Meet Shamara | Photographer & Future Mogul

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

Hi Shamara, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
Consistency is key. You have to be willing to show up for yourself everyday. Success does not happen overnight.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art has heart, if I don’t feel anything when I’m looking at my images that means that I have not done what I set out to do. I am most proud about how far I have come. What am I excited about? The future! there are so many things that I see coming I want to create an undeniable brand. I keep pushing myself to do more, I plan to start producing short films in the near future. I have gotten where I am professionally by putting myself out there and not being afraid to take risks. I have made sacrifices and I continue to sacrifice. Sometimes I’m not sure if I’m making the right decisions but I push and remind myself that it will all be worth it. The lessons that I have learned along the way are network, never stop learning, do not be afraid of change, do not be afraid to take risks and it is ok to ask for help. What I want the world to know is that I am coming so stay tuned!

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?
We would absolutely have to visit The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts because the building itself is a work of art I love seafood so we would have to visit Boil Bay (Midlothian) because I recently visited and really enjoyed the experience
Wick & Sip because it is black owned and I have not been yet but intend to go
Southern Kitchen because the food, service and overall experience was great
Switch is a great time
Definitely have to check out the Brun Experience-The Salmon and grits are amazing. The owner, staff and ambience is top notch
River City Roll-Bowling
The Rage Room is a great way to release by breaking some stuff

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother has been my biggest supporter, she is definitely Team Shamara. I am grateful for her encouragement and honesty and not just when it comes to my business. I have a friend who used to talk about the fact that I never had my camera when I went out. I guess that helped me too because how was I going to get better if I was not shooting regularly? She also helped me to connect with photographers in the area that she had established relationships with. I shot my first fashion show Runway 2 Life and my network grew. I was able to connect with RVAFW and then my network really expanded. I have been a model judge (Very Ashley). My camera has allowed me to be a part of some really dope events as well as build great relationships with dope people. Shoutout RLS Image Consulting

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Image Credits
Kay Woodson, Wale, Rashita Swann, Nick Roberts