Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannel Gray.
Hi Shannel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My most favorite story that I like to share is how I got started. Many of us will always talk about how business is going or maybe a few months back but rarely do we ever hear or share so much of how the dream and vision became life for us.
My story goes a little bit like this…
It all started one day when I was reviewing the newspaper for a small second job. I saw an opening for an assistant at a photography studio with a prestigious photographer in the Russellville, AR area where I lived. I interviewed and got the job. Steve, the photographer and I became close. We talked and conversed every day. He taught me several things about photography. In return, I spoke to Steve a lot about my life, lifestyle and my walk with God. It was interesting to him to learn more about. I began to notice the clientele he had and gained a great relationship with some.
Steve saw my passion for the capturing of the moments of people’s lives. One day, he asked me why didn’t I pursue my “eye” in photography? I told him I never really thought about a business part of it but more like a hobby. Well one day, I closed up shop and headed downtown. It weighed heavily on my heart about my vision for others and how to bring what others see of themselves to life but in a different light. It was a rainy Thursday evening. I pulled up to Staples and sat in the parking lot. I asked God if He would help me bring to life my ministry and my vision, I would dedicate my business to him. I entered the store. I went to the camera section where I met nice sales guy. He helped me and asked what I was looking for. I told him my thoughts and he then walked me to a certain line of cameras. Then he walked me over to the programs I would need to edit. I priced everything in my head as we walked. I became discouraged. I knew I didn’t have enough in the bank. I told the man thank you with my head hung low and went to sit in my car. Again, I closed my eyes and asked God again for favor and that I would dedicate my photography to Him, I needed a miracle.
A lifting came to my spirit. I got out of my car again and entered the store. There the sales guy stood smiling and stated I knew you would come back. He placed in my hands, a Canon Powershot camera. I stated, oh my gosh!! Thank you but I need more. He looked and said, ma’am, you have all that you need. Congratulations! I went to the checkout counter and saw that the total amount came to $199.00. I had $200 even in my bank account. I paid for the camera and went to my car smiling. After sitting there, I began to wonder how would I edit. I looked at the camera box and turned it around. There on the back it stated, included for free Photoshop Elements full program. I cried myself happy; God truly answered my prayers! I went to work the following day and that was when Steve notified me that he was going to be slowing down in business and would not need me anymore. I smiled because I knew that all that happened was in God’s timing. He was yet preparing me for the greater reward on the other side.
Not every day in the world of photography has been sunny and happy! My world is quite different with the factor that I still work full-time as a director of sales in the hotel industry along with running my own business! I have the fun part of balancing life between a full time job, my own business and being a full-time mom. I have learned to embrace this journey and all the ups and downs that come along with it. Some days I feel complete and others I have struggled with feeling not so complete in my vision of photography. The main issue is keeping the creative vibe alive! If you are an out of the box creator, then this journey sometimes gets lonely and frustrating because you can have so many ideas to explore and to put them into action but have no subjects to practice with or open opportunities. I have learned to settle down and journal out my visions and pray over them. I understand that life happens but I also know God opens doors to expose those things we have been itching to showcase to the world!
My work consists mostly of the focus of portrait, senior, bridal, family and event photography. I have recently tapped into branding other business owners to showcase their new look and current vision for what they do. I believe what sets me apart from others is that I am a visualist! I have people call me and as they talk to me, my mind begins to paint the picture of what they see and want for their photos. I begin to write and sometimes draw it out as they speak. After they finish, I then turn around and describe the entire scene to them, what all it would involve with colors and the look. People laugh and say how in the world did you get my vision so spot on from my words? It’s simple. God gave this gift to me. I study all my sessions before doing them and where to take the photos and the vision just comes to me and I feel complete and confident in the knowledge God drops to me to be able to make the session come to life!
What matters most to you? Why?
When a potential client comes into contact with me and they explain their view or what they want, the most important thing I am thinking about is how can I make this a memorable experience for them and also explode the vision to another level. This is important because we are looked upon as creators and we should take every opportunity to elevate the vision that people may have and for them it may seem so small or ordinary but that’s when we need to take the extra time to make it the best for them. A moment in time that they took, and I do not take that for granted. I love to capitalize on the moment and make it more than just a photo, but an experience of a lifetime.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: shae4photography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/shaegrayphotography
Image Credits
All photographs taken by ShaeGray photography
