Today we’d like to introduce you to Shandi Powell
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Photography has always been a part of my story, going all the way back to my high school years when I joined the yearbook staff as a sophomore. For three years, I had the privilege of documenting school events, friendships, and milestones, and that experience sparked a love for storytelling through images that has stayed with me ever since.
Even though life took me in different directions after high school, photography remained a constant. It wasn’t until I became a mom, though, that I truly understood its power. Capturing everyday moments of my family made me realize how precious and fleeting time is, and that passion for preserving memories reignited the spark I first felt back in my yearbook days.
With the support of my husband, a firefighter, and our two boys, I officially launched my photography business after years of nurturing this creative outlet. I quickly realized that photography isn’t just about taking beautiful pictures—it’s about building connections, telling stories, and helping people see the beauty in their lives and relationships.
Today, I specialize in wedding and portrait photography, working with couples and families in the Eastern, NC area. My work is rooted in creating a comfortable, guided experience that allows my clients to relax and enjoy their time in front of the camera. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, from learning the basics as a teenager to capturing life’s most meaningful moments for others. Every session is a reminder of why I started: to celebrate love, connection, and the beauty of everyday life.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all—like any meaningful journey, it’s been full of challenges and lessons. When I first started, I faced the same doubts many small business owners do: questioning whether I was good enough, wondering if I could stand out in such a competitive industry. Balancing a growing business with being a mom to two young boys and supporting my husband’s demanding career as a firefighter wasn’t always easy. There were late nights spent editing, early mornings juggling family life, and plenty of trial and error along the way.
One of the biggest hurdles was learning how to truly value my work—not just in terms of pricing but in understanding the impact I could make by helping people preserve their most cherished memories. It took time to feel confident in my style and trust that my approach would resonate with the right clients.
Building a business from scratch also meant navigating the technical side of things—marketing, bookkeeping, and systems I had no experience with initially. But each obstacle taught me something valuable, and those struggles ultimately helped me create a business I’m deeply proud of.
Every step, no matter how difficult, has made the road ahead that much more rewarding.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in wedding, lifestyle, and family portrait photography, focusing on capturing authentic moments that tell a story. My work is known for its airy, light elegant aesthetic and the genuine emotion it evokes. I take pride in creating an experience where clients feel comfortable, confident, and free to be themselves in front of the camera.
What sets me apart is my ability to guide clients through the process, from the initial consultation to the final gallery delivery. Many of my clients come to me feeling nervous about being photographed, and I take pride in helping them relax and enjoy the experience. By providing direction and encouragement throughout the session, I ensure that their personalities and connections shine through in the final images.
I’m most proud of the intentionality behind my work. I approach every session with a focus on creating meaningful images that will become cherished memories for my clients. At its core, my work is about more than just photography—it’s about celebrating love, connection, and the beauty of life’s fleeting moments. That’s what drives everything I do.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something surprising that most people might not know about me is that my path to becoming a professional photographer has been anything but straightforward. While my journey with photography began in high school as part of the yearbook staff, life took me in many different directions after graduation. I’ve worked as a cosmetologist, a medical assistant while attending school for my bachelors in nursing, but I’m currently an orthodontic assistant. Through it all, photography remained a constant—a creative outlet that I always returned to.
It wasn’t until I began capturing moments of my own family that I realized the true power of photography. With the guidance and mentorship of The Pearl Collective, I was able to refine my skills and turn this lifelong passion into a business that aligns with my creative vision.
Another unique part of my story is how much my husband’s career as a firefighter has shaped my approach. Watching his dedication to serving others has inspired me to bring the same sense of purpose and care to my photography. For me, it’s about more than taking beautiful photos—it’s about telling meaningful stories and creating lasting memories for the people I work with.
Pricing:
- •Wedding Portrait (8hr day) starts at $3,000
- •Hourly Portrait Session starts at $350
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shandipowellphotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shandipowellphotography/profilecard/?igsh=MXE3ejE3ZHN1NjFzZQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/12HN1eAXp7m/?mibextid=wwXIfr
