How Shoott is Making Professional Photography Accessible for All

‍SHOOTT, an innovative photography service, is on a mission to make professional family photos accessible and meaningful for everyone.

The inspiration behind the studio’s approach lies in its founders’ own creative roots. They asked themselves: How can we create a business model that not only supports freelance photographers but also brings value to clients? The answer was to offer mini-sessions at no cost, with clients only paying for the photos they love. “We realized we could aggregate demand for professional photography at set locations, resulting in multiple gigs a day which is a win for photographers,” Jennifer Yeh, COO of Shoott said. 

They admit that the business model is quite unique.  This is different from the usual system where photographers get to charge upfront for the entirety of the fee or charge a “sitting fee,” and then a separate fee for photos. Also, not to mention the weight of ensuring to hire and offer only the best photographers out there fitting for each client.

But Shoott believes that it’s a lovely win-win for both the clients and the photographers. Jennifer explained that while it may sound gimmicky, their offer brings in clients who might not otherwise consider booking a professional photographer.

In fact, 25% of their clients only had the chance to book a professional photographer for the very first time through Shoott—proving the effective transformation of a niche service into a beloved experience for many.

“So many of us have worked as freelance artists so we personally ‘get’ the pain points of the gig life—this helps us create smart solutions for our photographers’ unique needs,” Jennifer expounded.

Breaking the Mold in Photography Services

Despite being a team of only twelve, Shoott operates like a powerhouse family—with a presence across more than 60 U.S. cities, they remain accessible and personal, a refreshing alternative to the usual mainstream system.

They also do not stop at the photo session itself—they go above and beyond to help clients create lasting gifts and memories. The company offers extensive resources, from session preparation tips to posing and outfit guides, ensuring that clients arrive prepared and confident. If you have a strong vision for your photos, they encourage sharing these inspirations to your photographer. Jennifer emphasized, “Communication with your photographer is key when you have a specific goal in mind for your session so you can collaborate well to ensure the results you want!”

Furthermore, Shoott has teamed up with Paper Culture, an AAPI-founded brand, to offer eco-friendly holiday cards, photobooks, and framed prints. This partnership helps clients turn their digital memories into tangible treasures.

A Profound Impact, One Session at a Time

In line with its mission, Shoott partners with schools, nonprofits, and community groups to turn photography into a powerful fundraising tool. 

How it works: For every photo purchased, a portion goes directly to the designated organization, offering a simple yet impactful way to give back. According to the team, this project is often met with great enthusiasm, as clients appreciate the opportunity to capture precious moments while also supporting a cause dear to them.

For the COO of Shoott, the most rewarding part of the journey has been seeing the positive impact on both clients and photographers. Since they consider the photographers as their second “customer,” it is important for them to juggle the needs of both parties. “When we see that we’ve struck that balance, it’s an anchor point that keeps us moving forward.”

One session, in particular, holds special meaning for the team. The session of parents with a picture and teddy bear to symbolize a child they had lost. 

The team are used to pitching traditionally “happy” moments, so to have a session dedicated to embracing a heartbreak and the beauty of having had someone even for a short time, it served as a poignant reminder of the importance of photographs in capturing both joy and loss. “It really just reminded us how valuable photos are in commemorating the things most important to us so that we have something to look back on after the moment has passed,” she expressed.

Keeping the Personal Touch Alive

Shoott’s commitment to inclusivity and personalization is central to its approach. It is important that each client feels seen and welcome in every session, which is why they prioritize working only with photographers who share their dedication to inclusivity, making every client feel comfortable and valued. 

Still, this applies with their photographers as well. Taking strides to know them professionally and artistically. “We know all of our photographers - we familiarize ourselves with their work as an individual artist, their particular technical skillset as well as their personality and their feedback from clients,” Jennifer elaborated. They even have a chat function so the photographers have easy access with the team.

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With their unique approach paired with a heartfelt mission, they are making it easier than ever for families to preserve life’s most cherished moments. Creating a platform for clients to attain professional photography, for freelance photographers to link with potential clients, and for customers and organizations to drive donations for their supported advocacy all while capturing their memories, Shoott is really set to revolutionize the photography industry one camera shot at a time.