Today we’d like to introduce you to Shan Cathey.
Hi Shan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story sounds pretty cliche but it’s the truth so it’s the only story I have. I started photography because I loved it and it was a way to have a career on my own terms while being a wife and mom. I discovered my love for photography when I was in High School. I remember wanting to document every moment like it was my last. I couldn’t buy a real camera so I bought disposable cameras, then finally bought a polaroid camera. If I dear to dig a little deeper, I believe I documented every memory, good or bad, because one day I woke up and realized I had no pictures from my childhood. It sounds sad lol, but I think it was my way of making up for lost/forgotten times. Creating memories became my reason for being…
I would say my photography is usually a reflection of some feeling I’m projecting. I remember there was a time I was feeling insecure, filled with lots of self-doubts so I created an empowerment campaign where I photographed women in a way that when they saw themselves after the photoshoot, regardless of size, they would be BLOWN away by their images. That campaign turned out to be a success! Later I thought, that women didn’t just wake up and lacked confidence so I started thinking “Well, when exactly did I start to feel that way?” It clicked to me that I always struggled as a teenager. So I created a teen empowerment campaign which also turned out to be a success.
Honestly, there’s no better feeling than dressing up, getting your makeup done or a fresh haircut and showing out in front of the camera. I see beauty in every single one of my clients and they see that beauty through the eye of my lens. Now I mainly focus on Boss Entrepreneurs through Personal Branding Photography and Senior Photography. My overall purpose for what I do is “How can I make a positive impact?” and “How can I make someone love themselves a little bit more today?”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Entrepreneurship and the road to success is never a smooth road. If it were easy then everyone would be doing it. My biggest struggle was prioritizing, delegating tasks, giving up the need to be perfect and the need to always be in control. Also, I was cripplingly afraid of failure and looking silly so sometimes I suffered from a little bit of “analysis paralysis.” Analysis Paralysis is the inability to make a decision due to over-thinking a problem. I’m still working on that part but have also moved into a mental space of “action is better than inaction.” The truth is no matter what, you’re always going to make mistakes along the way. The best you can do is learn, make the necessary changes, then try not to repeat it. All we can do is make the best of the 24 hrs we have in a day.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a photographer that is known for empowering women, I believe in uplifting and encouraging my clients. I understand not everyone is comfortable in front of the camera so my goal is for my clients to have a memorable experience. I specialize in Portraits, Personal Branding, and Senior Photography. What sets me apart from other photographers is that I actually care about knowing who my clients are. Sometimes I connect so quickly with a client that we’ll chat like girlfriends for about 45 minutes before we realized the time had gotten away from us on our zoom. By the time we’ve met for the photoshoot they’re comfortable and prepared because I’m no longer viewed as a stranger. The only left is for us to execute and have fun.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Tenacity, confidence, and perseverance.
Pricing:
- Headshots Starting at $300
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cattyvisions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cattyvisionsphotography/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CattyVisions/
- Other: https://shancathey1.sproutstudio.com/invitation/cattyvisionsdiscoveryphonecall
Image Credits
Shan Cathey
