ABOUT SHAN
MY JOURNEY
As I look back on the path I've traveled, may it inspire you to pursue your dreams and create what you love. This journey of mine is a testament to the power of dreams and the beauty of crafting a life filled with passion and purpose.
2008: Being named Photographer of the Year by the Isle of Man Photography Society.
2009: A pivotal year as I founded Shan Fisher Photography, marking the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey.
2009-2011: Pursued academic excellence by earning a 2:1 BSc Honors Degree in Business and Marketing Management from Royal Holloway, University of London.
2010: I married the love of my life.
2011: My photography gained international recognition, with features in magazines across the globe.
2012: Shan Fisher Photography reached a significant financial milestone, breaking into six-figure earnings.
2013: Embraced motherhood with the birth of my first son, a new source of inspiration and joy.
2015: Welcomed my second son, further enriching my life journey.
2016: Realized a dream by building a bespoke home studio, a space for creativity and growth.
2017: Recognized for artistic excellence with a Bronze Award at Portrait Master
2018: Honoured with the Excellence Enterprise - Digital Champion Award.
And marked my debut as a keynote speaker at business start-up training events.
2019: Honored with Excellence Enterprise Award in Customer Service
And embarked on a new venture as the founder of Shan Fisher Education.
2020: Expanded my professional influence as an international photography jury member at NPA, NPC, and APNPI.
2021: Launched online training courses, sharing my expertise and passion for photography with a wider audience.
2022: I was honoured to showcase my "Timeless White Maternity, Baby, and Family Photography" at the Isle of Man Noble Hospital's Jane Maternity Ward, marking a significant milestone in my artistic career.
2023: Honored with the Excellence Enterprise Award - Techlogoy Innovation.
Elevated my role in the photography community as a speaker at the Ehimum Photography Conference in Italy.
2024: Achieved certification as a Positive Psychology Coach.
Further established my standing in the photography world as a speaker at the Madepro Photography Conference in Bulgaria.
How did it all start?
I have never forgotten the magical moment I visited my first art gallery when I was about 6. I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the art in the gallery. It felt as if every beautiful painting was coming to life. I wanted to live in this magical wonderland forever!
When I got home, I told my mother I wanted to become an artist and create beautiful pictures for the rest of my life. I remember she said, "Whatever your dreams are, as long as you put your hard work into them, they will come true."
I spent most of my childhood drawing and painting. It gave me so much joy doing what I love. It also gave me the freedom to dream and to express myself through art. I achieved many young artist awards for my paintings and made my mother proud.
Life can be so cruel.
When I was only 13 years old, my mother was diagnosed with late-stage cancer, and she passed away within 3 months. She was my everything. I was beyond devastated!
Everything I am today is because of my mother's unconditional love, believing in me and encouraging me to dream big, to explore my talents and imagination. She made me believe nothing in this world is impossible for a willing heart!
My father canceled all my art classes. He had a more practical approach to life and wanted me to have a secure financial future. I remember he told me, "Shan, you won’t be able to make a living as an artist. It’s not realistic.''
He encouraged me to focus on my studies with the hope that I would become either a doctor, lawyer, or accountant and live a 'successful life'.
I followed my father's advice and studied at a school of economics to become an accountant.
But I never had any interest or talent in working with numbers. I loved working with people, so I found a job as a marketing assistant after I graduated.
I purchased my first house when I was 22 years old, enjoying financial freedom that allowed me to travel and support my family. My father was proud of me. I thought that was what a successful life meant.
Every single day, I questioned myself.
Instead of feeling happy and fulfilled, I felt empty in my heart and had a lack of purpose in my life. I question myself every day: ''Shan, is this really what you want to do for the rest of your life?''
So in 2003, I joined the local photography society to do something I could be passionate about and to be happier in my life. I bought a simple digital camera and spent most of my days off taking photos.
It felt like I found myself and it brought me so much joy! I was surprised that I kept winning the monthly competitions and I won the club's Photographer of the Year award.
I said to myself ''What if I could do this for the rest of my life? That would be my dream come true!''
So I took a leap of faith... and jumped.
There isn't a day that passes when my beautiful mother doesn't cross my mind and soul. There is a place in my heart my mother holds, filled with loving memories and warm, loving energy that comes into every aspect of my blessed life!
Her voice inside me telling: "Whatever your dreams are, as long as you put your hard work into them, they will come true."
I knew I had to follow my dreams and live the life that I wanted. Even if I failed, I would know that I had tried and done my best with no regrets.
In 2007, I decided to quit my job, sell my house, and follow my dreams. I set up Shan Fisher Photography and went to study at Royal Holloway, University of London.
But I was so happy that
I had finally become the person I wanted to be!
The changes in my life were hard. All I had at that time was my camera, my dreams, and so many unknowns...
I went from financial freedom to being dependent on student grants. On weekends I worked as a waitress to earn extra money. But I was so happy that finally, I was becoming the person I wanted to be and doing something that I loved every single day.
I took as many learning opportunities as possible - reading books, attending workshops, and learning from online courses to master my craft and build my photography business. I was so passionate and excited about my new life!
In 2017, my dream came true to have a beautiful studio space where I could welcome my clients and make them feel at home.
Today I'm living the life I always dreamt of.
I returned to the Isle of Man after I graduated. Married the love of my life in 2009, and we became parents in 2013. We are now living in this beautiful little island with our two little boys
I'm grateful!
My success is not only due to the dedication and hard work I put into my business every day, but also the education I have gained by investing in myself.
I am grateful for all the mentors and educators who have shared their knowledge, skills, and experiences with me, enabling me to learn and grow.
I am grateful to all my clients for entrusting in me and giving me the opportunity to be part of their lives and to capture their precious moments.
I am grateful to have my wonderful husband, my family, my friends, and all of you in my life.
Thank you for all your support and love so that I live the life I dream of and become the person I want to be!
Fun facts about ME!
- I feel I belong to the Ocean. The Ocean always gives inner peace and energy.
- My Chinese name Hoi Shan means "Ocean Coral".
- My favourite food is seafood.
- I live on a beautiful little island surrounded by the beautiful Irish sea.
- All my favourite places to the holiday are by the sea.
- I was a ballet and ballroom dancer.
- I love cooking and love hosting dinner parties with friends at home.
MY MISSION
is to inspire and empower photographers and entrepreneurs to master their craft and live their POWER - embracing Purpose, Ownership, Wisdom, Empowerment, and Reward. I am dedicated to supporting you in achieving self-mastery, building a compelling brand, and thriving both in business and life. Through my unique approach, I aim to unlock your full potential and pave the way for lasting success and fulfilment.
