Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shelby Gould. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shelby, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Being creative is a gift but being disciplined is what truly helps you become successful in your field. Staying inspired as a creative is so important but for me, trying to continue delivering photographs that challenge me to think outside of the box or push me technically is what I really love. Everyone’s idea of success is different but at the end of the day, your consistency is what will push you to that next level.

I spent years shooting and dabbling in all kinds of photography but when I came into the field of pinup and automotive photography, my passion really grew. After dreaming of being published in magazines as a teenager, I didn’t want to waste my shot at finally having my images printed in a medium I had loved for years. Over the last five years, I have strived to have my imagery feel fresh and to continue delivering high-quality imagery. Having the chance to shoot cars that people have spent years building is a dream come true. I feel honored to be able to capture a piece of rolling art and show the world the way I view it through my eyes.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am an Austin-based photographer with a background in fashion merchandising and styling. I attended school for fashion photography, where I gained skills in professional lighting, retouching, and photo printing. I have a keen eye for detail, which is evident in my carefully crafted imagery. My photography encompasses automotive, branding, and product photography.

I am currently the Assistant Publisher for Car Kulture Deluxe and Ol’ Skool Rodz, two car magazines produced in Texas. In this role, I create imagery for a print medium, assist with art direction, and help uphold visual standards. I am always striving to deliver the best possible product, whether it is branding for a small business or photographing a custom car off the coast of California. I believe that every image has the potential to tell a story, and I am passionate about creating visuals that are both visually stunning and meaningful.

My photography is a labor of love, and I hope that my passion is evident in my work. I am grateful for the endless support of my friends and family, who have helped me to achieve my dream of becoming a photographer.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative for me is when my passion for creating aligns with something a client loves. This could be their family, their car, or any moment in their life that they want to capture. Time is the only constant in life, and in the fast-paced, social media-driven world we live in today, it can be easy to forget to see what is right in front of us. We will only be the person we are now for so long, so what better way to capture this moment than through beautiful imagery?

Think of a family or personal photograph that you cherish. It could be a photo of your grandmother taken long before you were born. We connect with these moments not only because they are fleeting, but because we can keep that little sliver of time with us forever. We can take a moment where we felt the most joy or anticipation of things to come and frame it forever.

As a creative, I am grateful for the opportunity to help people capture these moments. I believe that photography is a powerful tool that can be used to preserve memories and tell stories. I am passionate about creating imagery that is both visually stunning and meaningful, and I am always striving to find new ways to use my skills to make a difference in the world.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I’ve always wanted to be a photographer, and I want to continue to create content that I’m proud of. This creative outlet has always been a source of great happiness for me.

My grandmother Jean was a big influence on my love of photography. She would always bring shiny, new cameras when she visited us in Austin, and she would let me play with them. I even used to take film photographs of my dolls and mail them to her when she was gone. I couldn’t wait to share my vision with her, and the warmth with which she received my photos gave me so much joy. She would tell people that we would have a famous photographer in the family one day, and that has been my main motivation throughout my creative career.

My parents also always supported my creativity, no matter what form it took. Being encouraged like that at such a young age helped me develop the creative confidence that I carry with me today. I want to continue to make myself and my family proud by being intentional in how I spend my time. I believe that being creative is a terrible thing to waste, so I want to fill as much of my life with intention and making anything I can craft as beautiful as possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.shelbyanngould.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelbygouldimaging
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelbygouldimaging

Image Credits
Professional images by Shelby Gould Imaging