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

Hi Aisha, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
Creating makes me happy. God is the ultimate creator and I consider it a privilege when I get “downloads”. A download to me is a random desire to create, Creating new music with my husband, finding a new technique while shooting or getting a spark or feeling to create or even starting a new business. Creating and being creative is one of the greatest gifts we can receive and seeing the vision or project through gives me get great joy!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I specialize in Weddings and Lifestyle Photography. I would describe my work as colorful, whimsical, and editorial with a classic flair. Every time I capture someone I make it my mission to find a piece of “wonder” in everyone.

Everyone has something that makes them light up, something that makes them different and the beautiful part of my job is that I get to capture all of those moments. I like to tell people “You know the feeling you get when you see a rainbow and you’re in awe of how beautiful it is?” it’s almost like you’ve never seen it before.

There is a beauty in that rainbow that is unexplainable but leaves you completely speechless. It is my goal for every client to feel that way after every session. Reaching that goal is what I’m most proud of and I definitely believe that’s what sets me apart.
Has it been smooth? Absolutely not! I’ve literally quit doing photography about 30 times.

In a world full of amazing photographers, I struggled to find my voice, imposter syndrome and questioned if photography was something that I should continue.

It was really helpful to have a community of people to affirm and encourage me during those difficult times.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love Food! So a lot of our Itinerary would be around finding or going to amazing restaurants in Charlotte,NC. There is a spot in Charlotte called South End. South End is eclectic, its chill , you can dress up or dress down and their a lot of amazing place to just connect or sit and take in the world around you. It’s Always something going on. I’m more of a spontaneous kind of person so creating fun and random memories mean a lot more to me than checking off an itinerary.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are a lot of people who have contributed to my success but Ashleigh Crawley owner of Still Shots Photography in Greensboro, NC plays such a huge part in my success. I tell her this all the time but she gave me a chance about 7 years ago to intern with her. I didn’t have a lot of Wedding photography knowledge. All I had was camera and drive. Ashleigh allowed me space to grow, space to make error and change while still representing and building her brand. God is also amazing for giving me the grace and the gift to capture people. I’m so grateful for my husband, family and family that has supported throughout the years. There are a lot of people who have poured into my business and my life. I would NOT have been at this place in my life without them.

Website: www.wonderbluecreative.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/luvinwonderland

Facebook: www.facebook.com/wonderbluecreatives

Other: www.instagram.com/wonderbluecreative

Image Credits
headshot – Christine Baulieu Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.