Meet Shoshawnna Hamilton | Photographer

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

Hi Shoshawnna, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I honestly did not intend to do this. I had always loved taking pictures…even back in the early days with my 110 film camera! Throughout the years, the cameras changed and my interest grew. I took a black and white photography class in college while working towards another goal all together thinking it would be interesting. It changed so much for me. As projects were completed, I realized that photography was becoming a passion. I loved the stillness of it…that moment when you see something in the perfect light…the idea that you can evoke an emotion….I started seeing potential photos everywhere. As the class progressed, some of these projects required that I photograph people. It was then that I discovered that photography provided unique insight into a person. You capture distinct expressions, different angles, and a variety of perspectives of the same person showing how multifaceted we all really are. I started asking friends and family if I could photograph them. I knew that I needed to build a portfolio because I knew that this was something I would be doing for the rest of my life. Eventually, people started asking me.

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.
There are so many aspects of photography that excite me! I love that it can be very singular in that a shoot can consist of just me and my camera. On the other hand, being allowed a glimpse into a person and who they are, or the connection people have with each other is something that I never get tired of. What I strive to provide is a fun and intimate look into their lives; a photo that really shows who they are. The excitement and tenderness of an expectant mother, the budding passions of kids when they discover what they love to do, seniors on the brink of graduation full of possibilities, families goofing around and of course the smiles…all of these are aspects of life that can be passed by unnoticed. My hope is that I capture these feelings and memories for people so that when they look at them, they remember, and others can see what they felt. I can’t say that this has been easy. There is a stress involved when dealing with the public and trying to create something pleasing. People have a lot of insecurities and there are many out there who do not like to have their pictures taken…I am one of those people! I know it’s weird that I love taking pictures but do not like to be in front of the camera. However, I believe that this gives me a true insight into what my clients feel. They want the photos to be taken but they are nervous. The most important part of what I do is to make them feel comfortable. I want them to feel at ease with the process and even have a little fun. In doing so, they tend to let their smile reach their eyes and that’s when I know I’ve got something good.
I think the hardest part of any creative venture is self-doubt. Am I good enough? I know I love doing it, but will people love my work? What if they are unhappy with the final product? What if I make a mistake? I started over twenty years ago and in that time, I have made mistakes. I have neglected to load film properly, I have had batteries run out without a spare, and I have had the perfect shot be blurry. My computer has died, my camera has stalled. There have also been times when the mistake wasn’t mine but my client did not like their smile or what they decided to wear. Even talking about these situations causes a little stress! What I have learned is first, breathe! I give myself a moment to gather, then face the issue head on. I have found that people tend to be understanding and that if they are willing, we can reshoot and produce something we are both satisfied with. Another thing I have learned is that when you are doing what you truly love, even in those times of distress, you will continue because you are being true to yourself. I guess that would be my story, my brand. I want to be the most authentic me as a photographer so I can showcase the most authentic you.

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?
This question is a bit overwhelming because there is so much to do here!! We would definitely hit Ponce City Market and go to Botiwalla for some yummy Indian street food. We would also have to find some of those electric bikes and ride the Beltline. We would start at PCM and end at Krog Street Tunnel (a favorite location for photography). I did this with a friend during the Pianos for Peace festival and it was such a great way to explore the city. The next day, we could explore Midtown and have a grilled cheese sandwich at Folk Art Restaurant. We would have to go a bit north the next day and explore downtown Roswell. It’s so charming and Zest has great sushi (our tour of Atlanta is clearly food driven). I would show her the waterfall at Roswell Mill as well. We would visit Martin Luther King Jr.’s home, go to the High, and Fernbank. She might want a day of rest at that point. After she was rested, we would just have to see what was going on because there is always something happening! And, if she’d rather have some solitude, it’s just a couple hours drive to the mountains. I think that is what I like the most about our city. Atlanta’s culture is filled with so much art and music, good food and beautiful places, diversity of people and a rich history. I’d want her to see all of that.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I absolutely could not do this without my husband, Chris. We moved to the Atlanta area in 2011. We had 2 small children at the time, and he worked hard so that I could stay home. Not only was I able to watch my littles grow, but I was able to build a reputation as a photographer in the area. He has scouted possibly locations with me, helped me during prop-heavy shoots, and walked around various parks and cities when I just needed to get out and shoot. He understands that as human (and an introvert), I have those tough days when I doubt myself and, in those moments, he has helped me remember just how much I love what I do. My family is also an important aspect of my photography. They are a bunch of creative people, and it was always nice to be surrounded by those who understood how art becomes a part of who you are.

And I can’t completely answer this question without mentioning my dear friends. They have been my willing “guinea pigs” throughout the years. So many times, these wonderful people have received a phone call or a text saying, “I have an idea” or “I have found a new location I want to try” and they have always been willing participants. This is huge! I owe my success in the Atlanta area to them. Word of mouth is so important for small business providing a creative service. By helping me get to know this wonderful city and allowing me to explore photography in imaginative ways, they have not only helped my business grow, but helped me grow as a photographer.

Website: www.shoshawnnaphotography.com

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