Shaunna Kay | Photography & Design | Portland, OR

Let us be honest, photographers are becoming a dime a dozen these days due to the increase of cellphones and filters (and narcissism, just joking). It is truly a dying art. No longer is it required that you prove yourself a true photographer by breaking out of your comfort zone and testing your limits in order to get that perfect SOOC shot. Now, there is a plethora of men and women selling actions and presets to perfect those images for you. Manual mode is a foreign setting that seems to be "not needed" in order to call yourself a photographer. The rule of thirds is known by very few and many think that because they bought a $2,000 camera, that they are at the professional level with the rest. Little did they know that it is the person, not the camera, that makes the shot epic. Of course, lenses play a big part, but perspective is still the key. It is not to belittle those that unknowingly fall under the above category, it is simply to express a dying art that seems to be only seen in National Geographic or by educated graduates of the arts. There are the rare few that are extremely talented, gifted, and have the eye. Those are true proteges, to say the least.

My name is Shaunna. I started my photography business over ten years ago, before the rush of filters and phones. I was living abroad in Germany and had the opportunity to shoot for the German government and NATO when they were based in Heidelberg, Germany. My work was sought after and appreciated. I was able to advance my art by entering several different cultures all over Europe and the study the art further through years of education.

It was not until I returned to the states a few years later that I discovered how the aura of photography had drastically changed. It was no longer considered a serious work of art.

It was hard to find my position amongst the rest that brought a unique perspective to the trade. People in the states cared more about cheap sessions with digital copies to call their own, so they can go to Snapfish to print out these captured moments. The professionals who truly worked hard to be in the position they were in seemed forced to accommodate them in order to even get business. It is all around a sad time for a photographer unless you are one of the lucky ones to score a job with National Geographic or Discovery or live abroad in Europe where the art of photography is still valued.

While my blog post sits here in the middle of very impressive and talented men and women photographers, I dare not say that my style of photography is the best.

There is always room for growth in this line of work. Beauty will always remain in the eye of the beholder. As a client, it would behoove you to find a photographer that shares your unique definition of beauty, where their art speaks to you, and where you know that they will capture exactly what you are looking for. You would want to be proud to have something printed and treasured for future generations; not something buried amongst your Instagram photos on your phone and social media accounts.

I welcome you to visit my site and see for yourself if this form of art is something you see as beauty. I find Picasso to have a horrible taste in art, but yet he's a master for all time. Instead of bragging about my pieces, I invite you to challenge yourself to find a photographer just for you. Don't look for the cheapest. Look for one that sees what you want and can deliver. If that so happens to be me, then I am flattered. If it is not, then I will be thankful for you passing me up because I hate to disappoint my clients {smile}. 

Seek out what speaks to you! And may we never lose sight of the true art of photography....

 

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