We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sheri Keene a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sheri , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I believe my purpose stems from my childhood. Growing up, I wasn’t dealt the best set of cards and was able to see a side of life that I knew I didn’t want for myself. It has made me see things from all sides and also become more empathetic towards people and life in general. I knew with my photography business that I wanted people to be seen/heard and show up as their authentic selves. I feel like too often we try to wrap everything up in a pretty bow and at times that’s just not how it is. I want to capture art as it is, whether that’s: messy, kids being goofy, a rainy wedding day. I do not want perfect, I want to freeze the memories as they are because in the end I feel there is beauty in that. My purpose has become rolling with what is thrown at you and making it beautiful.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hello, I am Sheri a lifestyle photographer behind Sheri LaShay Photography who loves capturing real, honest moments—whether it’s a crooked smile, a messy hug, or the quiet in-between glances. My work isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection. I believe everyone deserves to feel seen and celebrated, exactly as they are, and that’s the energy I bring into every session.
What excites me most is creating space where people can be fully themselves—no pressure, no stiff poses, just truth and beauty in whatever form it shows up. My brand is rooted in authenticity, inclusivity, and the belief that art lives in the unpolished moments. I want folks to look at their photos and feel something—not because everything looked “just right,” but because it felt right.
At the end of the day, it’s about honoring your story, your people, and your now—messy, magical, and everything in between.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Persistence kept me going when things felt slow or uncertain. Building a business, especially a creative one… doesn’t happen overnight. There were times I doubted myself, but I kept showing up, learning, and creating, even when it wasn’t perfect.
Curiosity helped me grow. I didn’t know everything when I started, and honestly, I still don’t. But I stayed open to learning from other artists, from my clients, and even from my mistakes. That curiosity made room for growth without shame.
Empathy has shaped how I work with people. Photography is so personal, and when people feel seen and safe with you, that’s when the real magic happens. I learned to meet people where they are and let go of rigid expectations—of myself and of others.
You do not have to start perfect, your perspective will set you apart.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, which happens more than I’d like to admit, I’ve learned to pause instead of push. I used to think powering through was the only option, but now I know that stepping back, even briefly, helps me reset with intention.
Getting off social media and giving your brain a complete break. Reading, walking, spending time with family and unplugging. It’s so good for a mental reset.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sherilashayphoto.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SheriLaShayPhotography?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
My photo was taken by: Skylar Gage Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
