Today we’d like to introduce you to Shameka McBoat.
Hi Shameka, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The first time I photographed was for a wedding in Jamaica. I was scared, but I absolutely loved it! I loved the idea of using my craft to enhance someone’s special day and to shine light on their love in a way that lasts forever. My journey leading to the photographer I am today included a lot of hands-on learning, trial-and-error training, educational books, and photographing whoever and whatever I could to learn and grown my craft into the successful business that it is today. And I am very pleased to announce that I was recently honored by The Knot as a ‘Best of Weddings 2022’ winner, which is awarded to the top wedding professionals across the country.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There were definitely struggles along the way. As a professional photographer, I have had some amazing highs and some very low lows, but I think that this is fairly common for a lot of businesses in the events industry. In the beginning, I struggled with a lack of clientele, wondering if my work was good enough, and focusing on the artistic aspect of my photography instead of the business as a whole. After many years of personal and professional growth, and with the love and support of God and my family, I now focus on having a balanced life, being a business owner who photographs, and most importantly on having the ability to adapt and overcome.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
It is not really work when you love what you do. I photograph all over the world and specialize in high-end wedding, portrait, and event photography. I have a fully-equipped studio and a covered portable studio that I can bring onsite to clients at their location. My aesthetic is beautiful, luxurious, fun, and artistic mixed with a little bit of “organized chaos” because I always prepare for every wedding, shoot, event, and client interaction, but in photography there are always last-minute changes and requests, and I adapt to give my clients the best overall experience. My clients tell me that I am very personable, that they enjoy the experience, and that they love their photos. My expertise is listening to what clients want and making it happen, no matter how unconventional the request is. When clients pay for luxury, they expect not only stunning images, but a truly unique and seamless photography experience, and that is what I give them.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I am a second-generation Denver Native with a daughter who also photographs for the company, and I currently have four generations of family living in Denver, so I absolutely love Denver and could never see myself living anywhere else. I love that Denver is an artist-loving community of all mediums. You can see a play, listen to the symphony, go to the art museum, head over to Meow Wolf and end up at a traveling show like the Van Gogh Experience. I also love that most people in Denver fight for human rights and have a spirit of community. I think that there could be more diversity in Denver, and I wish that there were more people who look like me.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@mcboatphotography.com
- Website: https://www.mcboatphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcboatphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcboatphoto
Image Credits:
McBoat Photography
