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

Shannel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

It’s been quite an uphill journey transitioning from my career in dance to photography. I started photography at a young age, alongside dancing. I was the friend with the camera capturing any and all memories. My eye for photography was discovered by attending my mom’s college courses at the age of 7. My education in the visual arts was unconventional. I didn’t have formal photography training. Instead, I’d hunker down at Barnes & Noble in the corner of the room, immersing myself in photography books and magazines, deciphering the intricate language of visuals. It was a scrappy but rewarding way to nurture my budding passion.

I went to Boston Arts Academy, a performing arts high school, as a dance major constantly surrounded by artists. So whenever I could steal a moment, I’d indulge in impromptu photoshoots and blend dance and photography. In college, I continued to pursue my dream of being a professional dancer and studied at Rutgers University- Mason Gross School of the Arts. However, in my junior year of college, I studied abroad at Trinity Laban Conservatoire and jumped at the opportunity to do a photography internship at Studio 101 in London. It was a transformative experience that unfurled my talent and draped me in newfound confidence.

Returning home to the States, I stood at a crossroads. Should I invest more into my passion for photography or focus only on my dance career? I decided that I owed it to myself to at least take a photography course and re-learn the basics. Self-taught as I was, relearning within the confines of a classroom was akin to an artist starting with a blank canvas. The struggle was real, and I grappled with imposter syndrome and the sting of a bruised ego. Obstacles like understanding and manipulating light was a fundamental key I struggled with. However, my perspective and composition was like choreographing a dance within the frame.

New York City, my next destination, unveiled harsh but rewarding truths. Most photographers I encountered had degrees or a depth of knowledge that eclipsed my own. It was discouraging, and I questioned whether my “eye” was enough. In retrospect, there are a few things I could have done to speed up my learning process. I would have done more workshops and minored in Photography or Business Entrepreneurship in college. But that wasn’t my learning path, and I am 100 % okay with that. I found that life experiences were my learning process. I’ve discovered that we never stop learning and have to come into spaces with an open mind. I continue to invest in workshops and classes to hone my craft. Whenever I go to an event with more than one photographer, I observe and learn all that they do. I never stop learning.

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?

Well, I like to say I’m the HER in PhotograpHer, your personal photographer, and memory photo catcher! I recently relocated to Atlanta from New York City as a rehearsal director, choreographer, dancer, photo editor, photographer and now author of my new photography coloring book, Capture The Colors, available now on Amazon. SJR Photography emerged in 2013 as the culmination of my dual passions for performing arts and photography. Driven by a desire to expand horizons and challenge conventional thinking, I sought to ignite minds and inspire communities through my art. With a unique blend of creativity, professionalism, and an unwavering dedication to my craft, I have carved a niche for myself in the world of visual storytelling. At SJR Photography, I offer diverse photography styles including events, fashion, studio shoots, performances, and more. My dedication to excellence means I go the extra mile to ensure that every aspect of photographing your special moments is carefully attended to, ensuring an unforgettable experience for my clients. I understand the importance of quick turnaround times, providing you with high-resolution images that embody the essence of your moment.

Recognized for my eclectic style, my work has been described as daring, encompassing, and detailed. Every frame I shoot is a labor of love, meticulously composed to bring out the captivating narratives that may otherwise go unnoticed. Every click of my camera is an opportunity to capture the beauty I see in people, places, and objects, transforming them into timeless works of art. Guiding my clients through their vision is my utmost pleasure, creating experiences that stay with them long after the shutter clicks.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

Photography was the definition of my side hustle throughout my college career. I remember calling my mom to say I’m going to start charging artists from my school $50 for headshots. This endeavor was born out of necessity, as being a dancer meant I needed financial stability. I firmly believed in pursuing activities that brought me joy and aligned with my passions, even if it meant juggling multiple roles. Little did I know that this idea would serve as the catalyst for an unforeseen career trajectory.

Moving to New York City after graduation, I saw photography as a means to continue supporting my life in dance. While navigating the hustle and bustle of the city, I juggled odd jobs, bartending, dancing in a company, and two photography internships. One significant factor that contributed to my side hustle evolving into a full-time career was the network of connections I cultivated. Prior to my move to NYC, I embarked on cold-calling and emailing everyone in my network. As luck would have it, it took just one email to change the course of my life. That email was sent from my dance professor, Kim Gibilisco, who happened to be based in NYC. Kim introduced me to my mentor, Whitney Browne- a prominent portrait/ dance photographer, who, in turn, guided me to my other mentor, Christopher Duggan- a skilled wedding and dance photographer. Before I knew it I was photographing and being featured for notable projects like in New York City Center, Forbes, Bold Journey Magazine, The New York Times, Dance Magazine, PLAYBILL, Paris Couture Fashion Week, NYFW, Time Out NYC, Voyage ATL, The Jerusalem Post, PaperCity Magazine, The Medium, Horizon Theatre, Eryc Taylor Dance- Inside Patricia Field’s Closet, PBS- ALL ARTS, Japan Chacott, Peridance, Earl Mosely Institute of the Arts, Shoutout ATL, and more.

In addition to conventional networking, I also explored unconventional avenues for connections. I scoured NYC listings for art gigs in dance/fashion/photography and even stumbled upon an odd opportunity on care.com, a platform for nannies and personal assistant jobs. It was actually through care.com that I crossed paths with another mentor of mine, Sterling McDavid, who serves on the UNICEF New York Board of Directors and is Founder & CEO of Sterling McDavid Design. This connection opened doors to the fashion world, an industry in which I had always aspired to work in. This is all to say that my key milestones underscores the importance of connections. Life, as I’ve learned, is full of unexpected encounters, and you never know who might influence your path.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Photography is an opportunity to give back to my community by archiving and capturing the essence of beauty around us. It’s about immortalizing those pivotal moments, crafting visual narratives that stand the test of time, and providing a window to the past that people can cherish.

If I were to pinpoint the most rewarding part of my day, it’s undoubtedly when I’m behind the camera, photographing portraits. There’s a magical moment when I reveal the image to my client, and their face lights up with newfound confidence. Hearing that heartfelt “Wow” is like music to my ears, an affirmation that I’ve succeeded in capturing their essence and unveiling of new truths within themselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sjrestophotography.wixsite.com/sjrphotographs
• Instagram: @s.j.rphoptography
• Facebook: SJR Photography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannel-resto-63aa6132/
• Other: Tik Tok: @s.j.rphotography Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Capture-Colors-Photography-Coloring-Book/dp/B0BKN5XRH4

Image Credits
Polaroid Portrait of me: Daniel Friday All other images were photographed by me: Shannel Resto (SJR Photography) Credit of models: Eryc Taylor Dance, Brooklyn Jumbies, Jean Paul Gaultier, Burnett New York, Capture the Colors Photography Coloring Book