What part of First Coast do you reside in now and how long have you lived there?
I live in NW St. Johns and have been there for nearly 30 years.
What is your favorite part of the First Coast to photograph?
With all the beauty around the First Coast, how do you narrow down to just one favorite?!! I love to photograph the history of St. Augustine and the architecture of downtown Jax, but I always gravitate toward one of the many parks along the St. Johns River. It’s where I’ve done most of my client sessions too!
What type of equipment do you use?
I’m a Canon Girl! I shoot with a mirrorless R5 (and R6) and you can almost always find my 24-70mm and 70-200mm in the bag. And I never enter a National Park without my Canon 15-35mm and Sigma 150-600mm.
How long have you been part of the hobby?
I picked up my father’s Polaroid at age 7, and as awful as the shot was, I thought I just point, click, and wait 60 seconds before I peel off the paper and see what I got – every photo was like a gift. And I’ve had cameras pretty much ever since. I stayed on “automatic” for a long time, but never put the camera down. I probably got really serious in about 2018 when I signed up for a Mark Krancer event at the Annie Lytle School – we cleaned and painted the abandoned building for a few hours and then I got to photograph for an hour. I was hooked on Manual Mode after that!
Do you do any type of planning before you head out to take photos or do you just wing it?
Heck yea! Our vacations to National Parks are planned using Photo Ephemeris so I can check sunrise/set, blue and golden hours, times, and directions. I don’t want to bring every lens, so I try to plan what I’m going after with some good detail. And also…Heck no! Sometimes, I just grab my two “go-to’s”, 24-70 and 70-200, and just go out and see what finds me.
Are there any constants in your photography, if so what are they? (ie. subjects, editing, lens, etc.)
I think I would love to say yes to this question, but there really isn’t. On my own time, I very much go with the flow of the shoot, edit with my instincts (trying to follow some basic guidelines), and just see where my vision takes me.
For a portrait session, I am doing two things – taking the shots and producing photos the client is expecting, and then I throw in my creativity and give them a little something not expected. It usually works out great both ways!
How would you describe your style of photography?
I think it is mostly naturalistic. I love a dead tree in the woods, candid shots that truly capture a person’s personality, catching the laugh of that one free spirit in a crowd when they don’t know I’m there, or capturing the true colors of rocks in the clearest mountain streams.
Do you edit your photos right after your shoot or do you let them sit for a while?
No matter if it’s a client session or a day in the parks looking for bears, I try to step away from it for a little while – but typically I’m editing within 24 hours. My excitement at seeing the photos and sharing them won’t let me stay away much longer than that.
Where is your favorite place (or type of place) to take photos?
My absolute most favorite is wildlife in the national parks.
If you could live in any decade (with your current photographic gear), which one would it be and why?
Here and now! There is so much that is different from one side of town to the other, and from one coast to another, what’s not to love about “here and now”.
What photographer (current or historical) do you draw the most inspiration from?
Peter Lik is one of the most exceptional landscape photographers I’ve seen, and I often find myself wondering, “How does he achieve that level of excellence?” His ability to create such breathtaking imagery is nothing short of a dream.
Equally inspiring to me is my friend and fellow photographer, Mark Krancer. His story, immense generosity, philanthropic spirit, and boundless creativity serve as constant reminders of the incredible opportunity we have as photographers. Mark’s example teaches me how to stay grounded while using our craft to share our most meaningful gifts with the world.
What do you think is the most important component to producing great results? (camera, lens, light, editing, location, artistic vision, etc.)
I think I have a pretty good eye for capturing what others may not see, but I feel you have to get that lighting right and know how to edit. I would love to get things perfect right out of the camera, but let’s be realistic… Knowing how to produce the image in Light Room as you see it in your mind… that’s huge!
Is there a ritual that you use to get into a creative zone?
If I’m shooting nature by myself, I like David Bowie in my earbuds. Nothing like a little Ziggy Stardust to get the creative juices flowing!
