Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanna Blackburn.
Hi Shanna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My photography journey started when I was very, very young. A lifelong love of insects, animals, plants, and the outdoors led me to have a desire to want to capture the beauty I saw all around me. I wanted to share with others what I saw when I looked around our beautiful world because I was so amazed and captivated by it all. I got a camera and I was hooked. I would only want rolls of film for my birthday! Those pictures I look back on with fondness because it represents such a pure and precious time of my life. I have boxes and boxes of photos that are mostly flowers, trees, animals, my pets, and the woods near my house.
As I got older, I because more interested in the technical aspects of photography, and I began to explore with simple digital point and shoot cameras. When my husband gifted me my first “big girl camera” for our wedding in 2018, I began practicing taking photos of friends and my love of photography exploded and continues to grow each day!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I had so much to learn at the beginning of my business! I think instead of describing my journey as a smooth road, I would say it’s been a challenging hike through a section of the Appalachian Trail. I love hiking, and what makes it so great are the challenges and triumphs you face along the way to the destination. There are easy parts, there are difficult summits, there are astounding views, and then there are some easy sections of the hike along the way.
Through growing my business, there have been times where I needed to learn something new or technical about shooting. There was some growth to be had and some challenges that led to a beautiful outcome as a mastered that technique. There have been slow times and seasons where I have had time to work on the back end of my business. There have been summits of excitement where I can look behind me and see how far I have come and how much I have learned. Wedding days take great stamina and energy- similar to a tough hike!
So while the road hasn’t been smooth, it has been worth it. Each challenge has pushed me to grow and has ultimately made me a better photographer and business owner.
As you know, we’re big fans of Shanna Blackburn Photography, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I own a wedding and family photography business based out of Canton, Georgia. I serve the greater Atlanta area as well as the North Georgia mountains. My style is bright, colorful, fun, and journalistic. I want my clients to look back on their pictures and remember the joy, laughter, and connection that they felt with their family and friends. I absolutely love to encourage people and cheer them on, and helping people laugh and feel comfortable in front of the camera is something I strive to excel with.
My website says that “I promise to never be trendy.” I strive to showcase colors as true and natural as possible. I love organic moments and the in-between moments that sometimes go unnoticed. I am proud the color found in my photographs and the laughter that I am able to capture.
I worked as a music therapist for about 10 years before I really started pursuing photography seriously, and my experience working with people and children from all walks of life has made it easy for me to build quick rapport with people. I am proud of my ability to work with kids, as well as my confidence in directing large groups of people. Really, nothing can phase me! I am able to stay calm and collected in any and all situations including unexpected ones.
While shooting weddings, I believe in telling the entire story, down to each beautiful detail. I know firsthand that weddings go by so fast when you are the bride or groom, and I want my clients to look back on their photos and be able to relive each moment as it happened. I also hold the responsibility to capture families at a wedding with high reverence, knowing that photos of family members will be important for generations to come.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Yes! A smile came to my face when I read this question. When I was wanting to gain more experience shooting weddings, I searched for wedding photographers in the area that I admired. I found Brianna Joseph of Brianna Joseph Photography, and I sent her a simple e-mail. I told her who I was, what I was aiming for, and asked if I could join her as a potential second shooter for any upcoming weddings she had. I was delighted when she said yes! Now, we have worked together for several weddings over the past two years. I have learned a great deal from her, and absolutely love working with her. In these last few years, we have also became close friends, and she has even rescued me from a dirty diaper emergency in the Target parking lot.
Apart from Brianna, I have also been intentional about reaching out to other wedding and family photographers in the area via social media and sending messages of encouragement. I know how much that makes my day to hear from other photographers, so I love to do that for other people. I would encourage people to just take the risk to send an email to another professional in the area to say hello and see how you can add value to what they do.
Contact Info:
- Website: shannacarolphotography.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/shannablackburn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannablackburnphotography
