Today we’d like to introduce you to Shae Wilbanks.
Hi Shae, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hello!
My Name is Shae Wilbanks, I have been a photographer since 2021. I have always had a love for photography. When I was little, I was constantly taking photos of everything and everyone. I was always being told I should be photographer. I never dreamt this would become a realtiy.
In 2021 My, now husband, and I had just gotten engaged, When doing our engagement session with our photographer, I had mentioned my love and interest. During the session my husband told me I should do it, I should take on my dream. He had truely become my inspiration to start the journey.
The next week I decided to buy a camera and this started my journey. I was just a mom of two, taking photos here and there trying to get my work to improve enough to possibly make a business of it. It came so naturally to me that it wasnt long that I was able to call myself atrue business owner.
I fell in love with weddings during my own wedding, watching my photographer capture such a special day made me want to do the same. After becoming well acustom to the camera and my confidence I decided to take on my first wedding as a second shooter. After getting a few of in my portfolio, I took my first wedding on my own.
It was like a dream, I fell in love even more.
I love capturing every moment of my clients lives. Watching them grow has truely become my happy place. I get so excited even doing simple family sessions that I end up going straight home to edit. Im always so excited to send them off.
It has truly been such an incredible journey and I am so lucky to have such amazing clients that have come into my life.
I cant wait to see where this continues to take me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Although having a business has its ups and downs, I have found that Photography comes pretty naturally to me. I started with no experience and had to Learn the camera settings all on my own. I would offer free photo sessions to get in some practice. Eventualy, I got better and better, as I became more accustomed to the camera itself I worked on improving my editing and researching the best way to achieve the look I wanted. I taught myself how to market my business and although it was a challenge at first, I kept posting my work and eventually the clients came. Many mistakes were made along the way but I seemed to be about to smooth them out fairly quickly.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am started my business in 2021 with absolutely no experience but just a love of photography. As my work improved and my clientele grew I fell in love with capturing my clients lives. Watching them grow, get married, and have children has been such an amazing journey. As my love for photography grew, I decided that I wanted to specialize in weddings and portraits. The images I strive to give my clients are of the highest qualtiy along with a price range that doesnt break the bank. Whether you have are planning a wedding, are in need of headshots for your business, even family photos, I range from all types of photography sessions and work with my clients to make sure both budget and needs are met.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding a mentor in a business really comes down to finding a person who you look up to. This person can be someone close to you or even a stranger that you feel drawn to. In photography I have found that the best way for myself to learn is to reach out to the other photographers that I feel have the style that I am striving for. They have set the goals for the work I want to accomplish. These photographers have helped shape my creativity and made my business into what it is today. With the help of my mentors I was able to learn how to get my name out there and build the relationships with my clients. This relationship grows and this client will tell someone they know and my business started to grow.
Pricing:
- Wedding packages and prices adjustable $2000
- Family sessions $290
- Senior sessions $250
- Boudoir $350
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sha3k3lly.wixsite.com
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/PhotographybyShaeG
- Other: Phone: 6784978399
Image Credits
Self: Shae Photography
