Today we’d like to introduce you to Chaney Reinshuttle.
Hi Chaney, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My love of photography and videography was really brought to life when I met my stepson, Joseph. Our time with him was so limited, and I wanted to make sure I captured every moment and could look back on those memories when he wasn’t around. I vividly remember the night before our first family vacation; I went into Best Buy and picked up a little point-and-shoot camera for $200. The photos from that trip are priceless and I still look back on them to this day! But I had a vision in my mind and photos I wanted to take on that trip, which simply couldn’t be done with that camera.
So, after about six months of saving and researching, I bought my first camera body + lens in December of 2017. I was the second shooter for my first wedding in March of 2018 and made my first wedding video in May of 2018. I did portrait sessions and weddings “on the side” for more than two years, and then during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and at 8 months pregnant I was laid off from my full time job. I was devastated and scared. But I look back and realize that this ‘plot twist’ was truly a defining moment in my life. At a time when I so easily could have fallen into a depression, I made the choice to fight for myself and my happiness and immediately began pursuing my business full time. With the freedom to book sessions any day, any time, I was able to accommodate more clients than ever before! Not only was my business surviving during the pandemic, but it was also thriving.
Most recently, I was able to build a completely customized photography studio in my hometown of Waller, Texas to better accommodate my clients. I have finally graduated from shooting sessions in my dining room, and storing props in my garage! In less than three months since the grand opening, I’ve had newborns, boudoir clients, and even hosted a round of mini sessions. I can’t wait for all the sessions to come!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t like to focus on the “struggles”. I have been so incredibly blessed and everything that has happened to me has happened to me for a reason. Not only that; every situation I’ve faced has worked out in my highest favor. For example, I was able to pursue this passion “on the side” for two years before going full time. Because of that, I was able to reinvest every penny I made into my company. I am proud to have the best lenses, the best camera bodies, the best memory cards and lighting and computers to edit on. The little hiccups I’ve had along the way have been so minor in comparison to the blessings I’ve received and continue to receive, it doesn’t feel right to discuss them.
But with that being said, it has NOT always been a smooth road. As business owners, we have to attack problems as they happen, no matter the financial or emotional toll. My most persistent challenge is also been my biggest blessing – having my babies. My biological sons, Dakota and Reagan, are 15 months apart. Any mother can agree, it’s a challenge to meet their physical and emotional needs while also catering to our own physical and emotional needs. But when you add a global pandemic, growing a business, and managing a household; it becomes even more difficult and you pretty much always feel like you’re failing in at least one area of your life. If the kids are good and my business is good, you can be sure that I am falling apart. Alternatively, if my kids are good and I’m good, I’m behind on my editing and the house is a wreck. It’s a fantastic balancing act that I’ve yet to master, but as the boys get older I feel like it’s getting easier.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
If I had to pick one thing, I would say that I’m most known for my vivid, true-to-life editing style. I don’t turn your skin orange, I don’t make your eyes grey, and the grass in my pictures is still green. I don’t fall into the trendy, muddy-looking edits that people are going to hate in 10 years. I keep it real.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Integrity. Doing the right thing, even when nobody is watching and you have nothing to gain. Kindness. Being considerate of each person I meet and giving them the best possible experience.
Love. Give love freely and unapologetically. You never know who needs it.
Pricing:
- Wedding Videography – Starts at $600
- Wedding Photography – Starts at $1600
- Portrait Sessions – Start at $250
- Newborn Sessions – Start at $500
- Seasonal Mini Sessions – Start at $150
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pineandbear.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/pineandbearproductions
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/pineandbear
- Other: www.tiktok.com/@pineandbear
