HEY FRIENDS,
I’M SHAINA
YOUR PERTH & SOUTH WEST PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER
Born and raised in the beautiful south-west pocket of WA, sleepy Albany was my hometown. Being the middle child, you could’ve described one of my personal traits as “some-what rebellious”. Throughout my primary and middle-school years, I never really felt I had a sense of belonging. Unless the subject involved bring creative, I would easily find myself distracted. My days would consist of counting down the hours left in school to head home and run around the neighbourhood bush bare feet with the boys on the street until sundown. Being creative and outdoors was my outlet – what made me feel like I belonged.
Being creative and outdoors was my outlet
I was thirteen when my folks thought it was an amazing idea and life changing experience to take myself and siblings out of school to be home schooled, buy a 40ft bus and trailer and sell our home to explore the countless highways of Australia – obviously, I didn’t, at the time.
To help with this new transition, I was involuntarily awarded the responsibility to document our experience with our very first digital camera – I wasn’t aware that this very moment would help develop the individual I am today.
The only relationship I had with photography, was my addiction to the National Geographic magazines and a small encyclopedia series that we used for school projects (way before internet was a trend). I remember being stuck on an image, in awe, closely studying it and asking myself questions.
I witnessed countless sunrises and sunsets over the vast array of landscapes around Australia. The culture and history I learnt, and the people who were willing to share their stories made my home, Australia, so unique and raw. I wanted to hear more from the people. Observing, documenting, and sharing these memories became an obsession of mine.
Photography became my escape from the adult world. It bought me happiness and clarity. I would find any excuse to take a friend on a road trip, chase a sunset, explore, and get creative.
It wasn’t until living in Sheffield, UK, I had the desire to take my photography further and dive into the self-employed category. Returning to Perth gave me endless opportunities to continue.
This 33 year old, self-employed, happily married lady is ready to knock your socks off!
I am very grateful for the unconditional love and support from my husband, family and friends from different corners of the world. They have taught me to be open, honest, and true to myself. They have taught me to never give up on my passion even when times become uninspiring.
MY APPROACH
Photography has been an essential part of my journey.
I class myself as a photographer of life – there are so many genres of photography I enjoy. I can never pigeonhole myself into one area when the opportunities and people I meet are endless.
Clients change, my environment changes. However, my values keep my work consistent.
My approach is slow and intentional – don’t get me wrong, when the opportunity arises I enjoy to party, take my shoes off and adapt to fast-paced moments. But I also like to take my time and really discover the more honest moments happening around me.
The perks of being a generalist – I am inspired by challenge and change.
There are two forces that drive my work:
I.
a photojournalistic approach to capture every raw moment, big or small.
II.
an editorial twist for the artistic photos that help stitch the whole story together – environment, connection and details.
I never really mastered the work of an author. Being able to express myself through words proved to be uninspiring. Procrastinating or distractions usually take over.
However, storytelling through imagery is another kettle of fish. I am not here to show up with a camera in my hand and place you in a few predictable, stiff poses. I want you to trust me, allow me to get down to the nitty gritty of details, spending every minute getting to know you, observing, and capturing your connection with one another.
These MOMENTS OF VULNERABILITY and the LITTLE IMPERFECTIONS help me create a timeless visual representation of your UNIQUE NARRATIVE. A personal journal that you can take home, prop on a shelf, and whip out to reminisce with a glass of wine / stout or a milkshake. Heirlooms to pass down from generation to generation. Let’s get cracking, creative and foolish in love!
Perth and South West Folk
I am based in Perth but you will constantly see me escaping the big smoke and wandering down to Albany and the Margaret River region throughout the year. Give me a reason to explore more of Perth and South West! Please also do not hesitate to contact me if you are located elsewhere!
