Today we’d like to introduce you to Shalonda Hill.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was originally an architecture student at the illustrious Florida A & M University. Being in architecture ended up satisfying only part of the design passion I didn’t know I had. Something was still missing. I spent an entire semester looking for something else.
Something that would allow me to be free to design what I wanted and how I wanted. I then switched from Architecture to Graphic Design AND Photography. What I didn’t realize was this was not going to be as smooth sailing as I had imagined it to be. My ‘creative juices’ weren’t flowing immediately and the next 4 semesters were ROUGH. One of my professors told me that I should change my major to English … because it was easier.
I was so hurt, I almost quit. But my pride and my determination would not allow me to just throw in the towel. I had to prove to my professors and to my family that I was good. That I was capable of being GREAT! In 2006, I graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication and all the hard work paid off and is still paying off.
Fast forward 12 years later, I’m still shooting and has had much success as a freelance photographer. I’ve worked in Atlanta, Jacksonville, Orlando and all of South Florida to name a few places. And even with the time I have invested in my craft, I have not yet begun to produce my best. That is still yet to come.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. I have had to learn by trial and error the ways of running a business. The administrative work that you have to put in to get your brand out there to be seen was a bit more work then I had time to do. And I learned that if you only put half in, you get a quarter out of it. I had to make sure I put as much time in to keep the business running as I did capture memories, and building relationships with my clients.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I photograph a wide range of events at various times of the year. I photograph events like birthday parties, dinner parties, sweet sixteens, and anniversary parties. I also photograph a few weddings, maternity and family sessions. Although I do all types of photography, I am mostly known for event photography for parties.
I’m most proud that I have been able to maintain long-lasting relationships with my clients who have trusted me to cover their personal and professional milestones over the years. I believe that the thing that sets me apart from others is the personal element I tend to add to each of my sessions. Its like I’m long time friends with everyone I photograph. I try to get people to feel like I can be trusted with their secrets and at the same time turn them into the fabulous model they already think they are. lol
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Our city is a great place for photography businesses like mine. There are so many places that are visually stunning from South Beach and Coral Gables to Boca Raton. There are endless beaches and state parks, storefronts, and open areas. Miami is building up some high rises, there are literally new views and locations everywhere you turn. I’d recommend someone who is starting out that they are not timid about any location. Have an open mind about locations and find what angles work for the person, group, or company.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shillphoto.pixieset.com/
- Phone: 954.549.4149
- Email: shillphoto@gmail.com
- Instagram: @shillphoto
- Facebook: shillphoto35
- Twitter: @shill_photo
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