Meet Codi Shandel!
Hey there! I’m Codi of Codi Shandel Photography. I live and work in southern Wisconsin—Wisco girl born and raised! I am engaged to the sunshine of my life, Jesse, and we are currently in the middle of buying our first home and planning our wedding for next fall (SOS send help). My work is my heart, but when I’m not shooting, editing or running the business, you can find me with my family. My love for all things with a story comes from my Grandparents. If I have a spare moment, I drive up and we go antique shop exploring, which is something we have done together since I was little. I am also obsessed with being an Auntie—I am a “Coco” to many little loves and it’s one of my favorite parts of my life.
What do you specialize in? What made you want to focus on that specialty/specialties?
I specialize in newborn, family and wedding photography. I’m sure this seems like a lot, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. My “why” is two fold: First, I love to follow a family from marriage, to baby, to growing family. I crave story telling—my degree in Theatre Arts helps with that.
There is nothing more fulfilling than looking at a completed gallery and knowing that 50 years from now these images are going to tell such a story of nostalgia and family history. Second, I lost my mother at a very young age, so I understand the necessity for documenting life as it happens. It’s simply just too damn short. I have very few photos of her and I together, and there’s nothing of more value to me than those images now. That is always in the back of my mind when I’m shooting and fuels everything that I do.
How did you first get started in photography?
I’ve had a camera in my hand pretty much my entire life, but I never thought it could be what it is to me today, if I’m being very transparent. My stage management professor, Kat, saw something in me that I hadn’t discovered yet and asked me to take some images of her growing kiddo—and the rest is history. After graduation in 2013, I hit the ground running and never looked back.
How has using Iris impacted your business?
Holy man, has Iris made my job that much less stressful! I love being organized, but it’s hard when you’re a one woman show. Iris is exactly what I needed to keep myself in check. Being able to keep track of each client in their own little virtual folder is priceless to my sanity and the success of my business as it stands today.
What are your future goals for your business? What are you looking forward to?
I aspire to travel extensively and capture the beauty of the world and its people. I eagerly anticipate documenting numerous stories to preserve for generations to come. Honestly, that’s what makes this job so fulfilling — when you genuinely invest in the people you work with and truthfully convey their unique stories, it never becomes monotonous. The need for documenting life and love will always endure and find its place.
Fun Facts:
-If you can’t find me, try Target. 😉
-I’m a bit of a nerd and love to watch documentaries about pretty much anything!
-I am totally powered by my sign (cancer)—the moon and water totally fuel my soul
Be sure to follow Codi Shandel Photogaphy and check out more her work!
Website: www.codishandelphotography.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/
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