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

Shelby , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I love this question. My dad is actually the reason I’m where I’m at –– without him, it’s likely I would have never touched a camera. He gave me his film camera when I was a kid and introduced me to the basics of photography. I think learning a little bit on film when I was so young helped me appreciate what it takes to make a truly good photograph. He helped me learn that photos should be created with care and emotion and composition in mind. Beyond that, my parents both encouraged me to pursue a life that brings me joy. They are both free-spirited and creative, and when it became clear that the 9-5 workday was not for me, they both really championed me to go after something that made me feel alive. I’m so grateful for their support throughout my life, but especially with chasing this dream.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I think I was born a storyteller. As a kid, I was always writing stories and after my dad gave me his camera, always taking photos as well. I had dreams of becoming a journalist, but after a couple of jobs in the field I just didn’t feel connected to the work at all. I found myself falling more in love with capturing images to accompany my stories than the stories themselves. Sometimes words felt forced. Sometimes people didn’t want to share. Sometimes the audience didn’t appreciate the words I was sharing. But the photos, those were always honest.

The first wedding I photographed on my own was my sister-in-law’s. That was my wedding gift to her. I just found the whole day to be so much fun and such a rewarding experience, I wanted to try it again. So it just kind of grew from there. Truthfully, I never intended to become a photographer, especially a wedding photographer. People suggested it to me many times before I even considered it, and I would always tell them, “No way, that would be way too much pressure!” And, I mean, it is. But, it’s also incredibly rewarding and such a gift to meet people in love and document their sweet stories.

Something I try to do that I hope sets me apart is that I truly try to take care and time with the couples I work with. I want us to feel truly connected. It’s something I’m always working on, and it’s something that takes intentionality and dedication, but I think it really provides a more rewarding experience for everyone. I’m very intentional with the work I take on each year. I want my clients to feel like we’re old friends.

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

My greatest source of new clients is honestly client referrals and word of mouth. I have entire friend groups who have hired me for their weddings, and it’s truly the sweetest experience. It really contributes to that connection and feeling of being old friends. At almost every wedding, there is a connection to a past client or a friend who knows the couple. It’s what I love most about what I do.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal with every couple is just to make them feel completely loved and cared for. Wedding days are so intimate and so special, I feel honored to be chosen to capture them. So for me, the mission is to really pour into the couples who hire me. It’s my mission to make them feel just as loved as they make me feel when they choose me and trust me with documenting their loves stories.

Contact Info:

• Website: withthewandering.com
• Instagram: @withthewandering

Image Credits
All photos are mine :)