ask me anything

I’m thinking of becoming a freelance photographer. How has it been for you?

I consider the decision I made 2.5 years ago to become a full-time freelance photographer one of the best career moves I have ever made. There are a lot of caveats to this (which I’ll touch on), but working for myself and doing what I love to do has been a dream. Truly. I have the LOVELIEST clients, many of whom I now consider friends. I have considerable flexibility in my schedule, which means I can take three weeks off during the summer to visit family if I want to. I am almost always home when my daughter walks in the door from school. My mental health and blood pressure have thanked me every day since I made this move.

Here’s the brass tacks, though: As a family, we don’t rely on my income as our primary financial support, so there’s not significant pressure to be a high-income earner. That allows me to keep my client base small and focused and the stress level low. If I don’t get a job or if I go long periods without a shoot, we can weather that financially. I am very well aware of how fortunate I am to be in that situation.

There are downsides, too. Freelancing can be very lonely. There’s a natural jealousy that comes with seeing someone else do work that you wanted to do. And let me tell you: being ghosted by a client is probably the most mortifying thing to ever happen to me. Buy me a drink some day and maybe I’ll tell you that story.

Thoughts on Instagram these days?

Instagram has changed a lot since I posted my first photo on @photobyshannon nine years ago. Gone are the days when I could post a pretty picture of a door and get 4,000 likes. I have had loads of fun on IG and have met some talented people and developed some sweet friendships through the platform. It has taken me to some pretty incredible places and opened up a number of opportunities for me; I’m truly grateful for it.

I know my engagement on Instagram will never be what it used to be. If I get more than 1,000 likes these days, I’m surprised. But I’ve stopped taking it personally. So much of it is a result of choices I’ve made that don’t align with IG’s growth strategy. I like photos more than videos. I like being behind the lens more than in front of it. I’m trying to be more protective of what I give my time and attention to these days, and Instagram is one of the first things I let go of when I’m feeling burnt out or overwhelmed.

But I will never leave Instagram. Why? It’s still an incredible means for me to reach potential clients. I enjoy having a place for to share my photos and our travel adventures. I still love interacting with my friends and the sweet people who engage with my content on a regular basis. Does it frustrate me that I don’t have the reach I used to? Of course it does. But my energy is better spent delivering great work for my clients and being more present offline than stressing about how a particular post is performing.

Can you share how you built up your client base?

I wanted to follow the previous question with this one because Instagram is the primary reason I have any clients! Almost every business that I work with on a regular basis found me via IG. It has been such a powerful marketing tool for me.

After the initial IG meet cute, however, the work to maintain those client relationships largely happens offline. Of course the key to these relationships is delivering a great product, but it’s also finding out how you can add value to their business. This varies based on the client — some need extra flexibility, some need technical expertise, some need you to be their right hand woman — and all of that takes a willingness to invest time in getting to know your client and their business. It pays off, too. Some of the most rewarding aspects of this job are when a client asks to work with you again or when they refer you to someone else. There’s no greater affirmation!

What do you shoot with?

I ride or die for my Sony a7rIV.

How do you edit your photos?

First thing I’ll say is that everyone should develop their own editing style. I veer from mine from time to time and then quickly revert back because the images look odd to me. Even if you buy someone else’s presets, I encourage you to tinker with them to find your distinct look and feel.

I am a die-hard Lightroom curves fan. Someone sent in a question about how I get my images to look bright, and the answer is that I control exposure, whites and highlights all through curve adjustments. Curves are your friend, get to know them!

Do you take family portraits?

I don’t advertise my portrait work all that much but I do take pictures of people! Feel free to reach out if you’re interested and let’s schedule something.

Thanks for visiting the new site and for reading! More soon. xo Shannon