Meet Denay Shook

Today we’d like to introduce you to Denay Shook.

Denay, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started my business after the birth of my first child. At first, I was just taking pictures of her and learning as much as I could about photography. When I realized there was a real potential to do this for a living I sort of just went all in! Never in a million years did I think I’d be where I am today. All through college I just sort of assumed I’d end up in corporate America. Having my daughter inspired me to use the creative side of me I had kept tucked away for so long.

Has it been a smooth road?
Its been a bit of a bumpy road for sure. At first, I really struggled with comparing myself and where I was starting to the other seasoned professionals in the industry. I stretched myself thin and went in 50 different directions just trying to get my business off the ground. There are so many talented artists in the industry and I struggled a lot with really believing I could do this. Getting your name out there is extremely difficult as well. I had a very small marketing budget (like non-existent) and also really didn’t know a lot of people in my area. Once I just started to focus on what inspired me to keep going…things just took off.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Denay Shook Photography, LLC story. Tell us more about the business.
I’m a portrait photographer and I specialize in family and children portraits as well as weddings. I was just voted best of Gwinnett for 2018 which is a huge accomplishment for me! I’m most proud of the way I can tell a story through my images. I also am a bit of a light chaser. If there is crazy good lighting, we are going to chase it throughout our entire session. I just really want people to feel something real when they look at my pictures and I think thats one of the things that set me apart. I want to do more than just take your picture.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The industry is constantly changing as it is. In the next 5-10 years, I really don’t expect it to change too much. The trends we have right now seemed to be sticking around. We may see more of a documentary style which I absolutely love.

Pricing:

• Portrait Sessions $250
• Weddings $850-$1,500

Contact Info:

• Website: www.denayshookphoto.net
• Phone: 4048195921
• Email: shookphotographyatl@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/denayshookphoto
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/denayshookphotography

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