Today we’d like to introduce you to Shay Willis
Hi Shay, 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?
So my photography journey started back in an intro to photography class my senior year of high school. I initially didn’t take it as seriously and was just interested in learning something new. Just starting off, the material and direction of photography came so natural to me as if it was a second language. I’ve always had an eye for detail and enjoyed creating a vision and bringing it to life. Fast forward to 2020, as I began investing into the idea of taking photography on as a serious passion filled hobby. I bought a beginner friendly digital camera and I wasn’t too sure where I wanted to start but I knew I wanted people to be my main muse. I came up with creative concepts and ventured out by asking my close friends to shoot. I spent some time experimenting and thinking about what I truly wanted to capture. I had thoughts on how I wanted my photos to look aesthetically and how I wanted to influence people to feel when they viewed my photos. Film photography was later introduced to me by a dear friend and my photography portfolio bloomed shortly after. The vivid imagery and the intentionality of each image that is captured on film is what made me fall in love with the medium. It’s almost effortlessly storytelling on each moment captured and the soft warmness of every image is nothing short of beautiful. My appreciation for music, fashion, poetry, and film has influenced its way into my photography. Over the years I have had the pleasure of creatively directing and shooting editorials for established models, short films and recording artists. Bringing things to the present day, I believe that I’m gracefully finding my way in the photography world. I want to continue on this path of creating timeless pieces and tapping into my creative mind. Ultimately, the biggest blessing is being able to use my God given gift to be of service to others and capture moments that will last till the end of time.
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?
I’ve been doing photography on and off for over 4 years and it definitely hasn’t been the smoothest journey. There were many times where I put my camera down for a while out of frustration regarding the lack of resources, community and being able to find voice in my photography. Also, for the majority of my life I struggled with self doubt and anxiety. I had to learn how to get out of my own way and understand that the preconceived ideas or negative opinions that pass by in my head are not attached to my identity. 2024 truly has been that breakout year for me and gave me more opportunities than the past 3 years have combined and I’m truly grateful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a digital and film photographer with a mix of vibrant editorials, timeless street photography, and live coverage for local events and shows in the DFW area. I’ve had the opportunity to shoot a couple editorials for short films such as Forks in The Road written and directed by Ryan Cameron and Engourdi written and directed by Gary Pierrot Jr. My appreciation for music has heavily influenced my choice in clients and I had the pleasure of working with recording artists as well such as Dee Gatti, PSO Kwama and Hayelo just to name a few. I believe what sets me apart from other photographers is I have a specialty for capturing people in their element and becoming a true creative visionary. Incorporating all my senses to create my editorials pieces, inviting warmness in my event photography and my patience and eye in my street photography. It’s almost as if my work is a reflection of my inner world and a collaboration of the world around me. I’m still growing as an individual and as an a creative but leading forward in my photography journey I continue to aspire to create and capture a warm world of inclusivity, individuality and vivid storytelling .
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
A major key to growing in the field that you specialize in is building community and surrounding yourself with genuine support and creative guidance. As a somewhat introvert, networking has been quite the obstacle that I’ve had to overcome. I started attending local networking events and was able to connect with other incredible artists and creatives in the area. It really just starts by putting yourself out there and embracing who you are and what you do. There are people that want to see you prosper and when you’re surrounded by nurturing collaborative energy so much good art can be created. Energy flows into all the things we do and I put so much emphasis on trying to build environments where everyone feels creatively seen and heard. I believe that intentionally flows into the art that i’ve released to the world so far.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shayfotos.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shay.fotos
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shayfotos
