Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannan Victoria.
Hi Shannan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am Shannan Victoria, the founder and photographer of Isla Ann Photography! I named Isla Ann Photography after my grandmother who was the daughter of a Hollywood Director and an amazing photographer herself who instilled in me a love for the art at a very young age and my daughter who inspired me to make this art into my life’s work.
After graduating a year early from Friendswood High School and being a member of HOSA I attended medical school. I’ve worked in many different industries from owning boutiques to real estate but the one thing that always remained a constant is my love of photography. I believe having eclectic life experiences have made me a better photographer and teacher.
In May 2023 I graduated with my degree in Digital Media Arts & Photography from Cornell University. It has been my mission to bring back the old school community focused walk-in portrait studios with a major modern twist. By mixing today’s technology, digital advancements, streamlined online ordering and high quality luxury products I aim to provide all my clients with the most beautiful, effortless and enjoyable experiences. I also believe your photographer should be your neighbor and your friend there for you through all of you and your children’s milestones throughout life. Although boudoir, bumps and babies are my specialty, I enjoy all studio photography including commercial and editorial as well and anything that lets me jump out of the creative box in new, challenging and exciting ways.
Since 2013 I have specialized in all fine art portraiture photography of newborns, headshots, weddings, boudoir, maternity, seniors, engagements, families, kids, modeling, bands, first responders and commercial clients. I enjoy teaching photography classes to kids and hosting workshops for fellow photographers as well as mentoring intern photographers and independents who work for me. The GM of a large luxury car company once referred to me as “the fixer” because she loved my headshot editing so much and the term just stuck. I have had the honor of shooting headshots for many different industries from industrial to realtors to Nasa engineers to police officers to medical offices to NFL hall of famers. I have had the privilege of having my work published in magazines as well as being commissioned to do photoshop and editing for other photographers.
I moved back home to Friendswood with my daughter in 2022 where I grew up, and I am happy to be back in this town that I love so much where I get to watch my daughter grow up and make her own memories. The concept of Isla Ann Photography was born in 2013 while attending my daughter’s newborn photoshoot with Robin of Moments before Tomorrow Photography. I remember thinking, I can’t believe this is a real job, it looks like such a dream occupation. My photoshoot was a bright light in the haze of the newborn days and one of the happiest moments in the trenches of never ending bottles and diaper changes. I was learning to be a mom and what that new identity looks like and I was so grateful to my photographer for capturing such special memories that I look back on to this day and an investment you never regret. After experiencing two other miscarriages, I appreciated those saved memories with my daughter, my rainbow baby, more now than ever. My photographer was now part of my village and support, that is so important when bringing tiny humans into the world. I realized I looked forward to celebrating every milestone in my daughter’s life with my photographer, from newborn to sitting on her half birthday to her first birthday cake smash session . I knew my calling was to not only make beautiful art but to make people feel beautiful. I wanted to become the village for new moms too. New mother’s mental health will always be priority for me and something I advocate for, as I have navigated the baby blues and baby loss myself I recognize the storms us women weather. And so, with humble beginnings and a whole lot of guts I opened my first studio in my home in 2021 and then in a broom closet sized space in Kemah in the fall of 2021 when the world started to open back up. In 2022 I moved my studio to Friendswood at Park District while working for Memorial Hermann as their newborn photographer. In 2024 I moved the studio into a bigger space at the Friendswood Uniplex. While I specialize in photographing newborns in the hundreds now, I have found a passion for all things studio. I am so happy and honored to be a part of your story and your village.
I believe in supporting other members of my industry and community. I often give back by offering free photography services to first responders, animal shelters, parent teacher organizations, nonprofits, schools, churches and women joining the workforce. I am most known for being a ‘baby photographer’. I have photographed hundreds of newborns including many photographer’s own babies. Truly the best part of my job is being invited back into “my studio babies” lives for all their milestones and watching them grow. While my specialty may be boudoir, bumps and babies, I am truly grateful to all my clients for trusting me with documenting their lives in all stages.
I understand taking pictures is not everyone’s favorite pastime. If the thought of being in front of a camera or wrangling little ones into posing is cringe-worthy trust me Ive been there and you are in the right place and in good hands because I love changing that for my clients! I love to laugh and have fun in every session I do. Every shot I take is aimed with patience, confidence, a trained eye, a whole lot of love and a little bit of photoshop. I am a fan of real raw photos as much as I am a fan of photoshop magic, I love whichever style my clients love and enjoy the process of turning their photograph dreams into a reality. I aim to find the uniqueness and magic inside every client and family because that is where the best photos are made and the reason my clients come to me. And so in family and kid sessions, we dance, we laugh, we act silly, and we have a great time. My favorite compliment is always when clients say “that was fun and easy” after a session and then the “omg I love my photos!” email following a gallery release. It is not the perfectly posed smiles we remember, it is the captured candid moments when we least expect it that often make for the best and most beloved photos over time. I love working with children and animals the most for their unyielding unpredictability and the fun authentic spirit they bring to photos. I believe that personalities are way better than perfect poses. I believe in every milestone being captured. I believe every body should be empowered.
Finding a good photographer is like finding a new best friend to be there for you through your biggest life moments! I am truly grateful every day for this journey and all the interesting and amazing people I have met along the way. I have pep talked nervous brides, cried with new moms, held brand new babies, and won over shy toddlers and reluctant dads. Being a photographer is a work of heart. I feel so lucky to have found this calling and clients who quickly turn into family.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Every business definitely has a lot of growing pains, but I come from a family who are all entrepreneurs, so adaptability is second nature. My grandfather and my mother, both being the biggest supporters and inspirations for me in their own businesses. would say “adopt or die”, “make it happen” and “always look ahead and around corners” as their favorite business sayings. Businesses need to evolve and it’s important that you are changing along with it to be successful. I have had to learn a lot of lessons the harder way, keep what works, lose what doesn’t, and keep moving forward. Clients can tell when you are authentic and enjoy your business. Over the years my business has also changed with my own interests as well. I think it’s the most important to always be passionate about whatever it is that you are doing, as it shows in every aspect of your business. When you go into business for yourself, all your failures and successes are completely your own.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are a Friendswood Portrait Studio that specializes in all photography for Boudoir, Bumps, and Babies!
A luxury experience at affordable prices for all Maternity, Newborn, Boudoir, Headshot and Family photography sessions.
We believe in every body being celebrated, and every story being told!
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happiest about this passion project that I call a business is not only the freedom that I have in my own life, but the joy I get from all of the families I get to meet who quickly become like family to me, all the stories I have the pleasure of knowing and documenting through my favorite art of photography, and sharing that joy and business with other photographers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.Islaannphotography.Com
Image Credits
Shannan Victoria
Isla Ann Photography
