We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shannon Hutchison a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Shannon, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

A meaningful project I’ve had the privilege of working on is the “Windows Into Our World” initiative. This project holds a special place in my heart due to its profound impact on students, their families, and the community as a whole.

Several years ago, in a local school in Calgary, I embarked on a transformative journey along with students, funded by a grant from EducationMatters. This grant empowered me to purchase cameras, laying the foundation for what would become the “Windows Into Our World” project.

The primary goal of the project was to empower students of diverse backgrounds to share their unique perspectives, experiences, and stories through the lens of a camera. Over 100 students eagerly took cameras home to capture moments that held personal significance to them. These photographs became a powerful medium for the students to articulate what was important in their lives, fostering a deeper understanding of their individual and collective narratives.

Throughout the project, we delved into the commonalities that bind us, the differences that enrich our lives, and the misconceptions that can sometimes cloud our perceptions. The process of sharing these stories went beyond the ordinary classroom interactions. Students opened up in ways I had not witnessed before, sharing aspects of their lives and cultural backgrounds that created a tapestry of diversity within our school community.

As the project unfolded, each student selected a photo that resonated with them, and these images were printed onto foam core. The culmination of the project was a visually striking display within the school, where each printed photo was a brick. We constructed a replica of our school inside the school itself, adorned with explanations in various languages and welcoming messages associated with each photograph.

The impact was profound. The project not only enriched the educational experience for the students but also brought their families into the fold, creating a sense of unity and connection within the broader community. The display became a testament to the power of storytelling and visual representation in fostering understanding, breaking down barriers, and building bridges between individuals from diverse backgrounds.

“Windows Into Our World” stands as a testament to the transformative potential of education and visual storytelling in creating connected communities. This experience has fueled my commitment to Beyond Our Image’s mission of using speaking and visual campaigns to drive social change and foster a sense of shared humanity.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Shannon Hutchison (she/her), and I wear many hats — educator, photographer, and speaker. With over a decade of experience as a professional photographer and teaching, my journey has always been centered around the art of storytelling. However, it became apparent to me that there was something more significant I wanted to achieve — connecting people on a deeper level.

**Professional Background:**
During my time working at a school with many new immigrant families, I found myself grappling with my own personal journey of coming out to family and friends. The fear of not being perceived as a whole person if I revealed this aspect of myself weighed heavily on me. Simultaneously, I was witnessing the struggles of the families I worked with, who often felt unseen and faced stereotypes. Although many of us face different struggles, the wanting to be fully seen seems to stay consistent.

**Formation of Beyond Our Image:**
This intersection of personal and professional experiences became the catalyst for the creation of Beyond Our Image. Through speaking engagements and visual storytelling campaigns, my goal is to build connected communities and workplaces. The essence of Beyond Our Image lies in creating awareness about biases, allowing individuals to move past them without judgment. The power of storytelling serves as a bridge for people to connect authentically, fostering a sense of belonging and strength.

**Key Campaign: Swipe Your Stereotype:**
One impactful campaign within Beyond Our Image is “Swipe Your Stereotype.” This initiative challenges individuals to read about someone first, visualize them, and then swipe to reveal whether their assumptions align with reality. It’s a powerful tool for uncovering biases in a non-judgmental way, promoting self-awareness without shame.

**Pride in Progress and Connection:**
What I’m most proud of is the progress that emerges when people are given a platform to lead with openness and authenticity. Beyond Our Image stands out in its approach — creativity, compassion, understanding, and an open invitation into the conversation define the work. The visual element adds a unique dimension, impacting individuals in a way that goes beyond words.

**Differentiator: Compassion and Understanding:**
Beyond Our Image distinguishes itself by the infusion of compassion and understanding into every aspect of our work. We invite people to engage in conversations that transcend judgment, creating spaces where genuine connections can flourish. The visual storytelling aspect adds a profound layer, eliciting emotions and perspectives that words alone may not convey.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, I’ve come to realize that the true value lies not in the numbers but in the quality of connections. While it may seem paradoxical, my journey involved stepping back from the relentless pursuit of higher follower counts and shifting the focus to genuine engagement.

1. Quality Over Quantity:
Rather than chasing after sheer numbers, I started valuing the depth of interactions. Focusing on meaningful engagements and comments became more rewarding than simply accumulating likes. This change in perspective allowed me to build a community that genuinely resonated with my message and mission.

2. Authentic Interactions:
I began viewing social media as a real space for interaction and connection. Instead of a one-sided broadcasting platform, it became a dynamic environment to engage with others. I embraced the fact that social media is a two-way street; just as I wouldn’t expect a room to listen to me exclusively, I reciprocated by actively engaging with other platforms, fostering a sense of community.

3. Learning and Growth:
Recognizing social media as a space for learning proved transformative. I approached it not just as a showcase for my work but as a platform to absorb knowledge, insights, and diverse perspectives. By participating in conversations and staying open to different viewpoints, I discovered a wealth of information that contributed to both personal and professional growth.

4. Real Connections and Opportunities:
The shift in mindset helped a lot. Genuine interactions on social media translated into online interviews, job opportunities, and solid connections. Building a community based on authenticity and mutual respect created a foundation for meaningful collaborations and partnerships.

The journey taught me that success on social media isn’t solely measured by numbers but by the depth of connections forged. It’s about creating a space for authentic interactions, learning, and reciprocal engagement. By embracing this approach, social media transformed from a numbers game into a powerful tool for building a community that goes beyond mere statistics.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist lies in the limitless potential to introduce new elements into the world, forging connections with people in unexpected ways and leaving a lasting impact. It is the joy of living in a realm of boundless creativity and play, where every project becomes an exploration of imagination and innovation. The satisfaction comes not only from the act of creation but from the realization that art has the power to resonate with others, eliciting emotions, sparking introspection, and fostering a shared sense of humanity. Additionally, being an artist allows for a continuous journey of self-expression, providing a platform to explore and communicate one’s thoughts, emotions, and perspectives in unique and evolving ways. In essence, the most fulfilling part is the dynamic interplay between personal exploration, connecting with others, and contributing something meaningful to the ever-expanding tapestry of human experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.beyondourimage.com
• Instagram: beyondourimage
• Facebook: beyondourimage
• Linkedin: Beyond Our Image

Image Credits
My photos Shannon Hutchison Photography