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

Sami, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

There is a lot of trial and error when it comes to photography, even more so when you find your niche. I definitely would not consider myself an expert when it comes to the technical sides of cameras or softwares, everything I know now is self taught. I use Canon because that was what was gifted to me when I was a teen, my first camera being a Canon T3i. When starting out, you don’t need the most expensive or newest equipment on the market. Joining a photography club in your local community, watching videos, and participating in photoshoots as a model and a photographer can really help in the learning process. Tools are only as good as the hands they are in. The key to creating is to find what inspires you, and keep doing it over and over. I get a lot of inspiration from painters and works of art that speak to me, artists such as John William Waterhouse and Albert Bierstadt. I love thinking of my work as a painting, using props, costuming, and the background to create a composition that tells a story. Having a niche limits your opportunities to build your business, but the clients that resonate with you and your work will find you. It can be discouraging, but creating is worth it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Sami, and I’m a Fantasy & Cosplay photographer from Springfield, Missouri. I’d say my family had a large part in this journey. During the summers, I’d visit my family on their farm, where I would constantly borrow my step mom’s camera to capture everything that I saw outside. I know those photos are out there somewhere, and maybe someday I will find them. For my 16th birthday, I was gifted the Canon T3i, my very own camera, and I took it with me everywhere. On the other side, my mom taught me that you could find magic in everyday life. From as far back I could remember, she had me believing that there were hidden fairies in the dandelions. As I got older, I continued to explore my love for fantasy. I read and watched Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit, became obsessed with Ghibli films, played games like Legends of Zelda, and a few years ago I discovered my local renaissance fair. I rediscovered my love for reading when I found romantasy novels. I didn’t realize fantasy photography even existed until I found photographers in already thriving in that niche, and from there I knew I had to dive in headfirst. Everyone at some point has dreamed of being the main character in their own epic adventure, that is my goal during the process of creating. Through my craft, I aim to bring the magic into our own reality, to not only dream of these fantasy worlds, but to capture them. I work with my clients during every step of the process, from finding a location, assisting with costume inspiration, and loaning out props. We work together to find their vision and capture it, whether it is cosplaying a character dear to their hearts, or creating one of their own epic tales.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I don’t believe there is a single photoshoot where I haven’t had a blast, I have really connected with every client. I can confidently say that I have had so much fun every single step of my journey. From scouting out incredible locations, building my prop closet, finding my editing style, and learning and teaching how to pose (with or without a sword), there is nothing about fantasy photography that is dull. What tops it all, is when the album is complete, and I get to send it out to clients. It’s the best adrenaline rush waiting for that first message of feedback. A single photograph can change how we perceive ourselves. Knowing I’ve had a part in making someone feel empowered, inspired, and/or beautiful is the ultimate reward.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I have lived many lives. As someone who bounces from hobby to hobby, I really struggled finding something that brought me joy and didn’t inevitably lead to boredom. I started as a graphic design major in college and suffered mentally for it. Thinking that a change in major would help, I switched to Biology, my focus being aquatic ecology so I could get a job as an Aquarist. I graduated with my Bachelors in Science, and worked as an intern with a local aquarium for nearly 3 years. But that career was going nowhere, the field was competitive, the pay was little, and the work was grueling. I was once again miserable. I remembered that I used to love art, so I tried to become a tattoo artist. I built my art portfolio once more, was accepted into an apprenticeship program, and eventually began tattooing on clients. Unfortunately, I found myself dreading every day, the thought of having to draw and create felt like a weight on my shoulders. I hadn’t touched my camera in years, and with nowhere left to turn, I picked up photography once more. I joined a local photography club, booked sessions for the sole purpose of creating and having fun, and joined a community of creatives that inspire me daily. I am no longer bored.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://samithefaephotographer.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: samithefae
• Facebook: Sami the Fae Photographer
• Other: TikTok: thecozyfae Threads: samithefae