We were lucky to catch up with Shelby Bella recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shelby, appreciate you joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Not being afraid to fail was/still is SUCH a big part of my success. I try not to fear taking big risks, asking “dumb questions”, and taking on jobs that scare me. I have failed many times by doing so but I have always learned key lessons that set me up for success in my next project. The commercial photography industry doesn’t come with a playbook on how-to’s, so it can be tricky to navigate if you are doing the right thing or not. I’ve learned by just going for it, whether I make a fool of myself or not, I have found that 99% of the time big risk equals big reward.

Shelby, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have always wanted to be a photographer. I started in middle school where I eventually worked my way interning for my local newspaper in high school. From there I went to college at the Art Institute of Denver where I graduated with best portfolio in my class. I specialed in food and knew I wanted to move to a city that took culinary to the next level. Shortly after graduating, I moved to Austin where I did mainly restaurant/editorial work for about a year.

One day an agency reached out to me asking me if I’d ever done advertising work. Although I hadn’t, I was very interested and haven’t looked back since. I dived into studio work for CPG brands where I learned a whole new world of photography. It’s been almost six years since I’ve worked in a studio doing commercial photography for small and big brands. In those six years, I have met some amazing stylists/set designers, creative directors, models, brand owners, agencies, and so much more. I have loved being on set with creatives who have such a big passion for creating work that helps brands grow! It’s so much more fun when you get to go to work with other people who all help you work on a project with each person having their own specialized skill. It feels like you have your own little community of people helping you get through the challenges of a shoot.

One thing I try to bring on set is positivity, patience, and always have snacks. I have been on sets before where things feel so icky and tensions are high so you feel like you have to walk on eggshells. It goes without saying that you need to work hard and problem-solve on the spot a lot of times, however, the energy on set should still always feel uplifting and rewarding which is a goal I always strive for,

I also strive to make my images feel fun with bold colors, playful props, and concepts that catch your eye. I’d say my images are contrasty, appetizing, and storytelling. When delivering a gallery of work I like a balance of lifestyle, evergreen, simplistic, but also elevated work. I feel so proud when a brand has a wide range of uses that they can use my work for. I’ve had brands use my work from social media posts, to packaging, to printing on trucks!

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Word of mouth is everything! I have had so many referrals which is how I was able to be a freelance photographer. My clients are awesome and once they are happy customers, they feel comfortable throwing your name around because they have enjoyed working with me.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of being a creative is that it can open so many avenues of different opportunities in your field that you probably didn’t even think of. Being a photographer, I can do so many things. I can be a wedding photographer one day, and shoot a restaurant the next. I can sell prints or use images on a stock site. I can teach others how to shoot in the studio and retouch. The possibilities are endless so it never gets boring.

Contact Info:

• Website: coming soon!
• Instagram: @shelbybellaphotography
• Facebook: [email protected]

Image Credits
Stylists: Vicky Nonnon Stylists: Kolby Breedlove Assistant Stylist: Hannah Schon