We were lucky to catch up with Sharron Lou recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sharron, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
Realizing I wanted to pursue photography professionally was actually a bit of a slow burn. It wasn’t a single moment of sudden clarity, but rather a gradual process that made me realize I could turn something I loved into something that could sustain me.
It all started when I was just getting into photography, and I began doing free portrait shoots for friends and family. At first, it was just a way to practice, experiment, and get better with my camera. But what really stuck with me was the way people responded to my photos. I’d see how their faces would light up when they saw the final shots—they felt confident, appreciated, and beautiful. There was something incredibly fulfilling in that.
I remember one shoot in particular. It was for a close friend who was going through a tough time, and I could tell she wasn’t feeling confident about herself. But after the session, she was genuinely blown away by how the photos turned out. It wasn’t just the aesthetic of the images—it was the way she saw herself through the lens. I realized this was more than just taking pictures; this was about creating an experience for someone, giving them a sense of confidence and self-worth. The joy and gratitude people expressed made me think, This is something I want to keep doing.
As I kept doing photoshoots, people began asking, “How much do you charge?” At first, I was a little hesitant. I’d been doing this as a hobby, not thinking of it as a business. But the more people asked, the more I started to realize that this was an opportunity. I started to take the idea of shooting professionally more seriously. I researched what other photographers were doing and slowly started building my brand.
That realization was the turning point. The feedback I was getting, not just on the photos but on the way people felt during and after the shoot, confirmed that this was the path I wanted to pursue. I’d found something that gave me purpose, and I saw how it could be a viable business.
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.
Hi there! I’m Sharron, a freelance portrait and event photographer based in Miami, FL. Photography has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until I discovered portrait and event photography that I truly found my calling. There’s something magical about capturing the beauty, emotion, and uniqueness of people.
I specialize in photographing people and their stories. Whether it’s a portrait session, a concert, an editorial fashion shoot, or a wedding, my goal is always the same: to create timeless, authentic images that my clients will cherish forever.
Here are some of the main types of photography I offer:
Portraits: From professional headshots to creative personal shoots, I work with clients to capture their best selves in a way that feels natural and empowering.
Events: Weddings, concerts, birthday parties—you name it. I thrive on the energy and emotion of live events and aim to document them in a way that tells a full story.
Fashion: Helping models, designers, and brands bring their vision to life through editorial and creative shoots.
Corporate and Lifestyle: Whether it’s headshot photography or capturing candid moments of people at work, I create visuals that align with a client’s brand identity and goals.
Many people feel nervous in front of the camera, and I pride myself on creating a relaxed, fun environment so they can feel comfortable and confident. Have no idea how to pose? I got you! Additionally, I deliver polished, high-resolution images with a turnaround time of one week or less. I collaborate closely with clients to bring their creative ideas to life, offering guidance and suggestions on styling, posing, location, and general photoshoot themes.
What makes my work unique is my ability to genuinely connect with people. I believe that photography is about more than just technical skill—it’s about building relationships and understanding the story behind the shot. My clients often tell me that I make them feel confident and seen, and I consider that the highest compliment. I’m incredibly proud of the relationships I’ve built with people over the years. Many of them return to me for multiple shoots, which feels like the ultimate vote of confidence. It’s also deeply fulfilling to know that my work has a lasting impact—that it’s framed on walls, shared with loved ones, and remembered for years to come.
Photography, for me, is about more than just creating beautiful images—it’s about celebrating people and their stories. If you’d like to work together, feel free to reach out! I’d love to hear your ideas and collaborate with you to create something amazing.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn in photography was that perfection is the ultimate goal. Early in my career, I believed that every shot needed to be flawless—the lighting, the pose, the composition, everything. I’d spend hours obsessing over tiny details, re-editing photos, and second-guessing myself. The turning point came during a concert shoot for Ski Mask the Slump God. It was a high-energy concert, and the environment was unpredictable—flashing lights, moving crowds, and performers constantly in motion. I found myself frustrated, trying to control the uncontrollable, and I wasn’t happy with the shots I was getting.
When I reviewed the photos later, I noticed something surprising. The “imperfect” shots—the ones with a little blur, unconventional angles, or unexpected lighting—were the ones that really captured energy of the moment. They told a story in a way the technically perfect shots couldn’t.
That experience taught me to let go of the idea that perfection equals quality. Now, I embrace spontaneity and imperfection as part of the creative process.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
A book that has profoundly influenced my approach to both photography and how I handle relationships is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It’s a timeless resource for me that I find myself returning to again and again.This book offers four simple yet transformative principles that have shaped my entrepreneurial philosophy and the way I navigate creative challenges:
Be Impeccable with Your Word: In photography, communication is everything. Whether it’s understanding a client’s vision, giving direction during a shoot, or setting expectations, I’ve learned the importance of clear, honest, and positive communication. Keeping my word—like delivering images on time or meeting agreed-upon goals—builds trust and credibility.
Don’t Take Anything Personally: Creative work is subjective, and not every person will resonate with my style or approach. This agreement has helped me separate constructive feedback from personal critique, allowing me to grow without letting rejection or criticism derail my confidence.
Don’t Make Assumptions: In the early days, I assumed clients wanted certain things without fully clarifying their expectations. Now, I prioritize asking detailed questions and actively listening to ensure I’m delivering exactly what they envision.
Always Do Your Best: I give my full effort to every shoot, project, and client interaction. Growth comes from consistently showing up and striving to improve, even when things aren’t perfect.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sharronlou.com
- Instagram: @shotbysharron
Image Credits
Sharron Lou