Meet Shannon Doan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Doan.

Hi Shannon, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When I was a kid, I used to run around my parent’s hobby farm in Southwest Wisconsin with a point-and-shoot camera, so unknowingly, I’ve been hooked to photography since I was a kid. My interest in photography peaked as a freshman in high school when I took a photography elective. After taking that class in high school, I knew that photography was a God-given talent that I could not waste. From there, I combined my love of horses and started working for a few equine sports photographers around the Midwest and down South. I never wanted to go to a traditional four-year college, so I took a gap year to take some time to figure out what my next steps were. I stumbled upon Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, SD, while on a Google search and knew I had to tour there once I discovered that the photography degree was a business degree instead of an arts degree. I started at Lake Area Tech in the Fall of 2022 and have loved being in the program. Since moving to Watertown, I have produced some of my favorite work to date and continue to improve. I have also started to dabble in videography and love it as much as photography!

It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road I’m on could have been the smoothest. Sometimes, I’ve passed on opportunities I should have taken and mistakes, but it is all part of the learning process. I have been fortunate enough to attend an amazing school that has equipped me with the tools to be dangerous with my camera and an excellent business owner. Being an entrepreneur at a young age has had difficulties, as I was held back in some ways when it came to traveling and being taken seriously. That being said, I have had plenty of excellent opportunities, and I have a whole crowd in my corner cheering me on. It can also be a bumpy road to start on when you struggle with believing in yourself. The ideas you have in your brain seem so easy, but when it comes time to get into action, it can be daunting. I am grateful for photography because I have had to be in uncomfortable situations countless times, but that has only expedited my growth as an individual and a business owner.

Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
I specialize in all things country & western! I love documenting rodeos, horses, couples, high school seniors, and country life. I am known for my vibrant and dynamic photo style, making each image pop and stand alone. I am the most proud of being able to bring joy to others with my art. Whether it be from their wedding photos or a photo of them riding a bronc, I can let them relive the emotions of that day and smile. You should always leave people happier than when you met them, and I can do this with photography.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I believe discipline is one of the most important qualities to achieving success. Motivation comes and goes, but discipline always gets the job done, no matter the circumstances. The discipline to plan, analyze, and work is vital to preparing myself and my business to interact with clients. Discipline is essential as an entrepreneur because I am my boss, and I don’t have deadlines set by another person. Hard work is accompanied by discipline, and hard work achieves goals. Discipline is imperative not only for my business’s success but also for my success in school and as an individual.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shannondoanphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannon.shoots/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannon.shoots