Conversations with Shanda McReynolds-Spitzer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanda Mcreynolds-spitzer

Hi Shanda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
For several years, I was seeking a creative outlet. Being married to a photographer, it was normal for him to take several photos while we would be on vacation and/or exploring new places. It became routine for me to ask to borrow one of his cameras. Eventually, he surprised me with my very own camera one Christmas (I think he grew tired of me wanting to use his gear – haha).

I started using my new camera to take photos of abandoned places and doing lots of street photography in downtown Nashville. I would post the images I had taken on my socials and people started asking me to do photos for them. As some of the best things do, it just evolved and became something. Now, it is one of my favorite things about my life, my little photography business.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not a smooth road. Operating a small business is super hard. Operating a small business and working a full time job is extra hard. Operating a small business, working a full ime job, being a wife and mom is GINORMOUSLY hard.

Running a photography business requires so much time and tenacity – you’re creating content, doing adminstrative work, seeking out clients, responding to inquires, booking sessions, coming up with new ideas, photographing, editing, etc.

The combination of how hard and how much you have to work, the self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and comparsion makes the road anything but easy.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I want people to have something tangible that can remind them of times gone by – something that can help them recollect that time, the feelings, those people. Photographs are truly a way to freeze time.

I want the photos I create and share with clients to show that the simiplicity and authenticity of their everyday is beautiful. I strive for non-traditional photo sessions. I don’t need people to pose and smile pretty for every shot. I want them to live and be. I trust that what people will want to have years from now are photos that feel real and true to who they were.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I am in a few different photography groups on social media. That has helped me when I have questions or need advice. In addition, I have befriended fellow photographers – it helps to have people who are “in it” with me.

I also look for educational opportunities with photographers that I admire. It is a good way to grow your knowledge, but also meet and connect with other photogs.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shandaspitzerphotography.com
• Instagram: @shandaspitzerphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shandaphotos