We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shannel Gray a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shannel, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
It all started one day when I was reviewing the newspaper for a small second job. I saw an opening for an assistant at a photography studio with a prestigious photographer in the Russellville, AR area where I lived. I interviewed and got the job. Steve, the photographer and I became close. We talked and conversed every day. He taught me several things about photography. In return, I spoke to Steve a lot about my life, lifestyle and my walk with God. It was interesting to him to learn more about. I began to notice the clientele he had and gained a great relationship with some.
Steve saw my passion for the capturing of the moments of people’s lives. One day, he asked me why didn’t I pursue my “eye” in photography? I told him I never really thought about a business part of it but more like a hobby. Well one day, I closed up shop and headed downtown. It weighed heavily on my heart about my vision for others and how to bring what others see of themselves to life but in a different light. It was a rainy Thursday evening. I pulled up to Staples and sat in the parking lot. I asked God if He would help me bring to life my ministry and my vision, I would dedicate my business to him. I entered the store. I went to the camera section where I met nice sales guy. He helped me and asked what I was looking for. I told him my thoughts and he then walked me to a certain line of cameras. Then he walked me over to the programs I would need to edit. I priced everything in my head as we walked. I became discouraged. I knew I didn’t have enough in the bank. I told the man thank you with my head hung low and went to sit in my car. Again I closed my eyes and asked God again for favor and that I would dedicate my photography to Him, I needed a miracle.
A lifting came to my spirit. I got out of my car again and entered the store. There the sales guy stood smiling and stated I knew you would come back. He placed in my hands, a Canon Powershot camera. I stated, oh my gosh!! Thank you but I need more. He looked and said, ma’am, you have all that you need. Congratulations! I went to the checkout counter and saw that the total amount came to $199.00. I had $200 even in my bank account. I paid for the camera and went to my car smiling. After sitting there, I began to wonder how would I edit. I looked at the camera box and turned it around. There on the back it stated, included for free Photoshop Elements full program. I cried myself happy; God truly answered my prayers! I went to work the following day and that was when Steve notified me that he was going to be slowing down in business and would not need me anymore. I smiled because I knew that all that happened was in God’s timing. He was yet preparing me for the greater reward on the other side. I hugged Steve and we kept in contact until I later moved. Steve’s resilience and wise words still reside in my heart until this day.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I built ShaeGray photography on $200 and a prayer to God. I wanted to make a difference in my community and to also be able to reach people with a beautiful message about how we see us but also how HE sees us. I love to capture moments of people, families, children, teens, weddings, and more. I love to see people happy and just living in the moment. I love to see their faces and how they thought the photo would turn out but the actual finished product that they end up with. The journey started out hard and relentless on emotions, but I kept my faith in God and prayed often and made sure that I never gave up on myself. I pushed myself to see the bigger picture in the end. Nothing that you build for yourself is easy. There are ups and downs and sometimes more downs that ups, but you have to believe hard in your purpose and reason for doing what you are set out to do. In the end, God is yet faithful and will give you people to come in your path to help you and remind you of that destiny that you have been called to do. I can truly say, my clients have reminded me every time of my reason and why I am doing what I aim to do often.
ShaeGray photography is my business. My name “Shae” came from my godmother naming me Shae because she used to say I was sassy. Shae is like my alter ego to me. The creative woman and eye. I have been in photography now for 11 years. I specialize in families, seniors, engagements, bridals, maternity, and small weddings. I am proud of every part of this because it’s not just a business, it’s a ministry for me. I give back to people. I give them what they want most, their memories, their moments that stood still in life and they chose me to capture that moment. I am not your typical photographer. I minister to young people through my photography, I create a moment that maybe the family may not all feel so much together but after my presence, they are all smiles in forgiveness, love, and freedom. I want to be as the scripture states, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16. I want to bring hope and love back to people through their sessions and rejoice in the moment.
The one thing that I want people to remember about me is that I did it. I went against all odds, and I showed up regardless of what people said, thought, and did toward me. I never took no for answer but turned all negative situations to a positive effect for myself, my family, and my community. I want them to also understand that nothing is possible without putting God as first. Know that all success in life does not come without putting him first and praying always and holding strong for the answer. It was a lot of times for my clients, I was clueless on some things to do or to how I was going to deliver for them, but I turned it all around and didn’t back down from the challenge at hand. I pray for all my clients, and I asked God to show me the vision to deliver for them. I never meet a stranger but to all they are but family to me. ShaeGray photography is about giving back and showing the way that impossible is possible because of the God I serve!
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I think the key factors in building my reputation in the market is being honest and real with people. People know they they have money to spend and want to spend it wisely. This key factor is that where will they spend that money and with who? When a potential client comes to me about their vision and what they want to do, I listen before offering any advice. I want to make sure I have a clear understanding of what they are wanting to create. As they speak, I am honest with myself and think about what they want and ask myself, can I actually do the work that they are asking for? Many settle and sell a client a dream that they know they can’t handle but because they don’t wish to give up money, they won’t be honest and instead sell the client a lie. I happily pass along business to others when I know I do not have the setup they may want or need. When you approach a client with great intentions to meet their needs, then you gain an honest relationship and therefore it is easily reciprocated.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My goal in photography and event planning is to meet the needs of people and to create a true reality of the vision that they want as a memory for their family. My mission is for people to cherish more of the moments in time that needs to be captured together with each other. We do not take enough time to see the need of being together and taking photos or celebrating great moments in life together. It’s time to be reminded of that and it’s an honor for me to be chosen to capture such moments for them. People have so many options and opportunities to choose other people but yet they choose me. In return, I show my gratitude in going the extra mile to create a better photo or giving a greater opportunity to them. Sometimes I gift my clients. Sometimes I gift them with a level of friendship.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shaegrayphotography.com
- Instagram: shae4photography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ShaeGrayphotography
- Twitter: shae4gray
Image Credits
My headshot by: Callynth photography
ShaeGray Photography
Props and location by: Enchanted Embellish Decor