Hi, I'm Shelley
What an amazing adventure to bring us to this moment. Indeed, to think about all the little paths you took on your journey to come here and find me. I would love to hear the campfire stories of that trek but until we reach that junction, let me tell you about myself: the artist behind the lens.
From a early age I had a love of art and nature. I loved animals and trees and creek ecosystems. Initially, I went to school for animal medicine but my heart had called me somewhere else. I graduated with an Associates in Fine Art with a focus in Photography and a Bachelor's in Art History. I discovered I loved the stories of the art and accordingly I wanted to share that with others. While I was researching Master's programs in Museum Studies, I met my now husband. We were like two puzzle pieces; both complimentary and opposing. He was active duty military and consequently that didn't bode well for a museum job. Meanwhile, as I was working as a photographer at JC Penney's/Lifetouch and I decided to shift again to focus on building up my own photography business, something that I could take with me no matter where we lived.
It's been over a decade since I made that decision and I've had the opportunity to document so many beautiful and unique things. This has really shaped who I am as an artist and as a result it tells me which roles I'm more suited to capture. While I love weddings with all their thoughtful planning and gorgeous details, the quick pace and high energy of the day just doesn't blend well with my need for a relaxed and controlled environment. All I can say now, is that while my business model and specialties have changed over the years, I am still so excited to see where the next journey takes me. Who knows, maybe a mountaintop elopement should be on my bucket list after all. After all this, I'd love to create art where the bride is wearing hiking boots.
Some of My Favorite Things
My hiking buddy: Russell
Dust particles floating slowing in the air
Travel, most often to the mountains
The warmth of the sun on my skin in winter
Stars - all of them
Woodland critters: most notably skunks and foxes
Rain - People don't seem to understand just how much I love the rain
Heart Space
Two of my favorite poems come from the book I am Her Tribe. Written by Danielle Doby, a fellow artist has created works that resonate deep in my soul when it comes to my own artistry. They remind me that my art is for me and because of that it is my choice to share that with others.
find what ignites worlds within you
let your work
everything you create
be a direct extension of
your heart space
now
more than ever
the world needs more of our light
go find what sparks it
and people who wholeheartedly
believe in it
and use it to go out + change something
heart work
your purpose
your art
will land in the hearts
it's meant to
you won't be for everyone
but you are for someone
and to that someone
what you have to give matters
and that's the beginning
of everything
Adventure Awaits
Then let's open the conversation to discuss your ideas and desires. Forget the traditional, the "normal", the what's-to-be-expected. In fact, tell me what YOU want? Once you have that little spark ignited, let's feed that flame together. Let's document a moment where we slow time down because how fun would that be?