Meet Shanda Akin of Durango

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanda Akin.

Hi Shanda, 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?
Hi. I’m Shanda Akin. I’m a professional photographer who specializes in fine art landscape and nature photography from Colorado and beyond. I narrate a vision through imagery and share my unique and personal point of view. I focus on connection, education, and inspiration.

My photography journey started while I was serving in the Air Force. My camera traveled everywhere with me capturing remarkable moments and sharing the surreal stories, making them seem more real. I am an adventure-seeker with an insatiably nomadic soul and experienced world traveler who has ventured into far reaches of the earth seizing exceptional moments in 48 countries and counting.

In 2019, I transitioned back to Colorado from a successful 25-year career in the United States Air Force into entrepreneurship to fulfill my life-long passion for photography. I’ve since established Shanda Akin Studio LLC, held many personal and group workshops, and published my first photography book; “The Beauty of Durango.”

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Entrepreneurship isn’t a smooth road these days. I wouldn’t describe it as bumpy as much as uphill. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all training program. The business aspects such as web design, ecommerce, bookkeeping, and marketing add a whole monstrous piece that there isn’t a guidebook for. The state of Colorado has some good websites and tutorials to help start, but the personal application of business has been the biggest challenge.

While the mix between male and female photographers is pretty close to 50/50, women in the landscape, nature, and wildlife genres make up a very small portion. Finding mentors and like-minded people to connect with can be difficult. Additionally, most conferences and training sessions focus on portraits, indoor lighting, and life-style photography. I recently co-founded an organization that fits this need. You may read more about it below.

Lastly, the incredible advancements in cell phone photography and AI have saturated the market and impacted photography evocations. More people are giving photographs away for free or for notoriety. And others are creating images through AI while sitting at their desk. Social media groups are unethically using people’s images without approval and without credit in order to build a following for their own purpose. People are questioning authenticity now more than ever…and we should be.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in fine art, education, art shows, and inspiration through photography with authenticity. I am known for helping people find the right piece for the right place. Fine art isn’t a one-size fits all product. People like to connect with a piece of work, they want to know the story. Not every piece will fit in every person’s home or business. Picking art is more personal. I offer free mock-ups, curation, and recommendations if necessary or requested. While I have a list of some things in my shop, I often work with people and businesses to find the right images in the right size on the right type of medium that works for them.

Quality is highest on my list. It means a lot when you choose to place my work in your home, it’s an honor. When people choose me to learn from, it’s pretty special. Another thing that sets me apart is my education. While photography has become a hugely saturated market, there are very few with formal education in the field. I’m currently a student at the Academy of Art University pursuing a Master of Arts degree in photography with less than 1 year to go.

The many years of speaking, teaching, and mentoring in the Air Force have given me a fantastic foundation for utilizing those skills in photography. I have been invited to speak on many photography topics through platforms such as camera clubs, conferences, and podcasts. Meeting people is one of the most enjoyable parts of what I do. I participate in solo and group exhibitions both domestically and internationally as well as showcase my work in a select few art fairs in Colorado. These events and more may be found on my website. I look forward to connecting with you.

Lastly, I’m also blazing trails in the industry. I recently co-founded a photography organization called Outdoor Photo Alliance with two other Colorado photographers, Martha Montiel and Jeanie Sumrall-Ajero. Our mission is to empower connection and growth among those with an affinity for outdoor photography. We offer photography conferences within the outdoor photography genres that bring people together, create experiences in learning and connecting, and propel photography careers. We are offering a scholarship for a young woman (between ages 14-17) to attend our inaugural conference, in Estes Park, Colorado in February 2025. More information and the application process may be found on the website.

In an increasingly technologically driven world, the significance of genuine human connections has become more valuable and sought out than ever. We yearn for human response and connection. The same holds true in the photography profession. People want to connect, they want an experience, they want relationships that add to their quality of life. Online conferences and video tutorials have become a huge benefit in many industries, but there is a need to reconnect. We are filling that need.

What were you like growing up?
When I was young, my family spent a lot of time playing in the water at Horsetooth Reservoir, exploring the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, or learning to ski at Conquistador. I was quiet, fearless, and maybe a little mischievous. Today, I can be found rafting the Colorado River or backpacking in the San Juan Mountains with my husband or on a photography expedition. The outdoors is where I feel most at home. As my wandering soul led me then, it still does today.

Pricing:

• – The Beauty of Durango photography book: $45 + $5 shipping anywhere in the US
• – Fine art: from $130 to $6,000
• – Individual lessons: start at $75 per hour
• – Speaking engagements: Please inquire
• – Outdoor Photo Alliance conference ticket: $750 (sign up for the newsletter and get $100 off)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shandaakin.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shandaakinphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shandaakinphotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanda-akin-photography/
• Other: https://www.outdoorphotoalliance.com/

Image Credits
All images by Shanda Akin