We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sha’ Springfield a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Sha’ thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

The idea for my photography business didn’t appear in one single moment — it grew with me. I’ve always been someone who pays attention to the small details: the way someone’s eyes soften when they look at their partner, the quiet confidence in a maternity glow, the intimacy of a moment that can’t be recreated. For years, I took pictures simply because it felt natural to me. But I hadn’t yet realized it could become a business.

The turning point came during college. I started photographing strangers for school projects, experimenting with different genres, with commercial and fine art photography being my main focus. Those assignments pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me understand how storytelling and emotion could live inside a single frame.

Little by little, people in Savannah, Georgia — couples, tourists, and even locals just passing by — started to notice me working. They would stop, ask questions, compliment my style, and before long, they began wanting to book me for their engagements and even weddings.
That’s when it clicked: this wasn’t just something I was good at — this was something people were actively seeking from me.

From there, the idea evolved into something deeper. I realized I wasn’t just taking photos; I was capturing connection, vulnerability, laughter, anticipation, and love. I was creating experiences where people could see themselves in a new, elevated, almost magical way. That’s when the vision for a fantasy-luxury photography brand took shape — a space where clients feel understood, celebrated, and safe to be their most authentic selves.

I knew it was a worthwhile endeavor because the demand grew naturally. Clients weren’t just booking photos; they were booking the feeling I created. They were referring others, and trusting me with some of the biggest moments of their lives. My soft-spoken nature, attention to detail, and ability to make people feel comfortable became the foundation of my work — and my edge.

And then one night at work, the name Interlocked by Sha’ just popped into my mind. It felt right instantly. The word “interlocked” represents everything my photography stands for:
love, intimacy, connection — within oneself, with a partner, and within a family.
All locked in. All intertwined.

That became the heart of my brand and the tagline that defines it:
Family. Love. Intimacy.
Together, those words reflect why Interlocked by Sha’ exists and what every client can expect when they step in front of my lens.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Sha’, and I am the owner and creative director of Interlocked by Sha’, a fantasy-luxury photography brand built on connection, storytelling, and intentional artistry. I specialize in maternity, elopement, and intimate portraiture, creating experiences that help people feel seen, empowered, and celebrated in their most authentic form.

My journey started when I was a kid, long before I ever imagined running a business. My grandparents always had instant film cameras and the old Kodak cameras you’d take to get developed. I was intrigued with the process — watching images slowly appear, waiting for the prints to return, and holding the negatives up to the light to see what we captured. Those early memories were my first introduction to storytelling through imagery.

Years later, in college, everything came full circle. I began photographing strangers for class projects, exploring genres with commercial and fine art photography, however, it was when I took my film photography courses, it felt like stepping back into childhood — loading film, developing it, and seeing images appear in the darkroom brought me right back to those moments with my grandparents’ cameras. It grounded me in why I had always been drawn to photography.

As I grew in my craft, so did my understanding of what I wanted to offer. I didn’t want to simply take pictures. I wanted to create experiences — ones where clients walk away feeling transformed, more confident, more connected to themselves and their story. That vision is what shaped Interlocked by Sha’ into what it is today.

I’ve grown Interlocked by Sha’ into a brand centered around emotional artistry. I offer:

Maternity — romantic, elegant, and honoring the beauty of new beginnings

Elopement & Couples — intimate storytelling that highlights real connection

Boudoir/Intimate Portraiture — empowering, soft, and magical imagery that honors vulnerability and self-love

Mini Sessions & Artistic Concepts — elevated, unique setups with intentional styling

I also offer physical products like albums, prints, and wall art, because I want clients to hold their memories in high-quality, timeless formats.

Many people feel nervous or unsure in front of the camera — they worry about angles, posing, or not being “photogenic.” I create a space where those fears dissolve. My soft-spoken nature, gentle direction, and intentional approach allow clients to relax and be themselves. The result is imagery that feels natural, connected, and emotionally honest.

I also bridge the gap between luxury photography and meaningful storytelling. My work is elegant, but still deeply personal.

What sets Interlocked by Sha’ apart is the blend of:
• Luxury without intimidation
• Fantasy with authenticity
• Softness with confidence
• Emotional depth with high-end execution

Clients often tell me they feel beautiful, celebrated, and seen — and that feeling always shows in the final images.

I’m most proud of the way my clients transform during their sessions. Whether it’s a first-time mom seeing her glow, a couple reconnecting through an intimate elopement session, or a woman stepping into her own softness during boudoir – those moments remind me why I do this.

I’m also proud of how far the brand has come. From late-night ideas to thoughtful sets, curated props, and a website rooted in fantasy and elegance – everything is intentional.

Interlocked by Sha’ is more than photography.
It’s a feeling.
A story.
A moment where everything slows down and your connection
– to yourself, your partner, or your family — becomes the focus.
Every session is created with heart. Every image is crafted with care. And every person who steps in front of my camera becomes part of the story l’m honored to help them tell.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice

As a trader, NFTs are something I’ve thought about but I haven’t taken the time to fully dive into or study them yet. I recognize that NFTs created a huge shift in the way artists and creators can distribute and monetize their work.

At the same time, I’m someone who likes to fully understand a space before stepping into it. When I invest or expand my creative business, I do it with intention.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Looking back, there are a few key resources I wish I had known about earlier — not just tools, but concepts and support systems that would’ve helped me grow faster and with more confidence.

First, mentors.
I wish I had understood the value of having creative mentors much earlier. A mentor doesn’t just teach technical skills — they teach mindset, strategy, and the realities of building a sustainable creative career. Having someone who has walked the path before you can save you from so many unnecessary mistakes. Even now, I see how powerful it is to have guidance, whether it’s a photographer I admire, a creative business coach, or someone who simply understands the industry.

Second, understanding your audience.
In the beginning, like many creatives, I shot everything. I didn’t fully understand who I was speaking to or what type of clients I wanted to attract. Once I learned the importance of defining my audience — their needs, their desires, their style, and the emotional experiences they look for — everything became clearer. Knowing your audience helps you strengthen your brand, niche down with confidence, and create work that resonates on a deeper level.

Lastly, learning how to set yourself apart.
When you first start, it’s easy to think the goal is simply to take good photos. But the real difference comes from what makes your work yours — your style, your voice, your process, and the environment you create for clients. I wish I had known earlier that leaning into what makes you different is a strength, not something to blend out. Your uniqueness is the resource.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/interlockedbysha

Image Credits

All images: Interlocked by Sha’