We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shameka McBoat. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shameka below.

Shameka, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

Running your own business can be stressful and challenging at times, but then I remember my happiness and the personal gratification I get from being a business owner, and more importantly, I remember the impact and difference I can make in my community and the community-at-large by being a 100% Black, Female Owned Business.

So ultimately…I never wish to go back or even truly entertain the idea of returning to a traditional job.

I love having my own company, leading a team of industry specialists, photographing all over the world, and specializing in high-end Wedding, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Corporate, Portrait, & Event Photography.

Although it wasn’t my original direction in life, I decided to pursue an artistic career because transforming life into art through photography became my passion. And I also love connecting with clients, getting to know them and building lasting relationships with them so they always know that they not only have a photography resource, but a friend.

I want to share a story about a client who is now a friend of mine. I have had some clients who have been apprehensive about getting their photographs taken and who say they never like their images, but one of my favorite clients who shall remain nameless (let’s call her Jane) really found out how much she loves getting her picture taken. She loved the process so much that she added an additional hour mid photo shoot because she realized how breathtakingly beautiful she was in the photographs, and it helps that she was having an extremely enjoyable time too!

I think Jane benefited from our Pre-Session Photography Consultation where I got to know more about her, how she wanted to use the photos, what made her feel beautiful and anything that made her feel uncomfortable when she looked at her photographs so we could put her at ease during her photography session with McBoat Photography.

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 background and context?

McBoat Photography is a Denver-Based Luxury Wedding, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Corporate, Portrait and Event Photography company. We photograph unique individuals, couples, families, and corporate clients worldwide in destinations ranging from our lovely Colorado Mountains to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

I am a business owner because I truly love what I do! I love memorializing my client’s special, life changing events so they can enjoy the memories for years to come, and I love the freedom and independence that being a business owner brings.

Our luxury brand focuses on the Client. After we get to know each Client, their story, their brand, how they intend to use their photographs and more details about their special event or occasion, we then craft a custom photography package and experience unique to their needs. Our Clients are guided through a stress-free process that ultimately enhances not only their experience, but also helps to produce an artistic and creative final product that is absolutely breathtaking.

We are an Award-Winning Photography Company. We have received many awards throughout the years, but we are most excited about CorporateLiveWire’s recent announcement that we were awarded the 2022/2023 Wedding Photographer of the Year Award!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Yes, I have had to unlearn lessons throughout the years, but the most important lesson I have learned was that it is okay to have a work life balance.

My personal and work life balance has evolved and improved over the years. In the early stages of my business, I focused largely on the creative aspect of my business, but I took important steps to ensure my company operates with more agility and efficiency. As a result, after many years of personal and professional growth, and with the love and support of God and my family, I now focus on having a balanced life. I know the importance of setting aside time to invest in my personal well-being as well as spending time with my family and friends.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My clients and vendor referral partners are the ones who have helped build my reputation and brand. They are excellent referral resources who frequently promote my photography services and products to other potential clients in need of photography. My connection to and friendship with many talented vendors and exclusive venues has also helped market and promote my brand, and they are also excellent referral resources that I share with my clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mcboatphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcboatphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcboatphoto
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcboatphoto

Image Credits
McBoat Photography