Today we’d like to introduce you to Savanna Snyder.
Hi Savanna, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Whew — this one’s a long one, but it’s a good one.
In February of 2020, I lost my husband to suicide — right before the world shut down for COVID. At the time, I was working in the office for a local roofing company, but after losing him, I wasn’t mentally or emotionally able to keep up with day-to-day tasks. I made the difficult decision to leave my job and stay home with my kids to focus on healing and simply getting through each day.
Somewhere in that season, I decided to pick up a camera. I told myself maybe I could make an extra $50 here and there — just enough to help with gas or groceries. I had no idea that simple thought would become the start of something so much bigger.
Fast forward three years to 2023: what began as a small hobby turned into a full-fledged business and a passion that truly lights me up. Photography became my therapy, my creative outlet, and eventually my career. It gave me purpose again.
As my little business grew, I started dreaming about finding a space of my own — somewhere I could create, host sessions, and bring ideas to life. One day, after a long day of fall minis, I stumbled upon a space that stopped me in my tracks. I just knew it was meant to be. Even though it felt like a big leap, I could see the potential it held. It was beautiful — and photos don’t even come close to doing it justice.
I knew that if I collaborated with other small businesses who shared that same drive and creative spark, we could make something incredible happen. And that’s exactly what we did.
After some bumps along the way, I met Kristin — my other half to Studio Kansas City. Together, we built what Studio KC is today: a creative, welcoming space in the heart of the Crossroads Arts District that brings people together. We both run our own businesses from the studio, but we also host the most elevated, dreamy, and memorable events — everything from photoshoots to pop-ups to private celebrations.
Whether you’re looking to rent the space and make it your own or want us to bring your vision to life from setup to teardown, we love sharing what we’ve built here. Being part of the Crossroads community also means we get to participate in First Fridays — featuring local artists, makers, and vendors who make Kansas City so special.
Studio Kansas City is more than a space — it’s a story of resilience, growth, and the belief that even in the hardest seasons, something beautiful can bloom.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Ha! This is a joke, right? Oof — I don’t think anything about running a business is ever really “smooth.”
Looking back on my own journey, I’d say my biggest challenges have been balancing work, life, and my mental health — especially navigating it all while raising kids and living with ADHD. I’ve always had the drive and work ethic, but my brain can feel a little scrambled sometimes, and I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t hard.
In the beginning, I also struggled with criticism and comparison — constantly looking at what others were doing and feeling like I wasn’t measuring up. Over time, though, I’ve learned to channel that energy into growth instead of doubt. Every day is a learning experience, and honestly… it’s still hard! But I think that’s part of what makes the wins feel so meaningful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a lifestyle and portrait photographer based in Kansas City — and I’m all about capturing people and stories in the most authentic, connected, and emotional ways possible. I specialize in portraits, families, maternity, and couples, but I also work with brands and businesses — which has become one of my absolute favorite parts of what I do.
There’s something so inspiring about hearing how people got started — every brand has its own wild story, and I love being able to help them tell it visually. Whether it’s a small business owner chasing their dream or a larger company wanting to connect with their audience in a real way, being part of that process lights me up.
I think what I’m most known for is creating photos that feel like real life — the unposed, in-between, beautifully imperfect moments. My goal is always for people to look at their photos and feel something.
What I’m most proud of, though, isn’t just the photos themselves — it’s the fact that I built this from the ground up during one of the hardest seasons of my life. To see it grow into a full business that supports my family, connects me to incredible people, and now even includes a studio space that others can create in… that’s something I’ll never take for granted.
What sets me apart, I think, is my perspective. I’ve lived through loss and rebuilding, and that gives me such a deep appreciation for the beauty in everyday moments — whether I’m photographing a family, a couple, or a brand. My sessions feel less like a photoshoot and more like a conversation — full of laughter, stories, and connection. That’s the magic I aim for every single time.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Faith, grace, grit, and grind — that’s really what it all comes down to for me. Faith keeps me going, grace reminds me to be kind to myself, grit gets me through the hard parts, and the grind? That’s just part of the job when you love what you do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://studiokansascity.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiokansascity?igsh=MTNxNzBqZTd1OWl5NA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Frqee7Bgj/?mibextid=wwXIfr
