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

Holly, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

I want to leave behind something that my nieces and nephews can share with their own families long after I’m gone and share stories about their cool or crazy aunt (I’m fine with either really) who created all these amazing things. Something my friends can look back at and share a fond memory of with the important people in their lives. Something that 50 years from now, people can look at have it evoke some sort of emotion. Photography is an amazing thing, in that it captures one singular moment that’s now forever frozen in time and each one has it’s own story. Stories are the most important thing that connect everyone and I hope to be able to leave behind an incredible one.

Holly, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello! I’m Holly and I am a photographer in Phoenix, AZ who specializes in creative portraiture. I was always a bit of a shutterbug since childhood, but I began my journey as a photographer in 2006 and have since been fortunate to have shown in several galleries, won several awards and be internationally published. I’m most well known for my photography series Sticks and Stones, which is a series that focuses on the effect negative words can have on us and taking the power back from them. One thing I absolutely strive for is a safe, open and inclusive creative space for any client I take on. I know far too many people who have been put in uncomfortable or unsafe positions by individuals claiming to be a professional photographer. I am a fierce advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and reproductive rights. I aim to provide that space where people can feel safe and comfortable expressing themselves. It is my job as a photographer to make sure they can do that. Photo shoots should be fun and in some cases cathartic.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Before making the transition into photography full time, I was working in a call center for a cable, internet and phone provider, which was great in many ways. It helped in building problem solving, sales, general customer service etc. I worked with an amazing group of people, many of whom I am still very close with more than 10 years later. They were some of the first people to hype me up and drive me towards my current path. I started simple from hobby photographer, to side hustle doing weddings and baby photos and then gradually transitioning into full time photographer. Being a photographer has it’s own unique set of challenges. Every month you essentially start from zero and have to build from the ground up to meet the goal for that month. You have to have a lot of determination, to the point of borderline stubbornness and refusal to accept defeat. Moving from Missouri to Phoenix, AZ in 2011 ended up being one of the scariest, but best decisions I’ve ever made both personally and professionally. Since then I’ve been able to gradually build up a loyal clientele and grow as a photographer. My greatest milestone as a photographer by far has to be the Sticks and Stones series. I think it’s something the resonates with most of us and proved to be something cathartic for many of the participants. In September of 2021 I was blessed enough to have an exhibit with some of pieces from the series at the historic Alwun House in downtown Phoenix with an opening night that brought in more than 200 people and some of the most talented performers in Arizona. It was something that touched a lot of people and something I am very proud to have accomplished in my career.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Showing people in a way they’ve never seen themselves before and seeing their reactions. Most of my clients are just normal people who aren’t used to being in front of a camera. A teacher can be a beautiful modern painting. A customer service rep can be some dark ethereal creature. A mother can be a goddess. The possibilities are endless and I love exploring every single one of them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://duckyoverlord.wixsite.com/negativeedge
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollymasquerage/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenegativeedge

Image Credits
Models Alissa Zoe Burgan Freddy Prinze Charming Fiona Morgan Renee Tollon Jacqueline Hyde Sarah Slaykitty Annie Agile Clitoria Wilde Antoni Weeden Laura Craig Kelsey Leigh