Shannon Payne shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Shannon, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I spend my first 90 minutes of the day setting the tone for the day. I wake up around 5:30am, grab a cup of coffee, and head out to my back porch. I read the Bible every morning. So I always say I start my mornings with coffee and Jesus!
After that I grab breakfast and head to the gym. I love working out and have made it a priority in my schedule. So I schedule my workouts just like I schedule my photography sessions.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Shannon – a wife, boy mom, dog mom, and photographer. I have been a Nashville newborn and baby photographer for the past 15 years. I get to snuggle babies and call it work, so I am living my dream job! I always tell my clients being a photographer must be what it feels like to be a grandma. I get to play with babies, and then hand them back.
I’ve learned through photo sessions with my own family, that the prep and planning for a session can be stressful. So I’ve taken an approach at my studio to provide everything for my clients. My clients are busy, and if I can take anything off their plate to make things less stressful, that is my goal. My full service studio includes all props and a full wardrobe, so clients don’t have to bring a thing.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
I would say my dad taught me my work ethic. He never demanded things from me, but he guided me by teaching me to believe in myself. If I ever said I can’t do something, he would tell me “Can’t is not a word. You can do anything.” I’ve taken that mindset with me since I was a little girl.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You are strong and you can do anything. I grew up thinking that I could rely on my parents or as I got older I could rely on my husband. I didn’t give myself enough credit that I could do anything I put my mind to. As I look back on my life, I do see times that I gave up. Not because I couldn’t do it, but because I didn’t want to try hard enough. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve had a mindset shift. I will work my butt off to make something happen. Tell me I can’t? I’ll work even harder!
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Oh my family for sure. I live and breathe for my husband and my two boys. I am a true momma bear at heart. Even though my boys are growing up – they are 19 and 16 – if you mess with them, you will have to go through me first! I love big, and my family is my whole world.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
That is a great question! I am a home body, so I love being at home. With my boys being older, I feel the most peace when they both are at home. I love to have “all my chicks are in the nest”. I do feel at peace in the beach at sunset. I am up for that anytime!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shannonpaynephotography.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/shannonpaynephotography
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonpaynephotography/
- Twitter: https://x.com/PayneShannonSPP
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonpaynephotography/
- Yelp: https://www.facebook.com/shannonpaynephotography/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nashvillenewbornphotographer
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/shannonpayne/
https://www.threads.com/@shannonpaynephotography
Image Credits
Headshot: Lisa Rhea Photography
