Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Holly Shankland. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Holly, appreciate you joining us today. We believe kindness is contagious and so we’d love for you to share with us and our audience about the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

Covid was a pretty rough time for us wedding photographers. For me, I lost an entire year’s worth of work. It was interesting navigating with my couples. How would we move forward. Reschedule? Refund?

This time has to be extremely challenging as a newly engaged couple with so much invested in their future wedding day.

I remember specially two different couples being so kind to me it really touched my heart.

One of my couples sent multiple cases of hard kombucha to my door step! Another couple sent me $200 and just said “we realize this is probably a hard time for you”

It honestly just felt so amazing for my clients to truly and see and understand what it may be like for a wedding photographer in a time of complete shutdown.

While many were thinking of how to protect themselves, these couples were thinking of how to help.

It was an extremely humbling year to go from everything to nothing. These small acts really kept me going and made me smile.

They reminded me of why I love the work I am in. Not just taking photos but forming truly caring relationships.

Being a wedding photographer can be a very emotionally charged job. You’re so invested in their planning process, their ideas, dreams and wishes.

I have formed so many lasting friendships with my wedding clients and I never forget the thank you notes, gifts, the shout outs during speeches. Just feeling appreciated. It means SO much.

Holly, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello. I am an adventure based wedding photographer in Lake Tahoe Ca. I pride myself in making meaning connections with my clients and creating natural, fun and free photos. My goal is to hold a safe space for people to be themselves and express raw emotion. To me, these are the photos that make us feel something. We remember that moment in time with a simple image.

I would say I am most proud of my scenic photos with couples. After lots of years of exploration…. Endless sunrises and sunsets. I have learned how and where the light touches my favorites places. How to make people pop in a dramatic landscape. I am personally most inspired by the mountains and the ocean and the natural backdrops. I love blending a couple in love with the places that inspire them most.

These to me are the photos that you would want to print and hang on your wall.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I have gone through many transitions with my business. This will actual be my 16th year in wedding photography! Holy moly.

There were times of massive growth where I tried to build a team. Take on photo and video. Have multiple team members on multiple projects.

I realized I became more of a manager than a creative. I was so much in my analytical brain that I was losing my creativity.

I had to shift from this desire to grow grow grow . Instead of fulfilling the demand, I just needed to get really clear on my ideal clients.

Instead of having multiple weddings going on, I decided to raise my prices and just take less. I got really clear on the work I wanted to do. Saying “yes” to anything meant I was really excited about it.

I got back into my flow as a creative and havnt really looked back since. My business at the end of the day is really just, me.

Growth isn’t always good or right. Sometimes staying true to your offerings and staying consistent is best for your brand.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I don’t have a huge social media account but my rule has always been… just be you. In being your true authentic self you will attract customers that align with the true you.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hollyshankland.com
• Instagram: @hollyshankland

Image Credits
Holly Shankland Photography