An Inspired Chat with Shannel Resto

Shannel Resto shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Shannel, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
After the usual morning routine—brushing my teeth, washing my face—I make myself a coffee or matcha and head into my office. That’s where my real day begins. I check my to-do list and calendar, set up my workspace for photo editing, and cue up something to listen to—either an audiobook from the Libby app or a favorite podcast like Normal Gossip, a 90s R&B/ Pop playlist if I’m in a singing mode.

Then it’s straight into emails and client work. But before diving in, I usually give myself a little pep talk—something like, “You can do hard things,” or “Seize the day, Shannel, you got this.” Lately, the one that’s been grounding me most is: “Let whatever can’t be done today rest in God.” It’s a reminder to stay focused but also extend grace to myself.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Shannel Resto, founder and lead photographer of SJR Photography, an internationally-based visual storytelling brand currently rooted in Atlanta. With a background in dance and choreography—trained at Boston Arts Academy, Rutgers University (BFA), and Trinity Laban in London—I bring a unique, movement-driven perspective to photography. My career began on stage, and now I use the camera to preserve the same emotion, rhythm, and artistry that once lived in my body.

Since launching SJR Photography in 2013, my work has evolved into a multidisciplinary practice blending performance, fashion, creative portraiture, and documentary photography. I’m known for capturing images that tell a story—archiving the soul of a moment before it passes.

I’ve had the honor of photographing at global fashion events such as Haute Couture Week (Paris), Alta Moda (Italy), CFDA x Vogue, Atlanta Fashion Week, and New York Fashion Week. I’ve collaborated with esteemed arts institutions like New York City Center, Peridance, Emory University, Immerse ATL, the Center for Puppetry Arts, and many more. My work has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Dance Magazine, Playbill, PBS All Arts, ARTS ATL, Atlanta Journal-Constitution and more. I was recently highlighted in ARTS ATL’s “20 Photos to Watch: Photos Capturing Atlanta’s Stages in 2024.”

In addition to photography, I’m the author of Capture the Colors, a coloring book available on Amazon, reflecting my passion for art in all forms. Whether I’m behind the lens or in creative collaboration, my mission remains the same: to tell stories that move people, archive beauty, and make the unseen unforgettable, while creating a core memory for my clients.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world tried to define me, I was curious, fearless, and imaginative. I created without self-censorship, guided by a clear sense of who I wanted to become—a version of myself I still fight to protect today.

Even as a child, I resisted gender norms and societal expectations, surrounding myself with people who chose to do the same. If I had to summarize what the world has always wanted from me as a woman, it would echo America Ferrera’s Barbie monologue: perfectly put-together, endlessly pleasant, ambitious but not intimidating, bold but never too bold—measured against impossible contradictions.

Fortunately, my family never pressured me into that mold. I was raised among strong female examples who showed me how to trust my own compass, tune out the noise, and define success on my terms.

Today, I carry that lesson forward. I am confident, curious, and unapologetically bold. I make space for my voice, and I measure success not by external standards, but by living authentically—and holding onto the courage of that younger self who dreamed without limits.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You’re living the artist’s dream—even if it looks different from what you imagined. You dance for yourself now, not for anyone else. That thing you once thought was just a hobby—photography? It became your calling.

I’d also tell myself to trust the journey. Stop trying so hard to please everyone, protect your energy, and stay curious. Your creativity, imagination, and ability to manifest are your superpowers—hold onto them. Everything you’ve dreamed of is unfolding exactly as it’s meant to. So, thank you for imagining so fearlessly that I was compelled to see those dreams through.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I was discussing this with my fiancé recently. The public version of me—the confident, independent, put-together photographer—is absolutely real. But it’s just one part of me.
I’ve always found it hard to fully share my more vulnerable sides, mostly because of trust issues and a deep value for privacy. Opening up to the world doesn’t come easily to me, which is why I use my art to express vulnerability.

Those who know me best—my closest friends—can tell you I’m a total dork at heart. I’m far more playful and unfiltered than I often appear. Most days, you’ll catch me dancing through the house or making up silly songs. I definitely want to share more of that side of myself moving forward—because that’s real too.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people talk less about my accomplishments and more about how I made them feel. I want to be remembered for the laughter I sparked, the joy I shared, and the understanding I offered.

If people talk about my work, I hope they remember how I left a little ‘stamp of love’ on the world. Through my photography, I strive to capture stories with care and intention.

I’d love for people to share moments like, “Remember when Shannel had me laughing until I cried?” or “Shannel always made a point to check in with a call or text,” or, “Remember when she confidently helped move that AC unit… swearing it wasn’t heavy—and then accidentally dropped it out the window?” (Yes, that really happened.)

Ultimately, I want to be part of people’s core memories—the stories and moments that mattered. If I brought light, laughter, and genuine connection into their world, that’s a story I’d be proud of.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sjrestophotography.wixsite.com/sjrphotographs
• Instagram: @s.j.rphotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannel-resto-63aa6132/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/s.j.rphotography

Image Credits
Collage Portraits of Me: Daniel Friday and Jahnay Hernandez

All other images were taken by me: Shannel Resto (SJR Photography)

Models:
Sky Poole, Julio Medina, Julie Feracota- Monica Hogan Dance shoot, Ilo E. Haute Couture Fashion Week- Jean Paul Gaultier, BAM at SCAD, Faith Fidgeon