Today we’d like to introduce you to Shineza Davenport.
Hi Shineza, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I fell in love with photography at an extremely early age. My mother had her own modeling agency and was also passionate about photography. Go figure, modeling and photography go hand in hand right. While growing up I became accustomed to being behind the camera and also in front of the camera. This was just the normal for me. But most importantly it taught me the value of creating memories that I would one day later look back on and reminisce about.
Fast forward, In 1997, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. My husband purchased me a new Canon Rebel DSLR and I became immensely obsessed with my new camera and with dressing my baby girl up taking her pictures on a daily basis. In 2000, I gave birth to my second daughter and this time I was able to stay home a little longer on maternity leave which allowed me a little bit more flexibility. So, I picked my camera back up and just started shooting whenever I felt creative. Subsequently, my girls joined organizations that would always have a photographer there but never really captured the photos the way I thought they should be captured therefore I started taking photos of my girls along with other (dancers, gymnasts) and never turned back. I did this for about 8 years. Then I became burned out simply because my hobby had now felt like a real JOB! So I paused and prayed over the years and asked God to open doors that would allow me the flexibility and freedom to follow my dreams and several years later, I started a new job that allowed me the opportunity to work from home. This was exactly what I prayed for.
In 2014 I decided to take my business to the next level. I started taking classes at Atlanta School of Photography to ensure I understood lighting, manual modes, composition and all the essentials to make it in the photography world. I invested in coaching, shadowed a few professional photographers because I simply wanted to be the best and offer an amazing client experience but I also wanted to feel confident in my ability to bring their story to life! Each year I just got better and better. I am now a Portrait, Lifestyle & Elopement Photographer and I love every minute of this amazing journey! It is indeed my pleasure to capture heirloom portraits that will last a lifetime!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a fairly smooth road thus far. I think the hardest part of it all was trying to balance working a full-time job. I am an Accountant by day with a wonderful company here in Atlanta. So the challenge in this journey was working, being a wife, mom and I am also involved with several female-run organizations that also demand my time and expertise. The biggest takeaway was learning to set boundaries and to create real business hours within my business. Once I was able to establish this, it was definitely a game-changer.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Portrait, Lifestyle, Elopement Photographer in the Metro Atlanta Area. I’m now offering Personal Branding!
Currently, I’m known for my amazing couples photoshoot! I truly engage with my couples and make every effort to bring their vision to life. We shoot, we dance, we sing. I bring to all my couple photoshoots bubbly champagne, roses, real wine glasses…..anything to put them in the mood to make them the most comfortable. Most of my shots and candid with some poised. I’ll catch the magic, I promise.
I am mostly proud of not allowing fear to take full control when I was asked to shoot my first wedding! Although it was small it was just the fear of the unknown. I embraced it like a pro and over the last two years, I’ve shot at least 10 micro weddings and elopements.
I would like to think my bubbly personality and client on-boarding experience sets me apart from most. I’m a GIFTER so if you’re shooting with me, I come bearing gifts for all. I am my most authentic self and what you see is basically what you get. I love what I do and it shows in my relationship with you from the beginning to the end.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Seeing the beautiful smiles on my client’s faces. Delivering their albums during our reveal and their reactions to their photos! There’s absolutely nothing like it!
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@shinezaphotography.com
- Website: www.shinezaphotography.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/shinezaphotograp
hy - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photosbyshineza/
- Twitter: @photosbyshineza
Image Credits
Shineza Davenport – @Stylishle Captured Photography 8 Photos – @ShinezaPhotography
