We are welcoming our girl Sharyce Rains to the blog today as our newest Unraveled Expert Artist. We love this chick and were lucky enough to meet her in person during our Phoenix workshop. She’s a vibe. Plus, she is sweet, intelligent and loves to learn AND teach. Her work and self portraiture is out of the box– as if she is trying to say more than just “here is a pretty picture.” There is depth and purpose to each image.

Sharyce is a lifestyle family wedding photographer based out of the Bay Area, CA. While photography is certainly her passion she would not know the meaning of storytelling without her journey into motherhood. A few months after becoming a mother, another photographer took her family portraits and the gallery delivery had her in tears. Beautiful tears. She felt it, heard it and saw it. It was there in those images completely taken back to the moment and the feeling that she knew she wanted to dive deep into lifestyle photography. Since that moment she's hit the ground running with an unstoppable momentum to create images that tell stories for others.

Congrats to Sharyce on becoming a UEA! We are so excited to see you grow in the community and become an instructor!

Unraveled Expert Artists are leaders in the community and the first to be considered for instructor opportunities. Learn more HERE.

What inspires your art?

I draw inspiration from all sorts of places. Often times it's a random spark from a conversation, life events, outfit inspiration or even lyrics from a song. I find a lot of creative juices start flowing with collaborations with fellow artists and friends. And of course my never ending inspiration and muse is my little, for without him I would not have purpose.

What do you shoot with? Camera body and favorite lens?

I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark IV. Pretty much always have a 35mm or 50mm on my body, possibly my 35mm slightly more.

What other ways do you express your creativity?

Event planning gets me really excited. I become a Pinterest addict overnight and end up with way to many DIY projects and Amazon deliveries.

How do you de-stress at the end of the day?

As a mom do we ever de-stress? hahahaha. Occasionally a bubble bath as hot as I can stand with all the candles lit. A general mid day de-stress I enjoy getting up and moving my body whether that be with hula hooping, roller skating, a walk or just a really good stretch sesh.

What kind of music do you listen to while editing?

I never listen to the same band or genre. My partner and I share playlists and add new/old favorites to stay connected all the time. I also like exploring the Discovery Weekly list on Spotify.

What is your favorite book?

That might be a tie between The Mastery of Love by Don Miguel Ruiz and Untamed by Glennon Doyle. Kind of a sucker for a good look within yourself to find yourself book.

Name one movie that inspires you.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, I love the motion graphics and nerdiness of this movie. Also super great comic.

How do you handle self-doubt or creative slumps?

This is an on going practice. I try to recognize it when I am in it and just pick up my camera with the only intention being turning it on. I really love sitting in front of my camera for self portraits as time to express myself or current mood and try new things. Sometimes the ideas I have work and sometimes it doesn't even come close. Trust the process and know that these feelings and slumps are temporary. Mindset practice is key.

What has been the most difficult part of your creative journey?

This is an on going practice. I try to recognize it when I am in it and just pick up my camera with the only intention being turning it on. I really love sitting in front of my camera for self portraits as time to express myself or current mood and try new things. Sometimes the ideas I have work and sometimes it doesn't even come close. Trust the process and know that these feelings and slumps are temporary. Mindset practice is key.