We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jo Shelton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jo below.

Jo, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

My biggest personal risk has been just diving headfirst into the process. I prefer more artistic photography and not everyone is looking for that style. I’m slowly but surely building my brand by just being authentically myself.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started with classes in high school for photography. I absolutely loved it. It is a form of art and self expression for me. My dad got me my first camera and supplies as a graduation present and I’ve been off and on for years. In 2024 I decided this is my passion and what I want to do. Not only for myself, but to create an opportunity to be a SAHM with my kiddos. I’m most proud of continuing to persevere through everything, especially since I have diagnosed anxiety. Once I start getting into the rhythm with my clients it just disappears because I’m doing what I love. The clients I’m finding are old friends, new friends, family, etc., and they’re all coming to me because they love my more editorial, creative style.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Being a people pleaser. This may the “job” I want, but it’s also my passion. I stand firm on ensuring all clients regardless of relationship are paying me what I deserve in a timely fashion, but I’m also always willing to work with people such as payment plans! I may adore what I do and be excited, and sticking to my guns was hard at first, but ultimately if I’m going to create my own brand then I have to represent myself to the best of my ability.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Doing discounted creative sessions to not only help me find my niche, but to also build a portfolio. Regardless of how many likes or reviews or shares I get, consistently posting, using relevant hashtags, and having clients tag my profile in their posts of the images they receive has been abundantly helpful!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/LilacDaydreamsImagery
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilacdaydreamsimagery

Image Credits
Jo Shelton – Lilac Daydreams Imagery