We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shelby Prince. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shelby below.
Shelby, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?
Growing up I was the person that brought my camera to every hang out and politely *forced* people to take pictures. It began as a hobby of capturing the moment and filling my walls with prints of photos of the people I loved. Being a broke seminary student, I needed a way to make money – so I began to snap family photos of families I knew as a way to pay for school. It didn’t take long for me to realize I completely loved being behind the camera. My hobby of snapping pictures grew into a full on passion. Freezing a memory became something so special. I went from just snapping families to capturing engagements, weddings, and so many other milestones reached throughout life.
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’m Shelby! I’m a family and wedding photographer based out of Memphis, TN. I am completely in love with my city, photography, and Jesus. Being behind my camera is a place I’ve always loved. Not only do I have the joy of being a photographer but I also have the joy of serving on staff at a church as the Children’s Director. When I’m not behind my camera you can find me spending time with my friends, rooting on the Memphis Grizzlies, working out at my favorite gym, binge watching The Office and New Girl for the 47th time or going to get a slice of pizza! I’d love to be a Disney princess when I grow up. Also, fair warning if you play Whitney’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” at your wedding, you will see this gal on the dance floor with you.
Shelby Renee Photo was born with the dream of capturing your life and your moments in a way that makes you feel like YOU! My hope is that I create a genuine relationship with each client I have. Whether we chat via email, phone calls, or over a pretzel at Flying Saucer, I hope to get to hear your vision, hear your hopes, and get to know you so that your photos are a reflection of that. I want you to feel comfortable enough to be your true self in front of the camera because your story matters. I truly feel the importance of trust people put in me to capture their love and life moments. I’ll bring the cheesy jokes to get you laughing and we’ll take some photos that I know you will love. I promise to be your best hype squad, the calm in the storm, and that friend you can trust with your memories and to quote my gal Dolly Parton from Steel Magnolias “I have a strict policy that no one cries alone in my presence.”
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My goal is ultimately to provide people with photos that look and feel like them. I want it to be a true reflection of their love and their story. I believe every person’s story matters and that they should document all the milestones in life. I strive to make every couple/family/person feel super special and comfortable in front of my camera. When people look back on photos I have taken I hope they get to relive that moment over and over again.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
As a creative, I am thankful that I have been able to connect with others in the community. Truly those relationships have been so helpful in my growth. I wish I had not been afraid to make the connections earlier. I’ve had so many conversations over coffee, emails, and social media about office organization, lightroom tips, and sharing of photo locations. One piece of advice a dear photographer friend Cassie gave me years ago that has deeply stuck with me though is to “remember to shoot for fun.” That advice has always brought me back to what got me started in this industry. As with any career, it’s easy to feel drained or just stuck in a creative block – so I have been so thankful to do projects just for me, for fun.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shelbyreneephoto.com
- Instagram: @shelbyreneephoto
- Facebook: @shelbyreneephoto
Image Credits
Shelby Renee Photo