Meet Shaina hammond | Photographer & Mentor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shaina hammond and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shaina, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Connection is why I continue to photograph humans and decided to turn my photography passion into a business and why I am successful. This isn’t just a regular “job” for me. At the end of the day, the connections I create with my clients last a lifetime because they are the center of everything that keeps me going.

When it comes to my brand and what helps me stand out is that I always mention my “why” and my brand tagline: finding your wild. find your wild is more than just traveling, going on adventures, or trying to create the most Instagram “worthy” post, because let’s face it not everyone is like that. It’s about taking what sets your soul on fire and running with it. It’s to loving loudly and being unapologetically you. It’s about the connections we make all while creating lifelong memories. The experience I have to offer will always be about my clients and the connection we make with each other and that’s why my business is so successful to this day.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from others in my industry as an artist would be how I document my clients. The way I connect with my clients helps me be able to tell a story through my photographs. They’re raw, real, and have so much emotion and connection behind them.

This year I am most excited about helping other photographers turn their passion into a business. Education is one of the main things that helped me overcome any challenges I faced. When you are in an industry that can be “oversaturated” it is sometimes hard to connect with your ideal client and finding those mentors and educators to help guide me was HUGE. I now can’t wait to offer that to other passionate creatives and help them overcome setbacks but also help them reach their goals as well.

The biggest lesson I have learned and will continue to preach to others is that comparison is the thief of joy. Your success isn’t contingent on how well others are doing around you. progress is progress whether it is big or small.

Here is the deal with me and my brand, it’s personal. when you look at my feed or see me post it is genuine, I show up for my clients/future clients so they can show up for me. I will ALWAYS put my clients at the forefront of my business because they are why I am successful. When you invest in me whether its for a session or a mentorship I will be the light to guide and help you through EVERYTHING.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting, I would take them to a new brunch spot or a coffee place. (I have an entire list in my phone and use it for when people come and visit)

after we have brunch, I always go walking around the city (if the weather permits) for an hour and enjoy walking into local shops and chatting with people I meet.

Now if we are exhausted at this point, I always say let’s go back home and take a midday nap or watch something on tv.

after we are recharged, I always love going to a local museum, zoo, or anything touristy that is recommended (even if it is not my thing, I love to give people visiting at least one touristy experience.)

To end the night, I always love going to dinner and having a cocktail (If the dinner spot has a patio or a scenic view than that is a plus)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family is the center of my universe. Nick and Lila keep me grounded and focused on what’s important.

Lila is my spunky one year old who keeps me busy. She is always on the move and has the silliest personality. She is a huge reason why I wanted to capture stories how they should be. Every moment with her reminds me how your story is worth documenting and should be.

Nick is my rock and biggest supporter. If there is ever an idea that I have he is the one behind me every step of the way to make it happen. He keeps me passionate and my dreams big. He is the reason i put so much heart into your sessions and make sure they are as real and wild as you are.

Also big shout out to every rom com I every watched growing up too because that is a huge reason I decided to pursue a career in story telling and capturing love.

Instagram: shainakhphoto