We are used to see all kinds of curated images in social media: perfect homes, perfect families, bright days and amazing landscapes... but when we find someone that's authentic and bold she immediately grabs our attention.

 

That's the case of Shay Silvestre and her tribe. She's with us today, let's meet her!

 

Ahoy Shay! Welcome to our journal, we’re so happy of having you here. Could you tell us a bit of your story? Who are you, where do you live and what do you do?

 

Hiya! So happy to be able to chat on here. First off my name is Shanlynne, short is Shay, I’m 27 years old living it up with my small little family in Philly (Philadelphia, PA). Our family is mini (for now) just my partner Francisco, our 2 kiddos Adonay + Adonis, our shiba inu Akiko and me! My partner and I come from different places and backgrounds. Our family is a team, we work but it’s always playful! We love going on adventures (but it’s always very limited) but we always find a way to make it fun.

We discovered you by chance and immediately thought you have such a unique and personal eye for photography, super cinematographic, it was love at first sight! Where do you find your inspiration to create?

 

We come a humble beginning both our backgrounds don’t come from much but we learned to look at things differently from others. Everything I do I see beauty in everything, always. There is so much beauty around us that many don’t utilize or see right in front of them. My inspiration comes from struggle and utilizing all that’s around me, I love color play and architecture. My main inspiration are my kids and our struggles that build us.

 

 

Usually your kids are the models of your pictures, is it easy working with them? Are they keen on art too?

 

My kids are just a mirror image of my partner and I! I always find them going through my old art books or admiring all the music my partner makes. They also creative direct some of our projects, we love getting them involved in everything we do, we rarely can afford a babysitter so you’ll always find them at our photoshoots as well, when you hire imagenfotografi, you hire the whole team :) we always make sure our universe is filled with art, they always love when we take them to art museums.

 

 

How do you boost your creativity in uncertain times like the ones we are living? Can you share some tips with us?

 

In all honesty, for us we’ve always had to live in struggle and "uncertain times". We learn to love what we have regardless if it’s not a lot. It’s important to appreciate what you already have, utilizing and realizing how fortunate you are is the first step of being creative.

 

 

We love that you collaborate with independent brands and, of course, we love that you love Don Fisher! What do you like the most about our universe?

 

When you guys first contacted me I was in shock! I love working with everyone and being able to connect with others just from an app. I’m just so fortunate to work with so many independent brands but the best part is building a relationship with so many talented people. Oh, when we got to pick out our bonitos I let my kiddos pick out their favorites! The quality is so amazing and the creative for each detail was outstanding to see in person!

 

Thank you Shay for being with us today and for sharing your story! We loved to get to know you better.

You will find Shay's amazing work in her Instagram account, Playful Modern Kids and also in her website, Imagen Fotografi.