We recently connected with Shelia Law-Guidry and have shared our conversation below.
Shelia, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
The kindest thing anyone has ever done for me happened at a time when I was just starting to dream about becoming a photographer, but I didn’t really know where to begin. I had the passion, but not the experience, and honestly, I wasn’t even sure if I was capable of turning it into something real.
A friend of mine saw that in me before I fully saw it in myself. She offered to let me shadow her during one of her shoots—no hesitation, no gatekeeping, just a genuine willingness to teach. I remember showing up feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, trying to take in everything—the lighting setups, the way she worked with angles, how she directed the model, all of it.
What stood out the most wasn’t just what she taught me, but how she made me feel in that moment. She didn’t treat me like I didn’t know anything—she treated me like I belonged there. She answered my questions, explained things in a way I could understand, and gave me the space to learn without feeling judged.
In that moment, something clicked for me. I felt inspired, motivated, and, most importantly, capable. It made photography feel real—like something I could actually pursue, not just admire from a distance.
That experience meant so much because it gave me confidence at a time when I needed it most. It reminded me how powerful it is when someone takes the time to pour into you, to share knowledge, and to open doors instead of keeping them closed. That one act of kindness helped shape the path I’m on today, and it’s something I’ll never forget.
Shelia, 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?
For those who may not know me yet, my name is Shelia Law, and I’m the owner and creative behind Guidry Photography. I specialize in fashion photography, with a strong focus on working with teen and emerging models who are looking to build confidence, grow their portfolios, and step into their own unique style.
My journey into photography didn’t start with everything figured out—it started with passion, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. I was inspired by the creativity and storytelling behind images, but I didn’t always know how to bring my vision to life. That changed when I had the opportunity to shadow another photographer who opened the door for me to learn lighting, angles, and the true art behind a photoshoot. That experience gave me not only technical knowledge, but also the confidence to take photography seriously and pursue it as my own path.
What I offer through Guidry Photography goes beyond just taking pictures. I provide a full experience—helping clients feel comfortable in front of the camera, guiding them through posing, and creating a space where they can express themselves freely. My services are especially valuable for young models who may feel nervous, unsure, or inexperienced. I help turn that uncertainty into confidence by coaching them throughout the shoot and capturing them at their best.
One of the biggest problems I solve for my clients is self-doubt. A lot of the people I work with come in feeling unsure about how they look or how they’ll perform in front of the camera. My goal is to change that. I create an environment where they feel seen, supported, and empowered. By the end of the session, they’re not just walking away with beautiful images—they’re leaving with a new sense of confidence in themselves.
What sets me apart is my heart behind the work. I don’t just focus on the final product—I focus on the person in front of my lens. I take pride in building genuine connections with my clients and making each session personal and meaningful. Whether it’s a fashion shoot, senior photos, or a creative concept, I approach every project with intention, patience, and passion.
One of the things I’m most proud of is being able to use my talent to give back and make a difference. Being able to help someone feel beautiful during a difficult time, or giving someone an opportunity they didn’t think they could afford, reminds me why I started this journey in the first place. Those moments go far beyond photography—they’re about impact.
What I want potential clients, followers, and supporters to know is that Guidry Photography is more than a business—it’s a brand built on confidence, creativity, and connection. When you work with me, you’re not just booking a photoshoot—you’re investing in an experience designed to uplift, inspire, and bring out the best version of you.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building my audience on social media didn’t happen overnight—it was a slow, intentional process that really started with me just showing up consistently, even when it felt like no one was watching.
In the beginning, I didn’t have a large following or a big name behind my work. It was just me, my camera, and a vision I was still learning how to bring to life. I started by posting my work regularly, sharing behind-the-scenes moments, and highlighting the people I worked with. A lot of my early growth came from simply being authentic—showing not just the final images, but the process, the learning moments, and even the challenges.
One of the biggest turning points for me was focusing on connection instead of just numbers. I made it a priority to engage with people—replying to comments, supporting other creatives, and building real relationships. Collaborating with models, especially those who were also trying to grow, helped both of us expand our reach. When they shared our photos, it introduced my work to new audiences organically.
I also learned the importance of consistency and branding. Keeping a certain look and feel to my page helped people recognize my work, and posting regularly kept me visible. Over time, people started to associate my name with a certain style and experience.
If I could give advice to someone just starting out, I’d say don’t get discouraged by slow growth. Focus on improving your craft and staying consistent with your content. Show your personality—people connect with you just as much as your work. Don’t be afraid to collaborate, ask questions, and learn from others in your field.
Also, don’t wait until everything is “perfect” to start posting. Growth comes from doing, not waiting. The more you put yourself out there, the more opportunities you create for people to discover you.
Most importantly, remember why you started. Social media can sometimes make you focus on likes and followers, but your passion and purpose are what will keep you going. Build a community, not just an audience—that’s what truly makes your work last.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building real relationships and letting my work speak for itself. Word-of-mouth, client referrals, and collaborating with models have brought in the most consistent growth. When people have a great experience, they naturally share it—and that’s been more powerful than any ad.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Guidry_Potography
Image Credits
1st Model: AntaNeka Stewart
_thequeensarah_
2nd Model: 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐃𝐈𝐄 𝐔𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐙𝐎𝐑
@r_u_madzzz
3rd Model: Chantal Small
chan_small
4th Model: Aga
@aganotaagaa
Photographer: @guidry_photography