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20 years of photography for SOP!

By Sheri Oneal

As we reflect on what happened last year, set new goals and look forward to the new year ahead I want to share my best photography of 2015!”  Before I do that I would like to express why this year is extra special…2016 marks the 20th year anniversary of “Sheri Oneal Photography!”

I have been in love with photography since I was 6 years old, I started my professional career at 21 and in 1996 I went out on my own and opened my first 1250 sq. ft. commercial studio space in Orlando, Florida. My very first clients included Harcourt Brace Jovanovich PublishingScholastic Book Fairs and Cara Cosmetics. In 2001 I relocated to Nashville, Tennessee and have never looked back. The past 20 years have been bittersweet and the changes in technology have been extremely challenging. I have relocated my studio space 4 times, changed from traditional film to digital technology, learned how to use industry software on computer platforms as well as developing online marketing methods that include social media and web development for my business. I have transitioned from payphone -to beeper -to cell phone -to smart phone and have struggled through a tough recession within our economy. The industry changes in photography over the past 20 years have been incredible and they have allowed me to mature into what Sheri Oneal Photography is today.

Sheri Oneal Photography Studio Space 1996
1996, SOP first commercial studio space in Orlando, Florida located off of John Young Parkway.
Sheri Oneal Photography Studio Space 2001, Nashville.
2001 commercial studio space located on 8th Avenue downtown, Nashville.
Sheri Oneal Photography Studio Space 2008, Nashville.
2008 commercial studio space located off of 17th Avenue near downtown Nashville.
Sheri Oneal Photography Studio Space 2015, Nashviille.
2015 commercial studio space of Sheri Oneal Photography near downtown Nashville.

I love that I have the ability to make a living with my camera, that I can share the stories of others through my imagery and that in a single frame I can freeze time…it is magical. I love the rush of adrenaline I get when I know I’ve captured what I was hired to do but even more when I capture something extraordinary, unexpected or genuine. I have traveled to beautiful places, shot in flight harnessed from helicopters with no doors, captured video at 50 MPH, shot from rooftops in NYC and rented plush studios in LA to shoot celebs. I have worked with countless art directors, photo editors, creative directors, food stylists, wardrobe stylists, make-up stylists, set designers, production managers, animal wranglers, videographers and assistants. I have photographed everything from kids, products, pets, executives, factories, farms, architecture and food among other things. I have been honored to have worked on assignments with Getty Images, Cracker Barrel, CBS, Discovery Channel, The National Arthritis Foundation, United Way, Kodak, Scholastic Book Fairs and so many more.

Although I have been blessed to work with large corporations, professional models and celebrities it is the smaller companies, publications and individuals that keep my business alive. Client relationships are what I cherish most and the smaller clients allow that kind of interaction. As a small independent business owner, loyal clients and referrals are what keep me in business. I am forever grateful for my clients and even more so for the loyalty of those who continue to refer and use my services. My number one goal is to earn their trust, to make sure they are happy with my work and to enjoy the experience of working with me.

It has been a long road with many ups and downs but I am so grateful to be doing what I love for a living. It has not been easy but it was a childhood dream that turned into reality. It proves that if you truly want something, you can have it as long as you never give up.

Behind the scenes with Sheri Oneal, 20th Anniversary.
20 years of photography…

Thank you all for letting me work with you on your projects, for referring me to others and for allowing me to stay in touch.

Before I leave I want to share (below) me “Best Photography of 2015” by showcasing some of my favorite assignment photos from last year. Each year I love the opportunity to look back and see what I did and these images reflect the work I enjoy doing most.  It also allows me to see how much I grow as a commercial photographer through the body of work I get paid to create.

Wishing you the happiest and successful 2016 imaginable, may all of your dreams come true!

Nashville photographer Sheri Oneal shares her best Commercial photography assignments from 2015.
The Best Photography of 2015

If you would like to see some of the past “Best Of’s” feel free to click any of the links below!

The Best Photography of 2008

The Best Photography of 2009

The Best Photography of 2010

The Best Photography of 2011

The Best Photography of 2012

The Best Photography of 2013

The Best Photography of 2014

*If you would like to leave a review of my work please do so here, here or here!

*NOTE all Sheri Oneal blog posts are ©2016 by Sheri Oneal. Any use of photos or content (other than sharing the link) must be agreed upon in writing.

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