Today we’d like to introduce you to Shalai Thomas.
Hi Shalai, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi, I’m Shalai, the owner and photographer behind Shalai Thomas Photography. My journey into photography began with fashion photography, where I discovered not only a love for capturing images but also for the creative process of editing. There was something special about coming home after a shoot and transforming my favorite images into finished pieces of art.
I grew as both an artist and a business owner, I opened my own studio and found myself naturally drawn to portrait photography. I fell in love with capturing families, children, and life’s meaningful milestones. Creating photos that capture genuine emotions and memories became much more than my passion.
Today, my goal is to create a comfortable, welcoming experience where every client feels seen and celebrated. Whether I’m photographing a newborn, a growing family, or a special milestone, I hope every session results in timeless photographs that people will cherish for years to come.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has helped shape the person and photographer I am today. I moved from Florida to the New York/New Jersey area with nothing but a dream, my camera, and a determination to build a better future. At 19 years old, I found myself in Times Square asking strangers if I could take their portraits. I carried an adapter so I could instantly send the photos to their phones, and on my very first day I made $100. It wasn’t much, but it showed me that if I was willing to put myself out there, opportunities would come.
From there, I slowly began building my life. I found a place to live, secured a job, and continued investing in my photography. Along the way, life brought some incredibly difficult moments. I lost my brother, and while I was still learning how to navigate that grief, I later lost my sister as well. Those experiences changed me, but they also reminded me why preserving memories is so meaningful.
There were moments when it would have been easy to give up, but photography has always given me a sense of purpose. Every challenge has strengthened my faith, my resilience, and my commitment to creating photographs that families can treasure for generations. Looking back, I’m grateful that I kept going, because every obstacle has become part of the story that brought me here.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Im proud that artistry isn’t limited to one form of expression I’m drawn to anything that allows me to create, tell stories, and preserve emotion. Not only as a painter, but a Poet as well.
What matters most to you?
God because the faith has literally carried me through some of my hardest seasons. And even on the best days i have that.
The woman I’m becoming i cherish every part of my journey
And my team the ones who support my journey
Contact Info:
- Website: https://canva.link/i8hx7imjfe8zxej
- Instagram: Shalaithomasphoto
- Facebook: Shalai Thomas Photos
