We had the good fortune of connecting with Sissy Van Den Handel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sissy, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I would say it is the amount of time that it takes. From learning the basics, to growing your skills and keeping up with changes in what’s popular when it comes to posing, lighting, locations. Learning to use your gear (and figuring out which gear you like to work with) and how to get the look you like and be consistent so people know what they’re getting when they chose to hire you.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Now there’s a big question! Ha. This has been a long process and I’ve had a LOT of help. It started when I was an exchange student, back in ’02. My host family was incredibly kind and they helped me apply to a local college after my year was over. I should mention, I am not from the US. I am from Germany.

My high school exchange year led me to Oklahoma where I was lucky enough to be paired with the most wonderful host family. My mom paid for me to be able to stay in the US and attend college, and I received an Associates Degree in Applied Science with a Major in Photography in 2005. I eventually joined the Army National Guard which is how I met my husband, Patrick. I followed him to Arizona and now here we are, ten years later. I didn’t have time for photography until after our daughter was born and I was staying home with her. Then I started going to photography events, meeting people, updating my portfolio and all that. Made some great friends along the way! Getting back into it, the creative side of it, was really easy. I still love photography and I missed it. Making connections and finding clients is a lot harder. I still struggle with that part of it. I’m still working on figuring out how to be seen.

I am confident in my work. I do good work. I know my gear, and I absolutely, positively LOVE what I do. I am not just doing this because it’s considered to be an “easy” thing to do, on the side, while staying home with a child. I am doing this because this is what I want to do. Because this is what I have dreamed of since I was a child. Because it makes me happy.

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?
Coffee! I would take them to my favorite coffee shop, for sure! Gill’s Grounds on Power Rd. They make the best coffee and I stop by there every week while I am out grocery shopping. I’d also want to take them to the Seed Shack in Gilbert. Their food is amazing. And Cinnaholic too! I’d take them out for a lot of food. I’d want to take them hiking too. We have a lot pretty places to visit. I’m thinking the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, or San Tan Mountain Regional Park.
Tempe Marketplace is always a great spot to hang out for a few hours. Do some window shopping, grab dinner, watch a movie. Back when we lived in Tempe, Patrick and I would go there regularly for date nights.
If this friend is bringing kids, I’d take them to Arizona Mills for a day. They have the aquarium and legoland right there in the mall, as well as a carousel and a food court.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, Patrick. He’s been nothing short of amazing throughout this whole process. When I told him that I wanted to quit my job and stay home with our daughter, he supported that desire 100%. And when I started going to various photography meetups, working with local models (which I had to pay for at times), and working for free for friends and acquaintances to grow my portfolio, he was always encouraging. I would not be able to do what I do without his support.

Website: https://sissyilonaphotography.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sissy_ilona/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SissyIlonaPhotography

Image Credits
The picture of me and my husband was taken by Lewis Kim Photography.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.