. 2014 .
Throughout 2014, many photos have circulated through my computer. Well, about 70k to be exact. So many memories. So many captures giggles. Smiles. Tears. Love. Everything in between. Going through thooouusssaaands of photos and I am absolutely floored at everything my camera has quickly captured and turned into forever tangible memories.
As well as circulating photos, I have had various circulating thoughts on the whole concept of becoming a full time wedding photographer { read more below, if interested }. This year held so much opportunity for my business to grow by leaps and bounds- and it surely did. I am not positive I will ever be able to eloquently express how thankful I am to have had the most phenomenal clients hire me to capture their lives. But, Thank you. thank you SO much for simultaneously supporting my passion and I. This year has also been extremely difficult at times as I attempted to balance school, work, and a personal life. With that, patience and tenacity were in full effect.
My idea of a ‘good photo” may be quite different than yours. I seek raw emotion, natural light, pure beauty, and the sweet moment that it was captured in. Every one of these pictures has a precious story and a reason why I love them. I attempted to note below the photo why they particularly stand out to me. Ignore or read- it’s your choice!
May these images not only reflect what is legitimately captured- but may they reflect how I see the world, how I see love, how I see art, and how I see life: Honest, precious, and ultimately so freakin’ beautiful.
Wishing you all many, many blessings for 2015 and beyond.
Cheers to this new chapter!
Xo, Shelby
**I posted on Instagram a few months ago that I had a "big announcement" and I got a ton of inquiring minds… Do you remember that? Well, I decided to sit on this for awhile and I ultimately decided to share my thoughts with my lovely followers and clients. I must warn, this may not be "big" to anyone specific or anyone at all, which may lead to thoughts about me being super duper dramatic... Which I'm guilty of at times :) BUT it is indeed a huge for me and my business. I have decided to slowly distance myself from photography in 2015. One of my continuing resolutions every year is to be more transparent with my life, so if you're still curious, please read on (below this set of photos)!!**
Jaclyn + Phil had their wedding party throw confetti as they shared their first kiss.
Steve is a Pilot and proposed to Kristina while in the air. The airport made for a perfect location to shoot their engagement photos at sunset!
Lindsey + Stephen driving away after their wedding reception.
This day was so gloomy weather wise, but they absolutely rocked it and put up with the rain.
Miss Sophie, a phenomenal dancer, posing in front of the Teton Range in Jackson, Wyoming.
Rain, shine, rain, shine, rain.. SHINE! Perfect.
The texture in this is rad.
The water kept splashing their legs, but all they wanted to do was kiss.... Awww
Little Harlow- what a fashionista! Love how stoic she looks .
First looks are so common these days. Madelynn and Scott chose to do a first look and his reaction was my favorite out of the whole year. Precious.
Mmmm. That light, though.
Vance Creek Bridge was a PNW symbol of 2014. Inspiring adventure with every step. One of the first places I explored in 2014.
Another first look. I really like how Kelsey paused for a moment, and the look on Josh's face is so excited!
Backlight = rad.
Seattle sunset. A classic.
The way Jordan looks at Leah is so sweet. I also loved how they were not afraid to wear bold colors!
Mother son dance.
Geothermal pool in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.
I was beyond stoked to explore Yellowstone, yet the weather was very crummy. We stood in pouring rain until we couldn't take any more... (like 30 minutes, ha!)
Something is so special about sneaking away to take a few photos at sunset while all the guests are eating and dancing. Plus, this is my lovely best friend Haley and her husband Tim. Bonus.
These sisters hosted me while I was in WY, and let me snap photos of them. Gorgeous people.
Parking garage light.
Kate's energy was off the hook! loved it.
Josh surprised Kelsey with this dip as their first kiss... and the crowd went wild!
Snapped this random photo of my assistant, Logan, and the way the light fell was way awesome.
The hues of this photo... Shoot. Bright, bold, colorful, and oh so lovely.