What outside (non-photographic) influences (if any) shape your photography?
I like to paint, primarily watercolors and then I have started but need to dive deeper into mixed media with gel print plates. This keeps me very connected to “What do you want to see” – go do that.
I also work in a corporate office with a ton of artwork. I love walking the corridors to see what’s on the walls, and how they change the look and feel of a room or an office. And it keeps me open to all different types of art.
What advice would you give someone who just picked up their new camera on how to get started?
Don’t worry about the gear – just go out and shoot. Figure out what subjects bring a smile to your face and focus on that. But don’t be surprised, or frustrated, if you cannot narrow it down to just one genre. There are no rules.
What is the goal of your photography? (A business, just to share on social media, gateway to adventure, etc.)
I plan to continue building my side business while I work full-time – retirement is approx 5 years away. I love my day job, but I look forward to the days when I can just wake up, grab my camera and the toughest decision is “Where shall I shoot today?”!
Do you shoot with your editing style in mind, or do you edit based on the shot that you got?
Posed people – I typically see the shot in my mind and carry that into editing. Candid shots – I go with the flow!
Do you prefer to photograph alone, or in a group?
I love both. My husband is a total trooper and takes me out to photograph a lot! He carries way more gear than he probably should and doesn’t mind driving the 11-mile loop around Cades Cove (NC) 4-5 times in a day. And then I have one friend and we shoot together A LOT! We are each others’ tech aide when needed and we are a great support to one another as friends and fellow photographers.
How do you feel like social media has changed photography and do you think it’s a good or bad thing?
Pros and cons to all things – but let’s just focus on the positive! The reach is incredibly farther, business is easier, and I love to share my photos just because it brings people to places they may not have gone or helps them stop and reflect whereas before they may have passed it by. Social media could certainly get ugly but so far, I’m enjoying it.
What is the best way for photographers to network?
Join your local photography clubs – they’re all over the place. And you’d be surprised how many people are willing to just get together with strangers who share the love of photography to just go out and shoot whatever. Be brave – reach out! Our photography community is awesome!
Do you enjoy books? If so, any specific genre?
Yes, audiobooks – I listen to about 98% of personal development books – leadership, habits, self-discipline, and financial.
What is your favorite photographic accomplishment?
I take great pride when a photograph is purchased for a residential home – that is a huge honor! Also, just this year, my work was selected for the Stellar Art Gallery in the Jacksonville International Airport. While all recognition is fantastic, I was pretty stoked about that one!
If you had a question you would like to ask another photographer what would it be?
Only one??!!!
Best Editing Tips! There is always room to improve on so many different aspects of photography but I would love to ask Peter Lik about his editing process.
What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast?
Community all the way! We have some amazing people here in North Florida.
Is there anything else that you want to tell everyone?
Photography is my way of capturing the beauty and stories that surround us—whether it’s the quiet moments in nature, the emotions in a portrait, or the energy of a special event. Each shot is a chance to tell a unique story and preserve a memory. If you’re looking for someone to capture those special moments, I’d love to work with you and bring your vision to life through my lens.
How can we see your work?
IG: @kimshanephotography
My website: www.kimshane.com
And for a limited time, Stellar Art Gallery, Jax International Airport
FAQ 1: Do you have a studio for portraits?
I rent a studio for my portraits and it is fantastic! Centrally located in Jax, great space, with beautiful amenities.
FAQ 2: Are you taking reservations for seniors photography?
YES! People can just reach out to me and we can talk about how to provide the best experience and results.
FAQ 3: Are your landscape, wildlife and nature photos available for sale?
Yes, just visit my website and you select your format, frame, etc. and it ships directly to the customer.
- About the Author
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Glenn is the founder and publisher of First Coast Life. He is also a wonderful storyteller. Born on the 4th of July, he spends his spare time taking his camera and exploring everything beautiful this region offers with his rescue dog Callie by his side. He loves meeting new people and capturing the many beautiful moments and amazing local stories that showcase the true spirit of the area.
