Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherlie Mane.
Hi Sherlie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
One summer, back in the Dominican Republic, I found a stash of about four to six photo albums on the top shelf of a storage closet. I started flipping through the memories of my family.
Never in my life had I seen some of them so young and happy. Excited, I sent pictures to my mom, and she was shocked. “I remember this day!” My mom and other family members I shared the photos with all had similar reactions; all reminiscing.
I realized then that I wanted to share that feeling with others. That summer, I took photos of everything and everyone on an old iPhone. Now, I am here! More professional of course; doing exactly what I imagined.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Learning new skills and emerging yourself into an unknown world will always have its struggles. Those struggles make us stronger, smarter and better equipped for the future. I went through 3 main struggles before and during my journey of building this photography business. The first being actually starting it.
I saw that many others had already had their businesses up and running, therefore I stopped myself from making an Instagram account with photographs because I didn’t believe people would like, or see it. Little did I know, I was wrong. The support from my friends and family helped push me to begin and they helped me realize that I can make photography my own. The second struggle was figuring out how much to charge clients, creating platforms for my work to be seen and purchasing software for editing.
I took it one step at a time with building my platforms. I first needed to build my portfolio, which then lead to practicing my editing skills, etc. My last struggle was finding a niche for my photography and a signature that would stand out. The last struggle is something I’m still dealing with now. Overall, I enjoy portraiture.
I’ve mainly shot individual headshots, family, couples, professional headshots and special events of graduations, elopements and anniversaries. I’m grateful to have gone through these struggles, because now I understand what running a business is like and i have a confidence now that was nonexistent in the beginning.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Aside from being a full time human, woman, family member and friend, i am a creative! I am a portraiture photographer based in Jacksonville, Florida as well as a model.
I’m known for my deep care in others and my work! I am most proud of the people I surround myself with, they have been a motivator for me for many years now. I am proud that I have overcome my fear of wanting to start a business for myself and others, finding my worth as a person and for my work.
What sets me apart from others is that I am empathetic. I have a big heart for others and I love making sure the people around me are comfortable, but iI also try to uplift others ad help them realize they can do it and I remind them that the hard work will pay off.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Social media! Its big now and it will be for years to come. Connecting with other photographers, models, event venues, pop-ups, brands, etc., especially that are local is so helpful in growing your business as well as supporting other businesses!
Showing up to local events with my camera and collaborating with new faces goes a long way. You learn from each other, see how others work, ask questions, gain recommendations, etc. its very refreshing!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: http://sherliemanephotography.squarespace.com/
- Instagram: @Sherliemanephotography
Image Credits
Lexi Atchley Photography
