Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Shan Johnson of Metro Atlanta

We recently had the chance to connect with Shan Johnson and have shared our conversation below.

Shan , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
The misconception about my photography business is it’s a quick process. While the session itself might last an hour or two, the preparation and post-production take much longer. My goal isn’t just to hand over images, but to create a meaningful experience and capture moments that hold lasting value.

At its heart, my business is about storytelling, connection, and preserving memories-not just snapping pictures.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Shan Nicole Johnson, and I’m the owner of Shell K Photography. I started my business in 2016 and named it after my late mother, who always encouraged me to follow my dreams. That inspiration is at the heart of every session I create.

As both a Pre-K teacher and a photographer, I bring patience, creativity, and a natural ability to connect with people of all ages. I specialize in family portraits, where I capture genuine connections, and boudoir photography, where I empower clients to see their beauty and confidence shine.

What sets Shell K Photography apart is the blend of family-friendly accessibility, heartfelt storytelling, and a personal touch. My clients don’t just get photos—they get a relaxed, comfortable experience that allows their authentic selves to shine through. That’s why many return year after year, trusting me to capture their most important moments.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Losing my mom was the moment that shaped how I see the world. It was the hardest experience of my life, and while it crushed me, it also taught me resilience. I learned that no matter how heavy life gets, I can survive, rise, and keep moving forward. That strength influences everything I do, from teaching to photography, and it’s why I approach life—and my clients—with empathy, patience, and heart.”

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: Be yourself, and be patient. Everything you’re dreaming of will come in its own time, and you don’t have to rush the process. Trust who you are—you’re enough.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the photography industry is that anyone can be a photographer just because they have the latest iPhone or Android. While technology is amazing, true photography is about so much more—it’s about vision, creativity, storytelling, and knowing how to capture authentic moments in a way that lasts a lifetime.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
“I feel most at peace when I’m with my family. It may sound simple, but for me, family is everything—precious, grounding, and irreplaceable. The love we share reminds me of what truly matters in life, and it’s also what inspires me to capture those kinds of meaningful connections for others through photography.”

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Shell_KPhotography
• Facebook: Shell K Photography

Image Credits
Shell K Photography
Shan Johnson