Meet Jasmine Fortner of Simply Shay Photography in Metro Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Fortner.

Jasmine, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
It all started with the yearbook class. As a young freshman dying to be a writer, I joined the yearbook staff to get as close to journalism as I possibly could. I was a part of a very prestigious program that educated us on all the aspects of the publication: copywriting, design, interviewing skills, and photography. Everyone had their niche, and photography certainly wasn’t mine, but I had still absorbed the knowledge and stepped in when I needed too. As time went on and I progressed to different leadership roles, I found myself using my camera more and more. I developed an eye for visual storytelling and my skills only got better.

I graduated High School leaving all creative outlets behind to pursue a career in Social Work. I loved my studies but found myself often wondering what was missing. Sophmore year a boy broke my heart, and after any and all desperate attempts to make me feel better, my mom decided it was time for my first DSLR. I quickly threw myself into different art projects, photographing anything and everything. I was excited to find a different angle, and to create images that represented the way my lens saw the world, but it still was just something I knew how to do, and only for fun.

One day a good friend of mine reached out to me. She had owned her photography business since we were sixteen, and her second shooter for a wedding canceled and she needed a photographer that day. Hannah told me that she had seen my work and really thought I could do the job. I hesitantly jumped in to help her, thinking that I could at least give it a shot for the bride. I fell in love with everything about the day. The hustle and bustle of the environment, the butterflies, the love floating in the air, and of course the beautiful images. A wedding was my first paid photography job, and the rest is history. I’ve been in business for five years now and have shot just about anything you can imagine, but weddings will always have my heart.

Great, 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?
There have certainly been some challenges. Being a business owner at 19 was a huge responsibility and there was a lot of learning along the way. I had no idea what I was doing. I probably didn’t make much of a profit for the first two years. It took a lot of initiative to learn how to do things for my business when I didn’t have the funds to outsource to the experts. However, working from the ground up gave me a lot of insight into what I wanted my business to be and where I wanted it to go. There have been a lot of growing pains along the way and I’m still learning what my brand is, but I know what I’ve built is mine.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Simply Shay Photography – what should we know?
I view the world in relationships and view each of my clients as an important part of my story. I pride myself on the ability to make people feel comfortable. I want my clients to know that when they hire me it isn’t just about receiving the images but that I am another pillar in their support system. So many of my clients have turned into friends and it brings me so much joy. I primarily shoot weddings and really enjoy the atmosphere of a wedding day, but I like to think my versatility sets me apart. I’m a yes person, meaning that whatever vision you want to come to life-I’m there making it happen. Which is why I have shot just about anything you can imagine. I never confine myself to any of part of the field and I think it keeps me sharp and ready for challenges.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I believe that my success is largely contributed to the fact that I care so much for my clients. I do not take it lightly when someone trusts my creative vision enough to let me capture such important life moments for them. I inevitably get close to my clients and want to give them my absolute best. It’s about meeting people at a place that works for both you and them. I try my hardest to be as flexible and accommodating as possible and I have found that my clients always repay me with the same kindness.

Contact Info:

• Website: simplyshayphotography.com
• Phone: 6786294842
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @simplyshayphotography
• Facebook: @simplyshayphotography

Image Credit:
Amber Robinson (Images by Amber Robinson), Kayla Sacconi (Kay’s Kaptures), Madison Bledsoe, Kaitlyn Garrett, Morgan Trowbridge (Morgan Ruth Photography)

Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.