models, athletes, business owners, and more. Her passion for photography shows in her work and her heart shows through her words.
She started off using photography as a stress relief during a difficult time in life due to medical issues. Soon after she realized how much she loved photography and started doing shoots with friends for fun then it snowballed into paying clients, weddings, portraits and more!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. I’ve faced complications with medical issues, limitations,
I invested money into the wrong things trying to do the right thing business wise and things fell through. I finally learned to stop trying to be everyone else and to carve my own path because nobody is going to do it just like me.
I love being myself. In front of the camera and behind it. I’ve faced difficult clients, people who have taken advantage and more, but I refuse to let the little things stop me on this journey.
2017 has been my best year yet. I’ve stopped letting fear control me and dictate my actions. I’ve stepped outside myself and my fears and taken the biggest risks of my career, but they’ve paid off greatly.
NakeshiaRenee Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’m a freelance photographer. I specialize in portraits, weddings, and branding. I recently started working with several modeling agencies as well as upstate newspapers and more. I’m known for delivering images quickly I actually just spoke to a friend talking about how fast I deliver images and sometimes I feel like I’m doing something wrong, but she reminded me that I’ve got years of experience and It takes me no time to edit because it’s something I truly love to do!
I’m proud of the relationships I’ve gained. I’ve gained friends and family throughout my career. I’ve gained clients who have believed in me more than I’ve believed in myself. I’ve gotten clients who are cheering for me continually and will do anything to support my adventure and my journey.
I don’t know what sets me apart per say, but I do know people appreciate how I’m able to work with children with no problem, how relaxed I am in high stress situations and how I’m more than willing to make them laugh to get over small awkward situations that might be getting in the way of a good photo.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I’m truly proud of every little moment. However, I guess getting my work published on multiple publications and seeing some of my work go ‘viral’. It’s encouraging to know people love my work and support me. I’ve been overwhelmed at the ‘fame’ that has come my direction.
I’m thankful for the families who choose to hire me for their family photographs and I’m thankful for the larger companies who choose me for their corporate events and more!
Pricing:
- My wedding prices start at $400 for small weddings and go up based on the clients needs.
- My Branding and Modeling sessions start at $150 and go from there based on client needs and expectations. I even coach one on one to aspiring models.
- My family sessions are $150 for up to 5 people then go up from there!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.NakeshiaRenee.com
- Phone: 864-650-6903
- Email: NakeshiaRenee@me.com
- Instagram: Instgram.com/NakeshiaReneePhotos
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nakeshiareneephotography/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/NakeshiaRenee
Image Credit:
Model (African American – Cierra Denise) Model (Blonde – Anna Riley)
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
