Check Out Shawna Rae’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawna Rae.

Hi Shawna , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey as a photographer hasn’t followed a straight path. It has been full of unexpected turns, U-turns, detours, and moments that tested me, all fueled by a deep love for travel and capturing life’s moments.

I first picked up a camera years ago with my old Fujifilm, using photography as a creative outlet and a way to find peace. On my days off, I would simply grab my camera, pick a direction, and go. I was drawn to abandoned buildings and the way nature always reclaims its space, a quiet reminder of transformation and the beauty that can still exist in what is broken or left behind. That same year, I quit my job, packed my car, and set out on my first long solo road trip with almost no plans. Travel has always made me feel more alive. Today, I’m at 49 states and counting.

Not every moment was picture perfect. Midway through that trip, my car was broken into, and I lost half of my belongings, including my camera. I will never forget driving from Arlington through New York to Boston with a busted window patched in plastic, wind roaring through the car and my emotions swirling just as loudly. When I finally arrived at a friend’s place, she greeted me with a hug, a hot meal, a fresh towel, and 3 shots of tequila. I am so thankful to have her and so amazing friends just like her that are always in my corner and rooting for the comeback

When I returned home to North Dakota, I was encouraged to share my travels and stories online, but the internet can be a tough place. It can be scary to put yourself and your art out into the world. Negative comments made me question myself, and I let them. For a while, I stepped back from sharing my work publicly, but over time I realized that fear of judgment was holding me back from something that brought me so much joy.

Right before COVID, I moved back to Arizona, where I was born and raised, to help care for both of my grandmothers. That time with them was priceless, and I am grateful I was able to be there before they each passed. In between caregiving, I finally replaced my stolen camera with a Canon and began shooting again, but 2020 had other plans, and like so many of us, I had to adjust.

The last few years have brought both challenges and growth. I faced my own health battles, underwent surgery, and was later diagnosed with PCOS, ADHD, POTS, and Endometriosis. But I also began entering photography competitions and won multiple first-place awards. I invested in a Sony mirrorless camera, new gear, and lenses, built my portfolio, and started booking weddings, portraits, events, branding sessions, and boudoir. I have been honored to work as a media photographer for events like the Native American Rodeo, Arizona Bike Week, and Pride in the Pines.

Earlier this year, I left a hostile work environment. After 20 years in the hospitality industry, I took that as a sign from the universe to pour my energy into photography. Since then, I have focused on helping people capture moments they will treasure forever, whether that is preserving milestones, telling their stories, or helping them see their own beauty and confidence reflected back at them.

Do I wish I had started sooner? Absolutely. But it is never too late to chase the work that makes you feel alive. My hope is that through my photography, I can continue to tell stories, preserve memories, and help people see the beauty in themselves and the world around them.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a portrait and event photographer based in Arizona, and my work spans weddings, elopements, maternity, newborns, celebrations of life, branding sessions, boudoir, and live event coverage. I also sell fine art landscape and nature prints, many of which have won first-place awards in photography competitions. My approach is rooted in connection and authenticity. I want clients to feel comfortable, confident, and seen, so their genuine personalities and emotions come through in the images.

What I’m most proud of isn’t just the technical side of my work, but the impact it can have. I’ve had clients tell me that seeing their photos helped them feel beautiful again after major life changes or gave them a cherished keepsake of someone they’ve lost. For me, photography isn’t just about taking pretty pictures, it’s about preserving moments and emotions people can hold onto for a lifetime.

What sets me apart is my ability to adapt and blend my personal travel and storytelling style into each session. I thrive in diverse environments, from capturing fast-paced events to quietly documenting intimate milestones. I know how to make people feel at ease, anticipate their needs, and handle the unexpected with grace. Whether I’m photographing a wedding under a desert sunset or a celebration of life filled with bittersweet moments, my goal is always to create images that feel real, timeless, and deeply personal.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I’m self-taught, so in the beginning, a lot of my growth came from trial and error. There were definitely more “well, that didn’t work” moments than wins at first, but I kept showing up, learning, and trying again. Over time, those “no” moments turned into “yes” moments as my skills and confidence grew.

I also joined a few local photography clubs, which was a game-changer. It took some time to find a group I truly fit into, but once I did, I built friendships and a support system that encouraged me to keep going. Being around other photographers has been invaluable. Whether they’re just starting out or have decades of experience, you learn tips, share ideas, and sometimes even get opportunities you wouldn’t have found on your own.

My advice is to stay curious, show up and be open to connecting with people both in person and online. Attend workshops, local meetups, or art walks. Offer to assist on shoots. Ask questions and be willing to learn. The right mentor or community can challenge you, inspire you, and help you grow faster than you ever could alone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://poplme.co/hash/jg6Bx1uj/1/share
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaw.na.na.photography?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572181563890
• Other: https://shawnarae.darkroom.com/