Check Out Sheridan Weaver’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheridan Weaver

Sheridan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Even as a child I loved taking photos. The Idea of preserving a memory in the form of a photo was magical to me. My parents would always give me a disposable camera during the summertime before I went to visit family or attend summer camp, but it wasn’t until I was a teenager, when they gave me a digital camera that I started taking many more photos and trying to come up with more creative shots. I had a teacher notice my interest in art and photography when I was in 8th grade, and she offered me a chance to take beginner photography classes at a local college.
I was able to learn a lot about photography in that class but after that year of school a lot of things in my life changed and I had to put my interest in photography on hold for a very long time. As the years went on, I still experimented with all the new cellphone cameras that became available, but I didn’t start learning more about the art of photography again until after my first child was born when I was 20 years old. Someone close to me let me borrow their canon T5 to take some baby photos of her. I started watching tons of videos and reading everything I could about photography, and how to manually use a DSLR camera.
After a few years of practice and some successful paid and free sessions I felt good enough at photography to try and make it my job, but again life had other plans for me and my second child was born. Those next few years were an incredibly difficult and long change for us.
I won’t go into too much detail, but my beautiful children and I lost almost everything, and we had to start from scratch. My parents graciously let me stay with them while I saved up and looked for a new home. Things slowly but surely started to get better. I gathered a great and supportive group of people and eventually bought a small place for my kids and I to call our own.
Over time we settled into our new healthier life, and I realized my children were getting older and eventually they would be going off to school. I decided next on my list was to save up for a new camera and to start studying my editing programs again. Around a year later I bought my first DSLR camera, the canon T7 and again I began doing free and low fee sessions. It became clear to me what type of photos I enjoyed taking. I started trying to work with local models on some of the ideas I had for photo sessions involving people. I would take their photos; they would model, and we would promote each other’s work on social media.
Working with these models, meeting genuine people and seeing my photography getting noticed inspired me more than ever before. I do my photography under the name Abandoned-lens Photography. I’m sure after reading this you partly understand why I chose that name. It has been 4 years now since I bought my canon T7, and I have taken 1000s of photos on it. Family photos, weddings, pregnancies, graduations, and so much more. So many beautiful memories have been captured.
My next goal is to buy a bigger home for my family to continue growing in and to own enough land near that home to build my very own photography studio. I hope to continue doing creative, moody and expressive photography while providing for my family for many years to come.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I really struggle socially, so putting myself out there enough to be able to work with new people has not been easy for me. Being a mother has also made it a tough balance at times. Thankfully I have gained some wonderful helpers along the way.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I focus most on my photography and digital art. I really love to make dark, moody and dramatic artwork. I think what sets me apart from others is that in all the art I create, it displays my style and emotions in one way or another.
Over all I am most proud of my ability to persevere.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I have had some very good luck and some very bad luck in my life and business. It has mostly taught me that balance is important. Sometimes things will be very hard and sometimes things will be easier, but it all happens for a reason and both are necessary to grow.

Pricing:

• $150.00 for 20 min and 10 digital images
• $200.00 for 40 min and 15 digital images
• $300.00 for 60 min and 25 digital images
• Twice a year we offer “pay what you can” school photos for many families in need.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: abandonedlensphotography
• Facebook: Abandoned-lens Photography