We were lucky to catch up with Shay Shandle recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Shay thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

For a long time, I knew I had the potential to succeed at anything I put my mind to, so i followed a path that seemed practical and safe. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, believing that it was the sensible choice. But throughout my journey, my heart was always filled with deep passion for photography and music. These were the things that truly inspired me, though I never thought of them as viable career options. They were more of a side interest, a way to express myself when I wasn’t focused on the ‘real world.’ As I entered my 30s, something shifted. I realized that i no longer needed outside validation to make decisions about my life. I had spent years following a path that others might expect or understand, but I wasn’t truly following my own heart. Thats when i had a realization: it was time to make a change. I could no longer ignore my passion for photography, a passion that has always been with me. So, I took a leap and decided to follow what truly excited me. I knew that photography wasn’t just a hobby for me—it was something I wanted to pursue professionally. It was about capturing moments and creating art that mattered. Thats when i truly understood that my heart had always been leading me toward this path, and I finally gave myself permission to follow it without further hesitation. Now, every photo I take is a reminder that I’m doing something fulfilling and it feels incredible.

Shay, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a Louisiana native, and I’ve always been surrounded by music and art, which sparked my creativity from a young age. I was that kid with a huge imagination, constantly thinking outside the box. Fast forward to a few years ago, and the moment I decided that it was time to make change—I was going to put myself out there. I took online courses, I bought books on photography, spent hours watching YouTube tutorials, and started researching cameras to find the perfect one. Once I had it, i dove right in. I began photographing anything and everyone would be my muse. I created a new Instagram page and started networking, searching for events and gigs to show up at, capturing moments, and letting people see the things I created. But it wasn’t easy. Photographer is highly competitive and highly saturated. I still had to make a living working regular jobs. I struggled with imposter syndrome, constantly asking myself, What makes me a real photographer? It was hard to fight through those self-doubts, but i was determined. I knew that the only way forward was to continue to nurture my craft, and soon enough, my work began to speak for itself.

What sets my photography apart with my brand GeauxxBeyond Photography is my passion for capturing authenticity. I want to capture the true essence of a person—who they are not just how they look. Some of the people who’ve worked with me have been nervous and self conscious because they didnt feel like a “model,” but my goal was to make them feel completely comfortable, letting go of any worries about how they feel they should pose or look. I wanted them to be themselves, and through that, I could capture their most genuine moments. I wanted them to see themselves through my lens— not as an idealized version of themselves, but as they truly are.

Now GeauxxBeyond Photography is all about creative expression and connection with no limitation. Every image I create tells a story, a story of my lens, and I wanted my clients to feel seen, heard, and celebrated for who they truly are. It’s not just about creating beautiful photos; it’s about capturing something real, something authentic and that in itself is dope and beautiful.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In my view, society can best support artists and creatives by providing a platform for their work to be seen, heard, and appreciated. A thriving creative ecosystem relies on the recognition that art isn’t just something to be admired in galleries or museums; it’s a vital part of our everyday lives and communities. One of the biggest ways society can support creatives is by valuing their work, not just monetarily but emotionally and intellectually, recognizing that the work we do challenges perspectives. I think the most impactful thing society can do is foster an environment that encourages experimentation, collaboration, and exploration. This could mean providing accessible spaces for artists to work and showcase their work, whether it’s through affordable galleries, pop-up events, or online platforms. It’s also important to build a culture where supporting artists is normalized, given that our art is an extension of self So whether through purchasing artwork, hiring local/upcoming photographers, or simply sharing and promoting creative work. Lastly, societal support should also include advocating for fair compensation for creative work. Artists often face the challenge of being expected to work for exposure rather than being paid for their time, skill, and resources. Proper compensation allows artists to continue doing what they love while ensuring they can make a living from their craft.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to connect with others, through my work. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about creating something that resonates with people on a deeper level—whether it evokes emotion, sparks inspiration, or simply makes them see the world in a different way. The power of art is that it transcends language and can speak to people from all walks of life, creating shared experiences. On a personal level, it’s also about the joy of self-expression. As a photographer/artist, im constantly learning, evolving, and discovering new ways to express myself. Photography, for example, allows me to capture moments and stories that feel authentic me, and in doing so, it helps me better understand my own perspective on the world. But the most rewarding part is the connection I get to make with others. Whether its seeing someone’s reaction to a portrait I’ve taken, hearing feedback from a client who feels seen and heard through my lens, or simply knowing that my work has had an impact on someone’s life—those moments are what make all the hard work worth it. Creating something that lasts, something that can be cherished for years, is truly special.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @geauxxbeyondphotography @geauxxbeyondshay
• Facebook: Geauxxbeyondphotography

Image Credits

Tiffany
Deanna
Viki
Harvey