Shamar Laing is a Photographer based in Honolulu, Hawaii
I started my journey by assisting my church’s photographer, Jimmy, at Refuge Temple in Washington D.C. After working with each other for hours every Sunday, taking pictures during church services and events, our bond quickly grew into a mentor-mentee relationship. It didn’t take long for me to want a camera for myself and it was Jimmy that sold me my first camera in 2016. From there I went on to take pictures for my friends and family throughout high school and college, with an intention to take every opportunity to learn more about photography. From birthday parties to school portraits I wanted to excel as a photographer and I knew that would only come with experience and time. There was no specific goal in mind when I first started, I just wanted to do as many photoshoots as I could. Paid or unpaid I found any experience was worth more than money. I knew later on compensated opportunities would arise, but I had to focus on what photography was and who I was a photographer. Over time I focused on how I could portray people, places and things in my creative style.
I’m extremely grateful to my friends and family that have supported me and honored to work with the businesses that I have in the past. I’m always excited when projects allow me to meet new people and travel to new places. My plan is to continue taking on new projects as it will allow me to learn and perfect my skills. I intend to grow as a photographer and believe that every day is an opportunity to run towards my goals. No matter how many years go by I will always be a student to photography. I enjoy to learn from my experiences and other photographers. Throughout the years I’ve been inspired by photographers such as: Peter McKinnon, Sam Dameshek and Cory VanderPloeg. For years these photographers, despite having different techniques and styles, have given me direction towards finding my own creative style.
Currently I’m looking forward to pursuing my passion capturing the charm of my subjects. With this blog it will allow me to create a deeper connection with my photography and share it with the world. There’s always a story of how each frame came to life and I want to write it. When I share my photos to others, my thoughts and processes will complement the images. I hope that this blog creates immeasurable opportunities for those who view my work to feel as if they were with me when I took the photo. I also plan to write about who or what I’m taking a photos of. When I travel with my camera I want to also share my experiences.
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When I’m not taking photos I enjoy thrifting, reading, listening to music, watching movies, exploring new places and going to church. My faith is extremely important to me as I rely on Jesus to guide me through life’s mountains and valleys. He is my compass, guiding me where He needs me to be while providing guidance and wisdom. Despite of what life puts in front of me I will always put Him above everything. I typically perceive music as a concept of art, but I enjoy the 80s-90s culture and personally I believe it was the best era for music. I’ve always wanted to experience what it was like as a teenager during that time. I know it must’ve been an exciting period to grow up in that generation. I could only imagine what it was like growing up listening to artists like Micheal Jackson, The Temptations, Pebbles, Guy, Kid N’ Play, Lost Boyz, Mary J. Blige, Gang Starr and Sade.
I don’t have a specific genre of books I enjoy. I pick up whatever looks like a good read. Most of the time it’s books that are inspired by true events. Sometimes I’ll go to the library and buy books on photography, fashion and even landscape for inspiration. As for movies my favorite genre is horror. One of my favorite horror films is Child’s Play. I remember really enjoying the movie when I was younger.
In the past I’ve been blessed with opportunities to travel to places like Cancun, Jamaica, Haiti and The Bahamas. To visit other countries and get a taste of other cultures is an experience I want to chase after. I look forward to traveling to new places in the future and capturing my experiences through my lens. One of my goals is to travel to Rennes, France.