Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shyann Cooley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Shyann, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
The risk I took was about 4 years ago when I decided to quit my job and go full time in photography. I was a part time worker at Smoothie king in Tuscaloosa and doing photography as a side job. One day I decided that I wanted to fully give my all to photography and see how far I could really go. I have been successful ever since making that one decision. Photography is how I make my everyday living and it does well,
Shyann, 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?
My name is Shyann Cooley and I am the photographer of Shycooleyphotography. I have been a photographer for seven years and I genuinely enjoy it because this is not only how i make my living but it is my true passion. Capturing the moment many may not ever be able to recreate brings me joy. I capture portraits, family, toddlers, events and weddings. My goal when people see my photos is to show them that their beauty can be captured in the most precious moment, this is what sets me a part from many other photographers. My creative ability comes most from photoshop , I am able to duplicate, replace, and perform surgical operations on clients, I think they enjoy that the most. I am most proud of my growth, my gift has allowed me to enter many rooms throughout the years and I am forever grateful. I would like everyone who plans to book with my in the near future that they will never forget their experience with me. I make sure they’re comfortable, I guide them through the entire session, and make sure they are satisfied.
How did you build your audience on social media?
My advice to those who are getting into social media, keep posting no matter what. Do not feel your work isn’t good enough to post because that one client may need to see that session to secure a booking with you. Always market yourself and make it consistent ! Clients who tag you are true best because that brings more clientele for you . Promoting yourself is the most important thing you can do on social media especially getting into Tik Tok’s and Reels on Instagram.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
Years ago my brother worked for the president Barack Obama and gifted me with front row tickets to see him . My mother had recently purchased me a camera and I decided to take that with me to the Selma March . I believe that was the best decision I could have made because those photos were amazing and many people believe I took them from google but in fact I captured them myself. I was sixteen at the time, so my significant other funded my starting of photography. I did not believe people would take me seriously until I turned eighteen , so until then it was a side business more like a hobby until I felt I became of age to handle business with those older than me. I went off to college and still decided to keep it a side hustle because grades came first more than anything. I worked for the university of Una as a photographer , the local news paper and more. This is what eventually gave me the strength to become a full time business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shycooleyphotography.com/
- Instagram: ShyCooleyPhotography
- Facebook: Shycooleyphotography