Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Loud.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a photographer in Northern Illinois. I married my high school sweetheart and we have three beautiful children and one naughty puppy. We live in a small town that we adore raising our children in. I have discovered that I am quite the country girl at heart! One of my favorite things to do is to drink my coffee on my front porch and look out at the beautiful fields and open space that surround our home. I also love to garden, shop, and interior design so I’m pretty sure Joanna Gaines and I would be BFFs!
I was bitten by the photography bug at a young age. My mom had a film camera I was always trying to get my hands on. Every year for Christmas, I would ask for a new camera (some things never change!). My grandfather was also a photographer for the Chicago Tribune so I think it is something that is just in my blood! I ended up going to college to become a teacher and taught elementary school for several years. My passion for photography ignited again while being a stay at home mom for my babies. I became obsessed with capturing their little features and all our fun moments together. My first big girl camera was given to me as a gift from my in-laws and I always look back at what a blessing their generosity was. I couldn’t put it down and soon after Memory Lanes was born. I thank God every day for leading me so clearly down this beautiful path and for blessing my family through this business in so many countless ways.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For the most part, I would say that this has been a smooth road. My clients are amazing about sharing my business with their friends so their recommendations are what really got this dream of mine up and running. In the beginning, my biggest struggle was finding spaces to shoot indoors. My dining room had a great light so my husband and I would move the furniture out of this room before every session. The busier I became the more evident it was that it was time for us to move. Now, I have a studio space in our new home with beautiful light and the best part is we no longer have to move our dining room table!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Memory Lanes Photography – what should we know?
I specialize in newborn, maternity, and family photography. I absolutely love, love, love my business! Between cuddling fresh new babies to capturing the pure tender moments of a family session, it is all amazing! Sometimes I have to pinch myself that this is my job! I always say that I want my photos to be something you can feel instead of just a nice photo on the wall. I achieve this by including lots of snuggles, hugs, and belly laughs! My location is something that I am so thankful for as well. I love incorporating natural elements to give my images a more organic touch. Living about an hour north of Chicago provides me with the most incredible location options. Steps outside my door are gorgeous lakes, farms, forests, fields of flowers, and small downtowns rich in history. These locations combined with a gorgeous sunset are the cherry on top of my final photographs!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I feel that my personality is the most important part of my success. Being able to make children, as well as adults, feel comfortable in front of the camera is essential to the final photographs. I love engaging with clients to make their personalities shine through! This also allows me to capture the little moments that can be so easily forgotten but instead will be treasured forever!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.memorylanesphotography.com
- Phone: 815-403-1391
- Email: memorylanesphotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: memory_lanes_photography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/memorylanesphotography
Image Credit:
Memory Lanes Photography, Jessica Lynn Studio
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