Meet Shawn Rochelle | Branding Photographer and Podcaster

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shawn Rochelle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shawn, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued a creative career because it represents everything I am. I honestly feel like it chose me! Being a photographer was always my thing, so it was only right to make it a career! Plus, God so eloquently crafted me to be a creative, why not share my gifts with the world. I see the world through a photographer’s lens and I wouldn’t trade that for anything in the world because I find beauty in everything and some of the most beautiful things seem to just find me!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am the owner of Shawn Rochelle Photography and the host of Shawnversations w/ Shawn Rochelle. What sets me apart is simply me! There can only be one me and I thrive in my authenticity and originality! With that being said, it allows people to gravitate to me in a capacity I have yet to understand but I fully embrace. I think that authenticity is rare nowadays and maybe that’s why! But, if you ever work with me you’ll always get an authentic version of me, what you see is absolutely what you get!

I got to where I am today by the help of others encouraging and supporting me to my greatness! No, it was not easy but it was definitely worth it! I have thought about giving up many times because it was so hard (but that’s not who I am). Building a business from scratch takes a lot of hard work, sleepless nights, and drive! In the beginning you don’t have a plethora of clients, you have to make yourself know! That’s not easy! However, I am grateful for my entrepreneurial journey!

I have learned a few lessons along the way! That is find your niche and dominate! It’s easier to be known for one thing as opposed to everything! Also, your price is your price and don’t care what people have to say about it because people pay for what they want and your product/service is no different.

I want the world to know that I love what I do and I love my clients!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Man! This is what we would do:

Day 1: Go to All Things Marketplace to shop items from local small businesses! Because, you need to rock some Detroit apparel while sightseeing. Then, I would suggest we go eat at Bobcat Bonnie’s because it’s right down the street.

Day 2: We’re sightseeing some Detroit landmarks; The Riverfront, Belle Isle, The Spirit of Detroit, Hart Plaza, Campus Martius Park and we’re riding the People Mover! Once we’re done, I’m suggesting American Coney Island (classic).

Day 3: We are hitting a food truck for lunch; Detroit 75 Kitchen because that’s my favorite spot and for dinner we’re hitting Hook and Reel in Taylor for the all you can eat crab legs! We’ll then work off those meals by walking the Dequindre Cut!

Day 4: Attend the DIA, The Detroit Historical Museum, and The Motown Museum. Then, ride the Q Line down Woodward Ave, jump off and ride those scooters around town!

Day 5: See what’s happening around town. See if there are any concerts at Chene Park, plays, or poetry/comedy spots nights at They Say or Punchline.

Day 6: We’re going skating at the Skatin Station in Canton because we love to skate. Then, finish the night chilling at the rooftop bar that sits a top of the Godfrey Hotel.

Day 7: Were wrapping up my best friend’s stay by heading to Rivertown Market to pick up some Mama’s Making Chicken Salad, club crackers and some cupcakes! Because, who wants to travel on an empty stomach!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Whew! I absolutely want to shoutout my magnificent Mother (Deborah Durley) for always being my biggest supporter, encouraging me to follow my dreams, and buying my first professional camera! It was also my mother’s vision to take her home and use it as an in-home photography studio! I didn’t see the vision at first but she did and I’m glad she poured into me!!

Next, I want to thank Troy Stewart for buying my first set of studio lights ever! That simple gesture and Christmas gift played a pivotal part in my success! Having to learn how to use those very lights without any instruction manual pushed me out of my comfort zone and into studio photography. Those lights unlocked a new level for me!!

Lastly, I want to thank Christine Welch for being the dopest co-worker turned friend for hiring me as her wedding photographer and pushing me from potential to purpose! Tina would tell me every day that I am not taking no for an answer because at the time she seen something in me that I didn’t even see in myself and I will forever be grateful!

Website: www.shawnrochelle.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamshawnrochelle

Twitter: www.twitter.com/_shawnrochelle

Facebook: www.facebook.com/shawnrochelle

Image Credits
Stephanie Thebagladie Bedell Martice Gowdy