Today we’d like to introduce you to Shayla Samples.
Shayla, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was a sophomore in high school when I can vividly remember a teacher asking me, “What do you want your major to be in college?” Without hesitation I responded, “Photography.” I spent countless hours in the darkroom in high school where I completely fell in love with the whole process of watching my photographs develop right in front of my eyes. I even interned at a local photography studio. I then decided to go to Columbia College Chicago, where I got a Bachelor of Arts in Photography. While I worked other jobs throughout college and after, I spent time building my clientele and went full time, opening my studio in Dwight, IL in 2012. While I started out photographing almost any project that came my way, I now specialize in Weddings, High School Seniors and Lifestyle photography.
Reality is, I’ve always loved taking photos, as I grew up with a family where someone was always capturing a moment. Being able to look back at memories that otherwise may have been forgotten, is so important to me. I’ve learned how short life can really be and being able to freeze those moments for families is what really drives me to be the best photographer I can. As I look back at my journey as a photographer, the amount of love, laughs, celebrations, milestones and memories I’ve captured for people is what makes my heart sing. The fact that people invite me into their home or have me capture some of the most intimate moments in their lives is truly the best compliment I could ever receive.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being an entrepreneur/small business owner isn’t an easy road but I wouldn’t choose any other path. The photo shoots end up being the ‘easy’ part… but no one prepares you for all the other aspects of owning a small business. What people may not realize, is that this means I have to be a marketing guru, accountant, rockstar at customer service, constantly keep social media booming all while trying to keep my head in the creative game. Overall, time management has to be one of the hardest things to manage. While making my own schedule can have its benefits, lunch date anyone? 😉 … it’s hard to take a day off. It can be pretty challenging to make your schedule so you still get some “me time”. I tend to have to remind myself pretty often to “turn-off” work in the evenings, and it is ok to take a weekday off if that meant I spent all weekend shooting. Even though all of those aspects are tough – I wouldn’t want any other career.
Please tell us about Shayla Loring Photography.
Shayla Loring Photography specializes in Weddings, High School Seniors and Lifestyle sessions. I photograph roughly 15 weddings a year which allow time to focus not only on those select couples but be able to offer other sessions. I have a High School Senior Modeling team referred to as the “SLP Model Squad” – where seniors can be part of an exclusive group to maximize their senior session experience. The Model Squad is offered bonus shoots, usually themed or partnering with a local boutique. Not to mention they have the opportunity to be entered into a National Model Competition with destination sessions involved! Senior year is such a crazy awesome time in our lives that I want my seniors to walk away feeling confident in their own skin and be able to gain friendships they might not have otherwise made. This year my models come from six different schools – so it is really fun to get them together!
As much as I love seniors, weddings and families have my heart too. I value my personal family albums and photographs so much, I pass that on to my clients. I believe that photographs are meant to be a tangible item meant to pass on to future generations. Which is why I offer custom albums with every wedding collection… which many couples thank me for that. After all, your wedding is the start of your family legacy, and who wouldn’t want to view that album with their grand kids in 50 years?!
Pricing:
- Wedding Collections start at $2700
- Lifestyle Sessions start at $100
- Senior Sessions start at $150
Contact Info:
- Website:Â www.shaylaloring.com
- Email:Â shaylaloring@gmail.com
- Instagram:Â www.instagram.com/shaylaloring
- Facebook:Â www.facebook.com/shaylaloringphotography
Image Credit:
My headshot photographed by Rebecca Campbell Photography– All other photos by Shayla Loring Photography
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