Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn McCray.
Shawn, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My passion for film and photography started at the young age of maybe five years old. After the passing of my aunt May 29th 2025 I slowly started to discover old photos of me growing up as a child. Photos of which I took and were taken of me by her with a camera always in my hand. I always had an eye for making things bigger than life, creating memories that will be remembered for a lifetime. Being influenced in the performing arts got me to where I am today working with artists, actors, models, etc simply because I grew up in the industry so I’m confident in working along side of moguls today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t been easy, dealing with family struggles, being a victim of bullying at a young age and not knowing what it really meant or what I was going through, not totally realizing that the worst could in fact happen to me too. I had dreams and I was working hard to achieve them but discouragement is real and I finally got fed up and took a leap of faith. Being homeless in Atlanta for almost four years and continuing to work grow and conquer with somewhat of a smile on my face was what got me to where I’m at today. Super thankful for my family and friends that saw my potential and didn’t let me sink too far in my own disbeliefs.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I would say I started as a freelance photographer in Milwaukee WI. Discovering my true interest for film and photography I remember reaching out to other photographers in the area for simple knowledge and classes and was quite frequently shut down from their access. Which only built the fire beneath me even more. I started snapping everything from sporting events, grand openings, weddings, baby showers, etc until I opened up my first studio in 2018. There I began taking my serious clients for maternity photos to senior portraits to clothing brands and holiday family portraits etc. After closing down my studio due to covid I began taking clients through a different avenue of photography which I like to call Social Media Marketing. Social Media as we know it is a big part of society today and with my knowledge of capturing and selling a story on camera I now create weekly and monthly lineups for my clients to gain revenue from sources such as TikTok Instagram Facebook YouTube and more. What makes me most proud and not giving up when adversities strike. Im meant to be here.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
My tenacity. Holding on to my beliefs and rolling with what life throws at me and striving to see myself succeed in all aspects of life as we know it. God plays a big part in my life without his daily help I don’t know where I would be.
Pricing:
- Quick Shoot $150
- Lifestyle $250
- Monthly $1200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shawnshotme.as.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnshotme/?hl=en
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/iamshawnmccray/
Image Credits
All images were shot and edited by Shawn Shot Me @shawnshotme
