We recently connected with Shelby Borer and have shared our conversation below.
Shelby, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?
After I’m long gone I hope that when people think of me they’re reminded about how I lived my life so fearlessly. That despite the risks of all my choices I continued to live in integrity to who I was. And in times of change and confusion I stayed honest to myself. I wasn’t afraid to feel, to express who I was and to speak my my truths. I hope that I inspire people to be exactly who they are. To be unapologetic about what makes them unique. Unapologetic about what they want and need to be happy.
I hope that when they’re reminded of my fearlessness it inspires them to make the changes within themselves and within their lives that will fulfill them long term. That my fearlessness inspires them to always communicate even when it feels hard, forgive even when it feels impossible, love even when it feels confusing and pursue their dreams even when it feels impractical.
And even in times of their deepest fears I hope that the way I lived my life reminds them of my favorite sayings – “everything is figureoutable” and “know thyself.”
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?
In 2011 after I graduated high school I moved to Denver and instantly fell in love with the free spirited lifestyle. I had zero idea what I was meant to do with the next chapter of my life, but eventually I found what lit a fire in me. In 2012 I started school at Metro State and was taken back by the city life and the art district. And in 2013 I took one of my first college art classes without a clue of how much it was going to change my life. From that point on – there wasn’t a single class I took that didn’t open my heart and expand my mind. I feel like each and every experience I had throughout my time there helped me discover a deeper love for not only myself but for others as well. It taught me true compassion, open mindedness and understanding. My professors prepared me for the real world teaching me true grit, discipline and how to find a balance between work and play. And being in the Art program taught me what I feel like true passion was.
I took my sweet time in college, started my photography business and then graduated in the summer of 2018. After graduation I started putting a lot of my attention towards photography and growing my clientele. From starting a networking group for female entrepreneurs to podcasting and attending art walks every month I went full time with my business in 2019.
In the beginning I focused on portraiture, commercial work and branding with small business owners. Since then I’ve expanded into working with couples and families photographing everything from newborns to weddings. What I’ve enjoyed most as of lately is my couples. Meeting them at the start of their lives together and working with them through their engagement, their wedding and on to starting their own families. There’s just something about being there with them through all those monumental moments of their lives that humbles me.
Growing up in the Midwest gave me such a deep appreciation for the little things in life. And that is exactly what has become the foundation of my business over the years. Shelby Borer Photography encompasses simplicity, warmth, and unapologetic romance. It prides passion, authenticity and deep connection. I take pride in being able to capture the little moments and showing my clients that those “little moments” are the ones worth capturing.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The best source of new clients for me is honestly just word of mouth. It makes me feel insanely proud of my business when someone inquires about a session because a friend or family member recommended me to them.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I think what helped build my reputation in my market is how much importance I put on communication. With my clients, with fellow photographers and even other people that I work with in the creative industry. Even when it comes to the smallest things I take a lot of pride in clear and honest communication.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shelbyborer.com
- Instagram: shelbyborerandphotography