Meet Shayla Tabor | Owner & Lead Photographer of Stabor Studios

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shayla Tabor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shayla, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Jump, and the net will appear. (At least, I really hope it does…)

That phrase played over and over again at the end of 2023 when I decided to quit my full-time job and go all in on my own business. At the time, the risk of failure, people’s opinions, and everything that could go wrong if I failed flooded my mind. Ultimately, that risk was one of the best things I have ever done for myself and my business. It opened the doors for me to take better care of my clients, pursue my dreams, and achieve a work-life balance I sorely needed.

Risk-taking is a necessary part of being a small business owner and a creative. I think it’s in the risk that we truly find ourselves, zero in on our values, and expand our vision of success. If you never risk anything and push your comfort zone, you are resigning yourself to stagnation. That sounds harsh, but I believe it. Risk is where art is created, where our dreams have the chance to become reality.

I don’t think risk has to look reckless either. For me, sometimes it looks like trying something new during a photoshoot or pitching myself to someone even though my hands might literally be shaking.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always been interested in people’s stories, and I believe there is a God-given, inherent beauty in every single person. I like to joke that I fall in platonic love with all my clients. My art comes from a juxtaposition of capturing life as it unfolds and seeing how beautiful even the most mundane moments can be.

I love nothing more than serving and loving people during sweet life moments like engagement, marriage, and building a family (cue me crying during every wedding ceremony ever).

In 2021, I left my job as a multimedia journalist to create Stabor Studios—a place where I could love people deeply and serve them in the various seasons of their lives, just as they are (and take some really beautiful photos, of course).

I went to school for journalism to learn how to tell real, compelling stories, how to be a fly-on-the-wall. That training sets me apart, honing my craft of storytelling. People feel comfortable in front of my camera because I don’t ask them to perform or be someone they’re not. I simply capture them as they are, and it’s incredible how beautiful people are when you really see them. I bring that heart to every single client interaction.

I love getting to know people, and deep conversations over cups of coffee are my favorite. I love the Lord deeply and have a passion for capturing the world in all its glory because of that.

Chasing your dreams is hard work; it requires overcoming fear almost daily. It’s easy to feel like an imposter and think you’ll never succeed. But, I’ve learned that surrounding yourself with people who believe in you and your heart is one of the most important things you can do. That is why I’m also passionate about fostering a creative community in Columbia, where I’m based, and I’m thrilled with all that I’ve been able to do so far.

You have to keep pushing through the doubts and challenges to reach your dreams. I’m not done dreaming yet, and I am so in love with what I get to do every single day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Although I hesitate to admit it, after nearly a decade of living here, Columbia is one of my favorite places.

When a friend comes to visit, the first thing we’ll do is grab a cup of coffee at Indah or Piecewise and take a walk along the river. In the middle of the city, you can feel like you’re all alone, sitting in front of the rushing waters of the three rivers that flow through Columbia.

We’d stop by Ed’s Editions and All Good Books because who doesn’t love picking up something good to read? On Saturday morning, we’d stroll down Main Street during the Soda City Market and visit every single stall. I’d joke about eating all the food, but honestly, I’d probably go for an arepa. After stuffing our faces, we’d visit the Columbia Art Museum and end the afternoon at a local brewery. For dinner I’d give a ton of options, but I’d recommend getting dressed up and hitting Hampton Street Vineyard.

If we got bored with Columbia, a short road trip away we could enjoy the coast of Charleston or the mountains of Asheville.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be in business today if my clients didn’t trust me over and over again with capturing their beautiful lives. To all my Stabor clients, thank you. My husband Ben is my biggest cheerleader, and there’s no way Stabor would be here without his encouragement. I would also be remiss if I didn’t thank a few powerhouse women in the creative world who have prayed with me, encouraged me, and believed in me. Thank you, Alysa, Anna, and Katie.

Website: https://staborstudios.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stabor.studios/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stabor.studios

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@stabor.studios

Image Credits
Images taken by Shayla Tabor, owner & lead photographer of Stabor Studios