Today we’d like to introduce you to Shayla Tabor.
Hi Shayla, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my career in journalism, and it laid the foundation for my photography business in so many ways. After graduation from college and spending a few years as a multimedia journalist at a TV station, I found myself wanting to invest in people’s stories more. I transitioned to a nonprofit in Columbia where I was able to simultaneously begin building Stabor Studios. I have since gone full-time and I get to tell people’s stories day in and day out!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I am so grateful that so many doors have been opened for my company since it’s creation in 2021. In some ways I feel undeserving of all of the success, and in other ways I can look back and see how many hours I spent pouring into my company over the last several years. I have had to learn the hard way that balancing work and life is a necessity, as well as constantly improving my craft as well as my business is a must.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a lifestyle photographer based on the easy coast, and I love to tell my clients that I add a little photojournalistic note to their sessions and final images. I stay very true to life in my portraitures of people, from posting to editing. I think my philosophy while shooting is something that sets me apart. I lean into getting to know the person in front of my camera, doing less strict posing and more feeling out what feels comfortable and natural to them. I ask tons of questions, and really try to get to know whoever I have the pleasure of photographing.
My portfolio ranges from family sessions and events to headshots and wedding coverage.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The photography industry is constantly changing now that social media is such a strong catalyst for it’s growth. Everyone has a smart phone, creators have the same cameras that professionals use, and anyone can google or AI what settings to use.
I think that the divide between professional photographers and hobby photographers will continue to grow, if only because in an industry so inundated with people who may or may not be professionally trained, I think it will become easier to stand out. Technology is only getting better and improving the ways that we can serve our clients.
I also think people are yearning for an analog way of life. We’ve seen film come back in the past several years, so I think trends like that will continue on with things like prints, albums, and sessions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.staborstudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stabor.studios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stabor.studios/