Anniversary photos for Brenna and Dan, whose wedding I shot in 2013, which happened to be one of my all time favorites. So fun.
Cannon loves climbing on things. Asked him to climb up on the fence and was shocked by how much I adored the pose.
Sigal sipping on Acai in Jericoacoara, Brazil. The colors in this city were bright and so fun to photograph.
My dear friend Shannon's little baby girl, Maddox. Her smirk melts my heart!!
Again, my obsession with trees is very evident in these photos. This was the most beautiful tree I have seen in a looonnggg time.
Ventured to the Vance Creek Bridge in the middle of the night to capture the milky way. One of the most thrilling experiences I have ever had. Hiking in the dark + standing on a bridge that is hundreds of feet above a river while not being able to see below. HOLY COW.
Kami + Victor. A Candid.
The way the sun hits Jocelyn's eye is magical.
Kisses from sisters + a little smirk.
Girl, the back of your dress is RIDICULOUS.
Dunes in Jericoacoara, Brazil. Photo shoot at sunset.
This wooded wedding was located at the cutest cabin. I attempted to get every. single. detail.
Bridesmaids
A girl and her dog. Precious.
We found the remains of a ghost town in Washington. The building were covered in ivy and that backdrop was dope.
Why do my best friends have to be so. darn. cute?!
Riding horses in Jericoacoara, Brazil. The way the sand is skimming across the sand is mesmerizing and if you were there in person- it was very very painful!
A flying Maddox! With a huge grin! Photographing this lady at different stages of life has been very special.
Little man Alex striking a smirk before he walks down the aisle as a ring bearer.
She almost fell off those wobbly things. But she let me take this picture first. What a trooper!
Legs for days + sparkly shoes + matching white button-ups. Classy.
That moss was that teal. Your eyes are not deceiving you.
It is scientifically proven that jumping on the bed does indeed cure all pre-wedding jitters. A Bride + her Maid of Honor.
That pop of red did it for me.
Lots of light shining in. It was Dorothy's birthday.
. iPhone .
Kami + Victor took their engagement photos at the Zoo, where they had one of their first dates. Umm, what?! A dream.
I helped Sarah + Brian announce in April that they were pregnant with their first child. Months later, baby Sam came along and I documented his first few weeks as a little human :)
Tall grass is itchy and annoying and not fun but it makes for awesome photos. Thanks for bearing through it, Taylor!
In terms of weather, this day was ultra gloomy. We walked to the back of the quaint cabin in the middle of the forest, and there was a perfect patch of light.
This dude was splashing in the waves, falling down, getting knocked down, splashing some more. Innocence at sunset. Jericoacoara, Brazil.
Brotherly love. Those smiles!!!
Movement.
Pacific Beach, Washington Coast.
It's so evident that these two are so excited to get married in September.
Sunflowers.
it was POURING, and the tree helped with shelter for a moment. They workkked it!
Shadow play.
The light in her eyes.
Arches National Park, Moab Utah.
The rocks were really that orange. Pinky swear.
Bison.
No one has ever made a run down boat house look so glamourous.
Sunrise on the Teton Range.
Jackson, Wy
. iPhone .
Truth is, it was not warm enough to be wearing that outfit.
But it sure looks like summer, huh?
Fooled ya!
. iPhone .
Lines and shades and a best friend putting on the Brides shoe.
This is so Portland. And I love everything about it.
Not many brides have veils. Shawnna WORKED IT. They way it would flow in the wind was stunning.
Those trees.. that light.. Matt's expression.
Adore how the light hit Kyle and Breanne in front of the barn.
Just... peaceful.
One of the most peaceful places I have been: Amphitheater lake. Jackson, Wy.
Hiked 5 miles up a steep slope. It was worth it.
. iPhone .
Sunset over Deception Pass in Anacortes, Wa.
A watercolor painting, maybe?
. iPhone .
Madelynn has the sweetest smile.
Bridal portraits at 12 am. Absolutely fantastic.
