We were lucky to catch up with Shannon Tomasik recently and have shared our conversation below.
Shannon, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
My parents have always been my biggest supporters, encouraging my sister and me to believe that we could achieve anything we set our minds to. That belief became the foundation for my confidence to pursue a self-employed career—it always felt like the natural path for me because of the way they raised us.
From an early age, my parents noticed my eye for art and did everything they could to foster that creativity. Whether it was proudly displaying my drawings on the fridge or getting excited about the magazines I made with my sister and cousins, they always made me feel like my art mattered. Unlike so many artists who are told to “get a real job,” I grew up in an environment where art was celebrated and seen as a meaningful career path. That encouragement gave me the confidence to dream big and believe that I could pursue art professionally.
When I first started photography professionally, my dad didn’t hesitate for a moment. He immediately helped me set up my website and create business cards, cheering me on every step of the way. I’ll never forget how he sat beside me at the computer, working late into the night to make sure everything was set up perfectly. His unwavering belief in me and his hands-on support gave my business the strong start it needed.
That kind of encouragement wasn’t just practical—it was deeply inspiring. It taught me the value of showing up for others and believing in their dreams as much as your own. I carry that lesson into my work and my life every day. I truly can’t thank my parents enough for being my foundation and my guiding light.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
For anyone who hasn’t read about me before, photography has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. As soon as I could hold a camera, I was organizing photoshoots with my sister and cousins. We’d even create magazines from the images to share with our family—sometimes braving winter chills without jackets just to get the perfect shot! That early passion only grew stronger over the years.
When I was around 13, my dad gifted me a DSLR, and I started going on walks, photographing anything that inspired me. By high school, I’d upgraded my camera and began taking senior and family portraits for friends and relatives. During my senior year, someone asked if I could shoot their wedding. I hesitated but said yes—and after that first wedding, I was hooked. Weddings became my passion, and I officially launched my photography business (with a push and help from my sister, Sasha) soon after.
Fast forward to 2024, and my work has evolved into something new and exciting: dance photography. For years, I’d been doing dance shoots with my nieces and their friends. One day Sasha suggested I offer this service to other dancers. She offered to help with the business side and posing, and I knew this collaboration would work seamlessly—we’ve always made a great team.
While we’re still in the early stages, the journey has been so rewarding. Dance photography feels like a breath of fresh air for me. It combines my love for capturing artistry with my background in competitive dance. I aim to highlight the strength and grace of each dancer while building their confidence through the process.
What sets us apart is our artistic approach and our unique backgrounds. Sasha and I both grew up dancing competitively, so we understand the nuances of movement, technique, and pose correction. We also bring a fun and lighthearted energy to every shoot, which helps dancers relax and truly enjoy the experience. This combination of expertise and playfulness ensures the dancers leave not just with beautiful photos, but also with a sense of confidence and joy.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My goal is to make dancers feel strong, confident, and deeply connected to their passion. Through our group shoots, we create an experience that’s not only about capturing stunning images but also about building a supportive community. With a maximum of five dancers per session, each individual gets dedicated time in front of the camera. This allows Sasha and me to provide personalized guidance and praise while the other dancers cheer them on.
That uplifting energy transforms the experience—confidence grows, camaraderie builds, and it all shines through in the final images. My mission is for every dancer to leave feeling proud of themselves, knowing their artistry and strength have been beautifully captured. These photos are more than just pictures; they’re a tangible celebration of this incredible phase in their lives.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding part of being an artist is helping to foster confidence in my subjects. There’s nothing quite like seeing a dancer start their first photos hesitantly, unsure of themselves, and by the end of the shoot, they’re glowing with ideas and inspiration. That transformation is the heart of what I do.
In my dance photography, my focus goes beyond capturing a technically perfect pose. I aim to showcase each dancer’s inner beauty, passion, and strength. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my work doesn’t just create beautiful images—it helps people see and celebrate the best in themselves.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/tempo.byshannontomasik
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/tempo.byshannontomasik
Image Credits
Shannon Tomasik