Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanteria Maddox.
Hi Shanteria, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been the type of person who pays close attention to detail and loves thinking outside the box. Creativity has been a constant in everything I do. I’ve always loved photography — both being in front of and behind the camera. Early on, I realized I had a very specific vision for how I wanted my images to look, which naturally led me to start my own business, Photo Ready Productions.
My goal has always been to create visuals that are not only eye-catching but also authentic — images and videos that capture a real vibe and make people feel something. That same passion for authenticity and aesthetics inspired me to launch my clothing brand, Aesthetic and Authentic Co.
Photography is truly my passion, and I’ve gotten to where I am by staying genuine, being original, planning intentionally, continuously learning, and leading with my heart.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’d say the road’s been pretty smooth overall. Of course, like with any business, there’ve been times where I had to pause, step back, and reevaluate things — whether it was my marketing, my pricing, or just taking some time off to reset. But nothing that ever made me feel like this wasn’t what I was meant to do.
I really believe that every business has its bumps in the road — those moments that challenge you but also push you to grow, to think bigger, and to do more. For me, it’s always been about learning from those moments while staying focused on my vision.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I provide both photography and videography services, and also have a creations business that is pretty much all things creative as well. I really like to keep my work versatile. I specialize in all types of photography — from events and portraits to newborn sessions, birthdays, and everything in between. I like keeping an open mind creatively, because I believe every type of shoot teaches me something new and helps me grow as a creative.
What I’m most proud of is the heart and effort I put into every single session. I don’t just show up and take pictures — I research, plan, and experiment through trial and error to keep my creative eye sharp and my ideas fresh.
What really sets me apart is my authenticity. I stay grounded and intentional with my work, and I always put my personal spin on every angle and every shot I capture. I want every image or video I create to reflect real emotion and genuine energy.
At the end of the day, I’m not just taking photos — I’m creating a vibe and an experience that feels unique to each person I work with. That’s what makes my approach different and what keeps me passionate about what I do.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
In terms of resources I turn to — whether I’m working, creating, or just looking to grow — I tend to gravitate toward content made by and for creatives, business-minded women, and visual storytellers. A few of my favorites:
Podcasts
• Creatives Like Us: Hosted by Angela Lyons, this one gives voice to overlooked creatives, especially people of color, and shares honest practical advice about navigating the creative industry.
• Creatives. Entrepreneurs. Black Women & Other Stuff w/ J.P. Haynes: Focused on the overlap of being a creative, an entrepreneur, and a Black woman, this show dives into mindset, identity, business and personal growth in a real, relatable way.
• Her Creative Hustle: This is more geared toward women creatives building their businesses — offering inspiration, how-to’s, and the “behind the scenes” of creative hustle.
Books
• The Photo CEO by Tamera Darden: Specifically geared toward photographers (particularly women and under-represented creators) who want to turn their craft into a sustainable business — covering things like pricing, marketing, negotiating.
• Business Boutique: A Woman’s Guide for Making Money Doing What She Loves by Christy Wright: A wider lens book for women entrepreneurs doing creative work — useful for mindset, business structure, and connecting your passion with profit.
• 21 Books for Female Creative Entrepreneurs (it’s actually a blog list/article but points you to many titles) — I found this to help me pick up additional reads I wouldn’t have thought of.
Why I use them:
• They keep my creative energy sharp — hearing how other visual storytellers and business-minded women navigate things reminds me I’m not alone.
• They help me stay grounded in my business side — As much as I love being behind the camera, I know running a business takes strategy, pricing, clarity, and mindset.
• They reinforce my personal values — authenticity, originality, and heart-led work. When I listen or read these, I’m reminded to lead with my heart, stay real with my clients, and make sure what I create reflects me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://photoreadyprodsllc.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photoreadyproductions
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BfMkkXfTx/
- Twitter: https://x.com/realphotoready
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@therealphotoready
