Today we’d like to introduce you to Wynter Shetley
Hi Wynter, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have loved photography ever since my early teenage years. It all started when I begged my parents for a camera for Christmas, which was a tiny cheap one but little did I know it lead to more of a passion of mine that would unravel in the years to follow. I then got another camera for Christmas right around my beginning years of high school which I took everywhere! I would do these creative shoots with my friends before instagram was a thing. I took it to parties which made me become more entertained with the “in the moment” shots. Eventually I finally bought a more upgraded version after high school, and got even more obsessed. A couple years later, I moved to Alaska. From that time in my life, I was more inspired to be a landscape photographer and even fantasized about being a travel photographer(I sometimes still dream about it!). So I did my research and decided to buy a Canon 80D. That’s when I wanted to start a career out of this passion of mine. I didn’t know where to start at the time, so when I eventually moved back, I started taking more pictures of people. I decided I actually liked this a lot better and fell in love with the whole “in the moment” idea all over again. I would assist in weddings, but my first real wedding I shot alone was in Alaska for a friend. I absolutely loved it! I did another one in 2021, but was down on myself after I expected a better reaction. That lead to a hiatus for about a year. I didn’t know I needed that because after that year I came back stronger than I have ever been. This year I have had more leads than I’ve ever had and I now have the confidence that this career of mine will finally be taking off!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As I have mentioned before, I was very lost on how and where to start. I knew that this was something I wanted to do for life and didn’t eventually think of this until I was in my 20’s. I began to start taking it seriously when I started taking pictures of people. As a perfectionist and an artist, I know a lot of artists could possibly relate but I have a hard time letting go of comparison and people-pleasing. In the aspect that you want the client to be overly excited with your art, and to make sure you stand out with originality. Since this industry has gotten so saturated over the last couple of years, that has been a challenge in itself. I’ve just learned that you can’t please everyone and that you must be confident in your work no matter what, because some people may sense that you aren’t in which they might not want to book you because of that. Confidence is key!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I run a photography business that focuses on weddings, couples, and families. I take pride in making sure my client’s galleries are a representation of their unique love. Most of my photography focuses on being more in nature and capturing that essence, which gives my work a more natural flare. It’s for the adventurous, the spontaneous, and people that just like to have fun with their creative side. What I’m most proud of with my brand is that it has a more fun side yet I still get to capture jaw-dropping stills and with that I feel that sometimes you can’t take life so seriously! I want to make sure my clients are comfortable enough to have fun but also show me their vulnerable beautiful side. I have a variety of packages from family sessions, to couples and engagements, to three different wedding packages! I also have been super into film as of late and recently added some film add-ons you can add onto any package! I also have destination quotes that are customized to your destination.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I have always been creative. I loved drawing and painting as a kid, so much that my mom thought I was going to be an artist someday. I then got super into music later on and got my first guitar when I was 11. So they then thought I was going to be a musician. Little did they know that later on I would eventually pour all my creativity into photography. I still have my passions for those other parts of me that I will fall into in my free time but nothing beats having to pick my camera up and snap away on each and every clients moments that are all special in their own way. I was also very shy growing up, eventually breaking out of my shell midway through high school, but I don’t think I could ever have my moment being a musician It would take a lot in me to perform to an audience. Although I had tried to get into open mic acts before COVID happened. So who knows where my destiny would be if we didn’t have that COVID reset? I will say that I don’t regret it one bit where I’ve landed in this direction.
Pricing:
- Family Photography starting at $300
- Couples & Engagement Photography starting at $250
- Wedding’s starting at $1500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wyntersphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wyntswonderlandphoto?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067053489364&mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
