Today we’d like to introduce you to Shakeema Layne.
Hi Shakeema, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a love of taking pictures. When I was a small child one of my favorite things to do was to sit on the floor and flip through all the albums my mom put together over the years. I loved seeing myself so small at my first birthday party, and images of my mother at her high school graduation and images of my grandmother when she was younger. It was pure joy for me. As I grew that joy turned into me wanting to document everything and I always had a 110 camera on hand. As a young adult, I took on photographing events at my church and then after marrying my husband and discovering a mutual love for photography we decided to pursue photography professionally.
Alright, 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?
I’ve faced some struggles, most notably during COVID. We had just opened a studio space in our local mall and was gaining more visibility to the surrounding communities we served but just 6 months into it mandates required the mall to close. Like many small businesses, although we couldn’t conduct business, we were still required pay monthly on the lease and maintain the insurance required by our lease agreement and unfortunately, with no income coming in to support those costs we made the difficult decision to walk away from our dream studio space.
Now with a new dream in heart I am working hard to grow my business and become more known in my area.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Professional photographer specializing in helping families feel celebrated, empowered & loved by creating custom designed portrait sessions that highlight life as it is today so they can remember it tomorrow. I’m not like the typical photographer who sends a client a gallery link and let them deal with the overwhelm of what to do next with the images. I make sure my clients receive what they really want; Printed images (wall art) that they can proudly display in their homes, and passed down for generations.
I guide my clients through every little step helping them with clothing selections, locations, posing, and what images will look best in their homes along and then personally deliver their custom designed wall art and heirloom albums.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I love listening to any podcast hosted by a photographer who is where I want to be in my business. I believe in finding someone who’s already been where you are, and have achieved what you want to achieve and soaking up all the wisdom they have to offer. As far as books, my Bible is the book I look to to help me do my best in life.
Pricing:
- All my sessions are custom to each client and based on their unique needs. But a starting price for sessions is $250
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wlphotographs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wlphotographs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wlphotog/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWCmRGxptM05fQIr4tR3nYA
