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Meet LaShawnda Jones of SH Images

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Today we’d like to introduce you to LaShawnda Jones.

Thanks for sharing your story with us LaShawnda. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
I’ve been a struggling creative all my life. At the age of six, I began journaling, and when I was ten, I received my first camera, a Vivtar 110. For many years my journaling consisted of a written prayer for God to deliver me from an abusive parent. Through my adolescence, those prayers began forming poems – by that time the bad parent was out of the household.

By high school, I was writing short stories and outlines for novels that were, in hindsight, all about me finding and using my voice. From the early days, my camera has been used to capture life as it was. I’ve always been enamored with candid images. Not giving people time or opportunity to put on their facade for what they imagine would be a perfect image — capturing a landscape or street for a time snapshot.

I took Photography 101 in college but didn’t have the time or money to pursue it. But the few images I took and developed by hand during that semester became the foundation of a lifelong passion. Fourteen years ago, I moved to New York City from Milwaukee, Wisconsin with the intention of pursuing my writing career and publishing other creative works.

Unfortunately, the demands of the City meant obtaining a full-time salaried job to maintain a roof over my head and food in my belly. So my writing and publishing remained hobbies. Prior to arriving in New York, I had published my first book of poetry and my first full-figured fashion calendar. During my time in the City, I published another calendar and volume of poetry followed by three non-fiction books that explored my embarking on a faith journey.

During this time, I also purchase my first mirrorless digital camera and began actively practicing photography as an amateur. During my years of practice, I focused on travel, cityscapes, landscapes, street, portraits, real estate, event, and promotional photography.

Last year, I quit my corporate job and moved to Southern Arizona. Again the goal was to focus on my writing and photography. And again, the ever-pressing need for steady income tarnished my fresh start. This time, however, in an attempt to blend my daily work with my passion, I picked a new career with built-in flexibility – real estate agent. As a realtor, I can do my own real estate photography while capturing the surrounding landscapes and city as well.

Additionally, in an effort to get to know my new community, I volunteered my services to a couple of organizations. I’m keen on contributing to throughout the next year or two, not only did this get me out into the community, it helped me quickly build a regional portfolio of work. So far this year, I have been the event photographer for the Tucson Women’s March and the promotional photographer for the Marana Film Committee.

Later this year, I will publish my sixth book which is a departure from my prior works but also a culmination of everything I’ve ever done. It will be a photo and essay book titled “I Am Woman: Experiences of Black Womanhood in America.” My images will compliment an anthology of poetry, prayer, prose and historic speeches from women brave enough to speak their truth.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I used to wonder how I would ever be able to create when my life became easy. I shouldn’t have worried about such nonsense! There has been no easy, smooth or comfortable road for me at any stage of my life.

My difficulties have not been the same throughout the years, but I do think being alone for most of my life have made a lot of things much harder than they otherwise would have been. In this regard, I spent a lot of years wishing, praying and hoping for someone to come along to alleviate some of my burdens.

Over the last few years, I’ve learned to embrace my aloneness, singleness, and solitude. This has opened me to more risks, opportunity, and enjoyment of my gifts.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with SH Images – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I bill myself as a writer, publisher, and photographer. My writing is primarily a series of sharing how I apply Biblical principles and teachings to my daily life and regular challenges.

My photography is all about capturing the natural essence of my subject. The feedback I’ve received on my work confirms the effort is successful. I am extremely proud of the fact that I continue to grow and evolve in ways I have not imagined. I used to think I would develop my creative skills in quiet patches of life.

But when life is quiet, I simply rest. The chaos of life has continually changed my eye, my focus and my vision. For example a few years ago I began photographing marches and protests for social justice. These images are now a large part of my work.

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
Participating in my first gallery show in New York City.

Pricing:

  • Desert of Solitude: Refreshed by Grace ($16.99, available on Amazon and BN.com)
  • My God and Me: Listening, Learning and Growing on My Journey ($15.99, available on Amazon and BN.com)

Contact Info:

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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