We were lucky to catch up with Shauna Devenport recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shauna, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

I truly hope my legacy is one where, when people look back on their images, they see timeless memories and moments captured. I want them to see their connection, their love, their youth, their beauty, their laughter, their joy… I want my clients to truly see themselves the way that I see them and find something new about each image years later that they love and adore.

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

I got into my business by accident really! I had a nice point and shoot, and after sharing some of what I was photographing, people asked me to take their pictures. Once I got my first DSLR in late 2009, I became a business in January of 2010, and began to charge for my time and efforts. To say that I was bad at the beginning would be an understatement! But I’m a firm believer in the fact that everyone starts somewhere, and only through constant practice can we get better at something.

The type of service that sets me apart from others is that I truly try to connect with every client, regardless of the type of session. One of my favorite things about being a photographer is showing people how beautiful they truly are, and seeing past any potential “flaws” they believe they have to see the connection they have with the ones they love the most.

Something that I am incredibly proud of is how I utilize every experience as a learning experience! I don’t give up easily, and I truly love what I do! I’m always so incredibly thankful for anyone who trusts me to capture their moments for them.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

When I first began doing photography, I was teaching full time. I did not have the money for the latest equipment, and I refused to go into debt for something that was basically a hobby. Once I saved enough money, we purchased my first DSLR. I bought everything piece by piece, never going into debt for my equipment, and never taking out a loan. I know that many photographers take out loans to start their business, and it may work best for them and that’s fine. But I knew that was not the route I wanted to go.

I also didn’t mind purchasing used or refurbished camera gear. I think there is something to be said about not always buying brand new equipment, especially when you’re first starting out or getting established. There is NO shame in buying used or refurbished equipment if that’s what you’re able to afford. What matters is learning how to calibrate the gear to best suite your needs, and to ensure that you take care of your equipment as if it is brand new. Because in a way it IS new–new to you!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I was a teacher for 13 years. In 2020, I was pregnant with my third child while teaching full time and also doing photography as much as possible as my schedule and family could allow. The pivot occurred that winter when my husband and I were crunching numbers, and I knew something had to give.

First, childcare is insanely expensive. It SHOULD be–people are literally taking care of the most precious packages of a family, and should be compensated fairly. However, we couldn’t afford my teaching full time and putting three kids into daycare. Majority of my photography income was going towards daycare already; it was the only way we could make it work. However, my husband and I both knew it wasn’t sustainable to have three children, and have me working two full time jobs. We decided I had to give up one of my jobs, and due to the flexibility of photography, I ended up choosing to stick with it as my sole income and stay home with my youngest child.

I have missed teaching dearly; I loved my students, I loved my co-workers, and I truly enjoyed my job. However, the freedom of making my own schedule, being present for my children and husband, and being able to really focus on making my photography business flourish and grow, has been such a blessing. This pivot, that truly has felt life-altering, has been incredible. I’m so thankful for all of my clients that have stayed with me year after year, and are willing to stay with me during this transition for my family. My photography business has grown thanks to the fact that I can now focus more on it, and people spreading my name via word of mouth has been such a huge factor in my success. I cannot stress that enough–my CLIENTS are the reason I’m successful!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sld-photography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sld_photographykc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SLDPhotog

Image Credits
All images taken by me. SLD Photography