Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Handy.
Hi Samantha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Samantha Handy, and I’ve been a professional photographer for more than 15 years at SHPstudio. When I first started, I photographed just about everything you could imagine, but over time I found my passion in capturing families and children. Photography has always been something I truly love, and honestly, I’ve enjoyed this career every single day even more now that I’m a mother myself.
Over the years, my business has evolved from running a busy storefront studio to working out of a renovated two-car garage studio at home. That transition has given me the flexibility to be present with my daughters while continuing to do what I love.
One of my daughters was born in June 2024 with severe HIE (a lack of oxygen and blood flow during birth), and that experience completely changed my perspective on life and on what truly matters to our family. My husband left his career to care for our daughter full-time so I could continue doing what I love and keep my business going. That season of life opened my eyes to how important memories really are and made photography even more meaningful to me.
The moments we share with the people we love are priceless. Even if you only have professional photos taken once a year, those images will become some of the most valuable things you own over time.
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?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Like many small business owners, I’ve faced the challenges of building and maintaining a business through changing seasons of life, economic shifts, and the pressure of balancing work and family. Transitioning from a busy storefront studio to working from a home studio was a huge adjustment, but it ultimately gave me the flexibility my family needed.
The biggest challenge by far has been our daughter’s diagnosis. She was born in June 2024 with severe HIE, and our lives changed overnight. There were moments of fear, uncertainty, exhaustion, and learning how to navigate a completely different reality than we expected. My husband made the sacrifice to leave his career to care for our daughter full-time so I could continue working and supporting our family through photography.
As difficult as that journey has been, it has also given me a deeper appreciation for life, family, and preserving memories. It’s reminded me that photographs are more than just pictures they become pieces of our story, especially during the hardest and most meaningful moments in life.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in maternity, newborn, and family photography, and one of my favorite parts of what I do is getting to follow families through so many important milestones. I love photographing moms during pregnancy, welcoming their newborns, and then continuing to capture their babies every few months leading up to that big first birthday cake smash. After that, many families continue coming back year after year for holiday sessions — especially Santa photos, which have become such a fun tradition in my studio.
I think what people know me most for is my bubbly personality and the energy I bring to every session. I’m naturally upbeat, patient, and playful with kids, and I truly love creating an experience that feels fun and comfortable for families. I want parents to enjoy the moment instead of feeling stressed about getting the “perfect” photo.
What I’m most proud of is that I’ve stayed committed to my photography career for more than 15 years. In this industry, photographers often come and go, but I’ve continued to grow, adapt, and build lasting relationships with my clients over the years. Most importantly, this career that I love so much has also helped support my family during one of the most challenging and meaningful seasons of our lives, and that means everything to me.
I’m also a strong advocate for my daughter and for bringing awareness to HIE and CP. Walking through our own journey has given me a deeper understanding of the importance of support, inclusion, and celebrating every milestone no matter how big or small. That perspective has shaped not only my life as a mother, but also the way I connect with the families I photograph every day.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
The best way people can work with and support me is by continuing to trust me to capture their family’s most important moments. Whether it’s maternity, newborn, milestone sessions, cake smashes, holiday photos, or yearly family portraits, I love building long-term relationships with the families who walk through my studio doors.
I’m always open to collaborating with local businesses, schools, boutiques, and other small business owners who value family, community, and creativity. I also love connecting with organizations and families who help spread awareness for HIE and CP, causes that are now very close to my heart.
One of the biggest ways people can support my business is simply by sharing their experience with others word of mouth, referrals, social media shares, and kind reviews truly mean everything to a small business owner. Every session booked helps support not only my dream career, but also my family during a season where flexibility and being present at home matters more than ever.
Pricing:
- $80
- $350
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shpstudiostore.square.site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shpstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHPstudio/
