Today we’d like to introduce you to Shiloe du Vall.
Shiloe, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Camera Shi got its witty name from my college roommate joking around in our one bedroom apartment after shooting my first engagement session. Little did I know where a Facebook page could take this business and how much JOY comes with meeting new faces, capturing the sweetest moments, and adventuring with strangers that become friends.
About one year ago I published a Facebook page called Camera Shi Photography. In part due to encouragement from my now fiance and another due to a clever roommate thinking of a witty name — I published it totally afraid. I was pumped about the possibility of making more images I’m proud of, but honestly mostly discouraged.
The idea of entering into a world that is so saturated with brilliant photographers, and expecting to be seen, felt almost embarrassing. As ridiculous as that sounds, through this past year, I’ve talked to SO many people that are afraid of the same things. Afraid of failure, afraid they won’t be good enough, afraid of what people might think.
I’ve learned if you’re excited about something to share it if you’re proud of something show people, and if the Big Man Upstairs gives you something that fills you up — pour yourself right back out. This past year has been filled with so much growth. Growth for my business, which has surpassed anything I could have hoped for, but mostly growth for myself.
I’ve learned that photography brings me a whole lot of joy, but making people feel valued and loved is so much more satisfying than delivering an album of photos. I’m excited to see where this business will continue to grow, and even more excited for the clients I get to meet along the way.
I’m incredibly thankful for the people I’ve met this past year. People I’m literally not cool enough to hang out with… Y’all know who you are. I pray you know how loved you are. You’re loved deeper, sweeter, and more than you’ll ever understand!! I hope this past year, clients and friends have been able to see a tiny glimpse of deeply rooted joy through Camera Shi Photography.
Thanks for the past year friends!! Excited for the next. <3
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Knowing the number of brilliant photographers in the DFW area alone was intimidating, to say the least! I waited so long to publish photos I was so proud of due to fear.
Please tell us about Camera Shi Photography.
My prayer is that through capturing moments others will see the deep-rooted overflowing joy and beautiful imperfections. I want to adventure, laugh, and be their favorite third-wheel! I care so much more about people than I do photos. I want people to feel loved, beautiful, and known by the end of our time together. If someone leaves feeling encouraged, beautiful, and gosh darn sexy than we did something right.
I think photographers can get so caught up in what others are doing that they forget why they loved photography in the first place. I try and choose a new location for every shoot so that there is a new zeal for the day that I haven’t had before!
I’ve left shoots hearing clients say they’ve never felt more beautiful, and others say they didn’t know a shoot could be so fun. That’s what’s special to me and that’s what drives what I do!!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Oh my, oh my. Believing I was worth more from the start. There were so much doubt and fear. I look back now and wish I had picked up my camera earlier and posted everything that I was proud of.
Pricing:
- Engagements start at $380
- Weddings start at $2600
- Portraits start at $360
Contact Info:
- Website: camerashiphotography.com
- Email: camerashiphoto@gmail.com
- Instagram: camera_shi
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photography.camerashi/
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
