Meet Andrea Schvaneveldt | Artist & mother

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

Hi Andrea, what are you inspired by?
I am inspired by relationships. The connection we find with other humans, the love & intensity of feelings we are capable of. Even the very relationship we have with ourselves. We are emotional beings & vastly complicated. I also find myself overwhelmed by the inspiration I find in nature. Light, forests, the ocean, sunsets, clouds, plants! I love finding myself again and again in the mountains. I can’t think of a career path that can blend those two inspirations better than photography. Capturing love and relationships in golden light. I love putting families, couples, and people at ease. Allowing them to show up at a shoot in their true form. I want it to be authentic, fun, & their own. I’ve realized the feelings we have during the shoot pour over into the feelings we feel looking at the photos- so I want those memories to bring up happiness and fun rather than the stress and pressure of making photos cute and successful.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is a work in progress. There is always more to learn. I have recently put more time into my editing process. I enjoy shooting film first and foremost-it’s my first love of photography. But mastering the digital process is something I’ve been putting hours into, and it has been extremely rewarding. Becoming a friend to light & all the depth of understanding her has also been on the forefront of my mind.

I lived through a very complicated marriage with many abusive aspects- that led to a traumatic divorce. Picking myself up after raising four children, and telling myself I could provide for myself and them was pivotal in my new business. Moving a side gig to the forefront is both exciting and terrifying. It has become therapy, & I love that my passion is now taking center stage.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Having just moved here from Oahu- I cannot answer this question yet. But, with that being said, I love exploring and making the best of life. So far we have fallen in love with the skateparks of the Frisco, Plano, and McKinney areas- frisbee golf courses-we love the farmland-cows- and OH I love Summermoon coffee shop in old town Frisco. I’ve been on the hunt for nonfranchise local businesses, shops, and restaurants. It’s hard to find in such a suburbia area- but I know they are out there!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to the incredible women in my life. They have rallied and carried me through storms so dark and terrifying I didn’t think I could escape them. I have been blessed with friends that possess such kindness and empathy-they put new deeper meaning to what defines strength & love. Girl’s that are bosses in every possible way. They inspire me, hold me close, root for me in every room, and for that, I’m always sure I can succeed!

Instagram: instagram.com/heysunshinephoto

Other: instagram.com/anywherethatiswild