Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Mahedy
Shannon, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a shy and observant child with a creative spirit, photography came naturally to me. I received my first camera when I was 11– a v-cam now. I took the camera on my family’s trip to Puerto Rico, and I became the trip photographer. From that point on, I was the official photographer for all family trips. My mom is a flight attendant, so I was able to fly for free growing up. I’ve traveled to 25 countries, and on each trip, I’ve taken hundreds of photos. As I continued to document trips, I gradually received nicer cameras as Christmas or birthday gifts. Through trial and error, I taught myself about composition, lighting, and what makes for an engaging photo.
I became more serious about portrait photography while attending Macalester College. I took a photography class in college that allowed me to learn more about the technical side of photography.
While in college, I volunteered with a club called Camp Camera that taught high school girls about photography. I also started getting really into portrait photography. I planned elaborate photoshoots with my friends, and I figured out the elements of a successful photoshoot. I also took over a “style file” column in my school newspaper. I interviewed students with interesting style on campus, and I wrote bi-weekly profiles on them. I also photographed them in their favorite outfits.
My “style file era” was when I really discovered my true love of portrait photography. I love observing people, preserving sweet moments in time, and making people feel like their best selves, so portrait photography started to feel like second nature. I got positive feedback on my photos, so I decided to start an Instagram to catalogue the portraits I took.
After college, people started following my account and reaching out to me to take photos of them. For a while, it continued to be a fulfilling way to express myself creatively.
However, as I continued to hone my skills and upgrade my equipment, it felt like the right time to start charging a fee for my services. It’s still difficult for me to monetize my art, but I see it as a way of honoring my time and skills. I am open to “creative exchanges” with other artists, as well as reduced fee services for lower income folks.
I want authentic and beautiful portraits to be available to everyone. As a queer woman, I have a special place in my heart for the queer community, and I love capturing gender and sexuality-affirming photos for queer folks.
I believe that each person has the capacity to shine in a photo, and that they just need the right atmosphere to make it happen.
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?
Is it ever a smooth road? I’ve definitely had my share of challenges along the way. Confidence in my skills, and what I have to offer, is my biggest challenge. I struggle with imposter syndrome, and I often feel like what I’m offering isn’t worth spending money on. I’m hard on myself, and I sometimes find myself undercharging for my services.
I’ve been working on owning my gifts and not feeling timid about asking for what I deserve. I recently photographed a friend and her colleagues, and when I sent them a quote, she responded by respectfully suggesting I charge more. She affirmed my talent and offered a higher price. It meant the world to me, and moments like that remind me that other people see my art as valuable and that my time, and years of practice, are worth something.
As I enter the next phase of growing my business, I hope to continue to grow in confidence. I am grateful to my community for believing in me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My full-time jobs is in nonprofit communications, but I’m a part-time portrait photographer. I do a bit of everything – weddings/engagement/couples, nonprofit events, headshots, creative shoots, and boudoir. I’m known for capturing people as their authentic selves and for creating a safe and non-judgmental creative experience. People describe my photos as joyous, engaging, and colorful. I love capturing belly laughs in front of colorful backgrounds, like flower gardens and city murals. I love capturing natural moments between couples. I love capturing people feeling confident and sexy in their own skin.
Overall, I want my clients to look at a photo of themselves and smile. I want their loved ones to tell me that I captured that person’s true essence.
I feel most fulfilled when someone tells me I made professional headshots feel fun and breezy, or when someone who is self conscious about their appearance tells me I helped them feel beautiful. I strive to bring out the best in others when I photograph them, and it’s such a meaningful experience for me.
What sets me apart is that I have a background in social work. Before working in nonprofit communications, I worked in survivor advocacy with victim/survivors of sexual and domestic violence. I’ve also worked with folks living with mental health disorders. I have extensive training creating a safe, consensual, healing, and empowering space for others. I check with my clients, ask about their needs and insecurities, and try my best to create an affirming and comfortable session.
A photoshoot is vulnerable and intimate, and I believe it’s crucial to meet your client where they’re at.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I’ve learned that photographing people is much more involved than people think. It’s not just about the technical aspects. It’s also about the dynamic between the photographer and subject. Does the subject feel safe and comfortable? Are they being supported? Is the photographing providing advice and feedback? Are they laughing together? Are they taking breaks? Is it fun? It’s so important to think about these things!
Also, I never tell people to pose in ways that don’t feel natural, or to wear clothes or makeup that doesn’t feel authentic. When you force things during photoshoots, the photos almost always look stiff and awkward.
Ask the people who they are and what they want and truly listen!
It feels radical to tailor your style to fit the person you’re photographing, instead of having the subject change to fit your preferences. It can be healing to let someone show up as their whole self.
Pricing:
- $75/hour for a creative shoot
- $100/hr for headshots
- $100/hr for weddings and engagement shoots
- $300/session for professional group photos
- $75/hour for event photos
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shannonmahedy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonmahedyportraits?igsh=aWYxNmdtM3Y0NHY1&utm_source=qr
