Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn Handy.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a native of West Philadelphia. I started out rapping as an early passion at nine years old. I had my mind made up that I was going to be a famous rapper. Throughout my teenage years, I continued my pursuit of being a hip hop artist. As time went on, I networked with local artists, Leading to an opportunity to work in the music Industry from Behind the scenes. I transitioned from artistry into assisting operations management for a popular Philadelphia hip-hop artist and a Grammy nominated, multi-platinum producer. From 2013-2017, I Managed Day to Day operations for The well-respected producer. Without plan, I developed a passion for capturing moments on his iPhone at studio sessions and events. It was during my time capturing the art of the entertainment industry I’d say inspired the creation of “handid viewss.” Replacing the c in candid for an authentic touch, I aim to help tell a story through every photo That I capture.
Fast forward, I had been working my 9-5 job and I had no time to really lock in on taking any pictures or videos.MY fiancé who is actually a documentary filmmaker director is currently working on her project so I would still be close to the creative world. I would tag along with her on shoots, assist her for the day by carrying cameras, making sure battery was charged the night before, road trips to other cities, even stood in and captured one of the subjects of her films scenes. I was recently let go from my job due to COVID and I believe that was the push that I needed to really dive into my passion. I had been researching cameras for some time and I was in between a Nikon and a cannon. Then the universe helped me make the choice, I went on twitter and saw a post for Nikon’s free online courses for the month of April. After that, I followed up with the courses purchased my camera a few weeks later and now you got Handid Viewss.
Has it been a smooth road?
I would say it has been a curvy, bumpy road. The reason why I say that is because for the past five years, I have been chasing this feeling that I feel now. When I was running around with those artists and producers, I was certain that I was where I was supposed to be and with who I was supposed to be. I’m talking long studio sessions, late night hours, it was my choice of course and I wouldn’t take it back. One of the biggest struggles was when I forced my leap of faith I like to call it leap of fake haha because I ignored my gut feeling. The moment my friend told me that I should come out to LA and make that my move I just went along with it because I was convinced that was what I had to do. So lied to my family when they asked was everything situated for me out there. I was afraid if I told them the truth that they would tell me the harsh truth that I wasn’t ready to hear. I needed that truth and it took me two years to be able to take full accountability and reflect on that situation. So I’d say that was one of the biggest struggles for me.coming back home after attempting to live the dream in LA and have to come back home to sleep in a car bed in your sister’s house was a low point for me.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Handid Viewss – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
So my company/brand is Handid Viewss freelance creative specializing in photography. As a fairly new creative starting out, I am most proud of the support that I’ve been receiving. The encouragement has been amazing and the growth that people tell me they notice inspires me as well. What sets me apart from others is my work ethic. My goal is to always have something to edit. If I don’t have something to edit, I go find it. I will look on social media and if anyone has an event, I will pull up, shoot and network. I’m not scared to go hunt.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
The thing that I like most about my city is the hustler energy that it breeds. That fearless go get it energy is all around here. What I dislike about my city is the lack of unity. Some people are trying but I think the effort could be a lot greater. We have people like hip-hop first 48 who highlights a lot of people and are bringing people together or wallo267, it has to get better. If I could change anything, it would be the amount of support we show each other. Not waiting until someone with a blue check on Instagram repost them and cosigns them before we support them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://handidviewss.myportfolio.com
- Phone: 2676029562
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handidviewss/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/shawnhandy_
Image Credit:
Shawn Handy, Shizzie Who
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