Today we’d like to introduce you to Shana Watkins.
Hi Shana, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been a photographer for 25 years, and it’s hard to believe I’ve ever done anything else. Before opening my own business, I was a high school journalism teacher helping students discover their own voices for storytelling. Since then I’ve had the honor of being named a Master Photographer and working with so many incredible families from around the country and abroad.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t know if entrepreneurship is ever a smooth road, but after 25 years, I’ve learned to ride the waves of change in trends and my clients’ needs. I enjoy the challenges and independence that come with owning my own business and am committed to always pushing myself to grow as an artist and finding new ways to spoil my clients.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in hand-colored heirloom portraits of children for families who value tradition. It all started when I inherited my late grandfather’s hand-colored heirloom portrait. It is so special to me, and I want every familiy to have these beautiful portraits as part of their legacy to pass on to future generations. I’m known for creating a beautiful experience for children and their families and also for creating museum-quality artwork that not only accurately depicts children’s features but also celebrates their unique personalities and the magic of childhood. I’m most proud of the way children look at their portraits for the first time. They are so proud to see themselves the way their parents see them, and they feel so loved.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Families interested in my work can reach out for a phone consultation where we discuss and decide the details of the experience, and I can learn about the child’s personality and interests. The next step is creating the reference photo during a photographic session with me or by sending me a photo from which to work. After the artwork is complete, families receive a proof to approve and then portrait is printed on 100% cotton paper from France using archival inks. Framing is also available.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shanawatkins.com
- Instagram: shanawatkinsstl
- Facebook: ShanaWatkinsPhotography
- Youtube: shanawatkinsphotography
