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

Hi Sonny, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve always been interested in the arts. When I was a kid I wanted to be a singer or a ballet dancer, as I got older it shifted to painting, drawing, and when I discovered photography that’s when I found my favorite medium.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a photographer and I focus mainly on architecture and liminal spaces. I developed my interest in photography when I was 15 years old, I’ve tried my hand up different mediums in art but photography always felt like the right fit for me. While my photography is not my main source of income, I actually don’t make any money off of my photography unfortunately, I would like to make it that someday but in an industry where portrait photography is more in demand it’s been difficult for me sometimes to maintain creative streak. I find myself comparing my work to people who don’t even do the type of photography I do but I’m still proud of the work that I do have done.
When I was 16 I had one of my images published on a Jones soda label, only one percent of submitted photos get published on their labels. When I was 18 I got accepted into one of the best art schools in the country, Kendall College of Art and design here in Grand Rapids Michigan, but unfortunately I ended up nearly losing my life and was on strict bedrest, I couldn’t afford to go back to school and I realized that I didn’t need a piece of paper to prove my talents and so I’ve been doing freelance work ever since then.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband, he has been so supportive encouraging and loving during my journey.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/liminal_states_photography?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==

Other: https://youpic.com/photographer/SonnyS

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMichigan is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.