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Meet Shannon Dia of SDia Photography in Tempe Arizona

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Dia.

Shannon, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?

It started over 15 years ago? Its been awhile, lol! Where I was part of a dance troupe and I would see many photographers taking pictures of various dancers at events and I thought “Hey I can do that! ” Why not combine another passion with another?

So, I started out doing it just for fun, when a few years later my very first mentor Tony Zeh a very talented artist and man of many faces said I needed to start taking my photography to the next level. With a lot of hemming and hawing over it, I took the leap into the jello box and bounced upright.

I have done everything across the board from a Wedding with a Star Wars theme to commercial work for places like Gino’ s pizza to BTS (Behind the scenes) on Indie movie sets and am a part of a team that just finished producing and I also did 2nd camera for Friday the 13th Memoriam Documentary where we spoke with the classic horror actors like Dick Wienad, Tracy Savage Caroline Williams, hosted by Paul Kratka that we have over 60,000 views at last count.

Its been a fun journey and I can’t wait to see what fate has for me behind her door.

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?

As with any artists it’s never a smooth road but that’s what makes it that much more of a challenge and a want to succeed in our dreams. For most of us, it will take a lot of work to get from A to B and I’m ok with that. My favorite quote from Quincy Jones which summed it up nicely and I’m more than likely not saying verbatim but he basically said, “I will forever be a student or there is no point in doing it if you know everything already”.

But to your original question, the biggest struggle is being creative to get your work seen and building the business. I let them feel my work and let it sing to them and see if it fits what they need.I want that connection with my clients to give them memories they will always have close to their heart. As with everything be patient- never give up the ghost. For the spirit lives within you to make it happen.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the SDia Photography story. Tell us more about the business.

Wow, great question… I am probably known more for my own quirky projects, and random photos (I was a ninja in a past life-just ask any of my friends) .

My main passion is helping actors build their work by doing headshots. It may seem a bit extreme for a photographer to do, but I have actually taken acting classes so, I can guide my actor/clients into what I need to make the ultimate photo of them. As I have been told by numerous directors – it’s all in the eye and what message they are sending.

I’m very proud of the fact that I get calls for my commercial work, headshots and crazy pictures of the family pets basically everything and anything.The fact that my work jumps over any boundaries that are needed is where I put the most pride in my business.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?

Yes luck has. You just need to be in the right place at the right time and follow your instinct.  Quietly crossing your fingers and toes with a smile always helps It always works out the way it supposed to  be. Fate always tells you which direction to go.

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Image Credit:
SDia Photography

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