Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannel Gray.
Hi Shannel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
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.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being an entrepreneur in the world today along is not easy. Being a photographer today is especially a bit harder. With the consistent advancement of technology, it forces you to keep up with the times today and everything that is going on. AI has evolved as well and of course people are discovering how to edit and reform their own photos without paying for a session. Some photographers were upset and also disturbed by such a movement, but like all things it is temporary. Nothing will take the place of getting made up and wearing an amazing outfit and standing in a studio taking photos and feeling truly in the moment. But I have evolved in my sessions with exploring new ways of shooting photos and also just expanding my vision. It can be a struggle but as a visionary I have learned that not every moment is for me to change for. Some things I like to be original. You must have a level of comfort within your vision to remain strong and consistent in the market today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have been a professional photographer for over 15yrs. What I felt started to feel like a hobby ended up being my testimony and part of a creative path for my life. I tell people often that my photography is my alter-ego. It’s the side of me that I express through my lens as well as editing that allows me to be free to see different and create something more than what the client may even expect. I don’t consider myself the average photographer. I also do not wish to be placed in a box. I rather do things to be set apart from the norm. My gift of this came strictly from God. No one else I can give credit for. I have learned most of this journey on my own with a few friends and my family to support and keep me going.
Outside of photography, I am in the hospitality industry with hotel management and sales. I absolutely love that and what I do with my path of learning sales and the constant changing industry.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was that kid that questioned everything and wanted to see and hear it all! I am the youngest of 3 girls to my parents and because of that I felt different. I knew that my dad wanted a boy and I was that child that placed no limit on what I did. I was a tomboy for him when needed and had to place that to the side to be that little princess for my mom when needed. I never allowed anything or anyone to place a boundary over my head. I stayed focused on my goals and getting to know God for myself. I never meet a stranger. I have a bubbly personality that loves to help and love on others. I love my career path with hospitality and learning the sales industry with that. I love my freedom of creativity in photography. I am yet a butterfly and like a flower..finding my way, blooming and growing all at the same time.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: shae4photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shaegrayphotography.com
Image Credits
Prom dress photos by Chad Osorio with Creating memories by Chad Osorio
