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

Shalonda, appreciate you joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

I wanted something that would represent me and what better way to do that is to use my name. I want to be able to provide my services in such a way that my name would be said in rooms I am not in. When people say the name of my company, they are speaking about me … my brand … what I represent … my ideas … etc. I want my name to be synonymous with high quality, high service, and high expectations. What better way to have something you’ve created be a part of the world? Your name is special … unique to you … even if someone else spells their name the same way as you. My name is special to me, and my desire is for my company to reflect those same core values and ideas.

Shalonda, 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?

I often tell people I fell into photography lol. My journey in this creative world began on the highest of seven hills in Tallahassee, Florida at FAMU around 2003/2004. My journey through the world of photography and creativity has been one of learning, growing, successes, and failures. Even today as I think back on everything that has happened, I am still growing and still learning. I am most proud of the relationships I have built with my customers who have become friends and some like part of a family.

I was a photographer that touched many genres simultaneously. I’ve done many types from events (family and corporate), family/individual portraits, high school seniors, weddings, Quinceaneras, etc. My focus these days is mainly portrait photography. I also work with Cincinnati Style Report Magazine’s editor in chief, Taneica Oliveira from time to time.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One big lesson I learned is that everyone is not for me. Everyone is not my client/customer, and I can’t please everyone. I can do and give my best, but I had to learn that my style may not be what that particular client/customer is looking for and there is nothing I can do about that. I have been learning how to be ok with that and still smile and move forward in the face of rejection.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

One goal I have is to finish working on my project about black women and showcase it as an exhibit in a gallery somewhere.

Contact Info:

• Website: shillphoto.pixieset.com
• Instagram: @shillphoto
• Facebook: @shillphoto35

Image Credits
Photo of Shalonda Hill by Darell Bryant of DNK Photos. All other images shown by Shalonda Hill Photography.