My experience with starting my photography business...

I remember growing up, my mom was always really good at photography. I can't say that it was something I ever thought I would do as a business, but I definitely enjoyed it! We would always take our own photos of family and pets. 

Whenever I would go into an electronics store, I was always drawn to the camera section. I'll be honest though, I didn't know ANYTHING about lens quality, manual mode, or camera settings period. At that point, I had only ever used the auto mode. I just loved taking pictures! 

In 2019, I was asked to do a couple of senior sessions for friends. I realized my camera was really not great quality, so I decided to buy a nicer camera, but still within my budget. I purchased my first mirrorless Canon M50 with a kit lens. As I started learning about my new camera and all of the technical stuff about it, I started to see a whole world of information that I was clueless about. At that point, I was completely intrigued and couldn't stop reading and watching you tube videos to learn all I could! That was when I decided this was something I wanted to pursue and here we are today!

This is where I will offer some advice to anyone reading this who wants to get into photography...

*Before you spend money on gear, invest in your education!!! You will learn so fast and you will outgrow your gear and its capabilities really fast! It was an expensive lesson for me. Cameras these days offer so much if you know how to use them. When you learn what all they can do, mostly what YOU can do, you will have so much fun! But wait until you really know what you want before you buy!

*There is SO much free education on you tube! Take advantage of it! Once you learn the basics, spend some money and take classes from a mentor that you like to learn from. I personally have taken classes from Shelley Paulson and Kirstie Marie (both equine photographers).  Free information is great, but again, you outgrow it. You don't know what you don't know, so you will need some guidance to get into some of the deeper stuff! The number one thing to learn...LIGHT! Light is what will set photographers apart from others. Don't get me wrong, composition and many other things are important as well, but light is that "sweet spot".

*Practice every day! You won't get good if you don't practice! You don't have to have expensive gear to learn to use light, how to compose a shot, how to use manual settings. These are all the things that make great photos! So practice, practice, practice. 

*Enjoy other photographers work, use it for inspiration. However, IT ISN'T A COMPETITION!  Do get caught in the comparison game. There is plenty for everyone to shoot. Photography is an art. Everyone has a different perspective. That is what makes it beautiful. There are "rules" in photography, and they are great for the learning process. But YOU DO YOU! Take photos that show YOUR viewpoint. Don't conform to anyone, let them conform to see it through your eyes! 

*Find friends...so I will say, in the world of photography for some reason it can get a little cut throat. Don't let it discourage you! There are amazing groups that you can join to give constructive feedback on your work if you want it. Put the blinders on and focus on you and don't let anything discourage you. Have fun with your artistic abilities and enjoy learning and growing your skills! 

Here I am a few years later...having a great time and running my own business successfully! There is always so much to learn and I love that part of it! I have met a lot of amazing people and I love that I get to do something that brings joy to them and myself! 

There is a little something about me! Thanks for reading! Share your comments, thoughts, experiences ⬇️ I can't wait to read about you!

Showcase A Moment In Your Life With Professional Portrait Photography

The art of portraiture photography has been around for centuries and continues to be a popular form of art, even in the digital era. It can be used for personal or professional reasons, and the outcome is always stunning. However, it's not just a way to create a beautiful photo; a portrait can also raise your self-esteem and help you capture a wonderful milestone with loved ones. In this article courtesy of Shyan Rae Photography, we will explore the various benefits of choosing professional portrait photography and how it can positively impact your life.

Feel More Confident

Whether you're taking a photo alone or with loved ones, a portrait session can help boost your self-esteem by making you feel more confident and beautiful. Professional photographers can create an environment that makes you comfortable and brings out the best in you. They have the skills to capture your best qualities and create images that you will be proud of. Through the art of portrait photography, you can see yourself in a new light and find new appreciation for yourself.

Capture Memorable Moments

A portrait session can capture a moment in time for you and your loved ones. Whether it's a family portrait, a couple's photo, or a child's portrait, it can provide lasting memories for generations. A professional can find the best moments and emotions in every shot and create something beautiful that you can treasure forever. You can use your portraits to adorn your walls and create photo albums or digital keepsakes.

Celebrate Your Milestones

A portrait session can help you celebrate milestones in your life. Whether it's a graduation, a wedding, an engagement, or a pregnancy, a portrait session can document the occasion and provide a tangible memory to look back on. A professional can work with you to create a theme and style that reflects your personality and story. You can use your portraits to share with friends and family, or to mark the occasion in your own personal way.

Use Your Portrait Session For Creative Expression

A portrait session can provide a creative outlet for personal exploration. It can be used to express yourself and your personality in a unique way. A professional can work with you to create images that showcase your individuality and creativity. You can opt for traditional poses or go for a more artistic approach. You can experiment with different styles, props, and outfits that reflect your interests and personality.

Make Your Own Keepsakes Using Adobe Express

Finally, once you've received your professional portraits, you can use Adobe Express to turn your images into beautiful keepsakes. This free app lets you edit and enhance your photos, add filters and frames, and create photo collages. You can use your photos to create stunning prints, social media posts, or personalized gifts for friends and family. Here are just a few of the tools you can use:

● Create a beautiful photo calendar that uses a different photo for each day of the month. This makes a great gift, or you can hang it in your office and relive your special day all year long. Adobe’s templates make the process easy; the hardest part is deciding which photos to use!

● Make a fun gift for a friend or loved one using your photo and the mug label tool! This is an easy way to give something from the heart that’s also useful. Just choose the template you like best to get started.

● Make a stunning photo card to send out to friends or family. This is perfect for milestone events, such as graduations, or you can use it to announce an upcoming creative event such as a book launch or art show. Adobe’s tools make the process super quick and easy.

● Create a keepsake wine label for your significant other using your favorite photo from the session. This makes a great romantic gift that’s also unique! Choose from a variety of templates and customize it in minutes.

Portrait photography is more than just a trend; it's a timeless art form that captures the essence of the subject and creates lasting memories. Whether it's to boost self-esteem, capture a milestone, explore creativity, or create a tangible memory, professional portraiture photography is a valuable investment. With its endless possibilities and creative potential, it can open up new opportunities for self-expression and make life more beautiful.

Ready to get started on your portrait journey? Book an appointment today with Shyan Rae Photography.