Since working with my assistant Logan, he usually takes most of the guys' photos on a wedding day, while I take the ladies. Purely for efficiency and lack of time to spend doing both. I solo shot this wedding and this was one of my first shots I captured of the men all together. Classic and crisp.
Lizzie and her son, Jordan, walking in the water. Their relationship is inspiring.
The way they look at each other.. It says it all.
Colors. Shadows. Light. BOOM.
Shake it off. This movement is so fantastic.
Vogue-esque. Not my style, but I did it and liked it.
:)
Baby Hudson gazing at Mama. Those little blue eyes are too cute.
Moms need to get glammed up, too!
Bombshell.
The whole gang, all stoked.
 |
Haley has been one of my closest friends in high school and college, and with that, I watched her grieve as Tim went through bootcamp and was deployed over seas. I was so so glad they incorporated Tim's service into their engagement photos.
A twist on the ring shot.
.....fog. That is all.
Sun flare. Dreamy.
Smell is associated with so many things.
Whether it is the smell of fresh rain, a burger at a restaurant, or the perfume you wear on your wedding day.
It's important and we incorporated it
+
the gorgeous ring
I am thoroughly obsessed with trees and tree groves.
and very obsessed with this couple.
Hailey + Cannon.
Rainy wedding days call for being creative.
I hiked that middle peak (Mt. Ellinor) and it was thrilling and SO COOL to fly over it.
The blanket did a lot.
Bride Nikki walking to see her groom. Magical moment filled with so much emotion.
Sweet sister secrets.
Having a little brother who I adore, I know these moments all too well.
The best part about this, is that she didn't reach to pull the hair out of her face. Hair blowing around a face is so natural to me.
Pure joy.
Bride and Groom on the left, Maid of Honor and groomsmen on the right.
They were both in each others weddings.
Tradition!
Capturing honest personalities is way fun.
Purple skies? Stunning.
Kisses from grandma and mom.
Shooting into the sun can be freaky. SO BRIGHT. But, this turned out pretty wonderful.
And just like that, 2014 ends and 2015 begins. Full of opportunity and promise. Running fast for it, and I am so extremely stoked! Let's get it.
___________________________________________________________
Let's start this out bluntly: I adore my job. I do, I do!
"Oh! How cool is it that you get to shoot one day and get paid a ton for it, then you're like, done!" I hear this a lot. In the age of instant gratification and the desire for fast cash, photography may "make sense", but there is so much more to it than one, two, or seven days of shooting and getting paid "big bucks".
That being said, my practice is so different than your average work day. I listen to slow jams to get in the mood. I harness in the lovey-dovey feelings and begin flipping through image after image of various wedding days and couples who are in complete adoration for each other. I work almost every day of the week, I have the absolute joy of creating my own hours and being flexible with days off, but this thang I got goin' on is a full time gig!
A full time gig that has ultimately highlighted three main things in my life:
- I am not a business person.
- I am very much an active and social person. It is hard to be in front of a computer for 4-8 hours a day!
- My singleness is constantly affirmed every time I shoot a wedding and spend friday nights at my desk looking at clients’ pictures of them smooching.
I am fairly certain my computer has morphed into my boyfriend, and my mouse and keypad are my besties.
I always joke I have the most unique job. In many ways, really. But let me elaborate a bit- I am a PDA encourager and professional small talker. At times I'm a counselor, mediator, friend, customer service agent, blogger, and business owner. I have the chance to be an artist, occasionally a florist, and the joy of being the one who documents the tears and the giggles. My hat rack is a colorful display and I wouldn't have it any other way. But holy cows, does it get exhausting! As I am finishing up my first full "Wedding Season" with over 20 weddings under my belt for 2014, and many more to come, I am sitting in my office (lets be real, its my bedroom) and laughing at the past year of work that I just experienced.
I am not positive that anything could prepare me for being a "full time wedding photographer". I threw myself into the circus with the strong desire to produce the very best work, for the very best clients, for the very best prices… And I can whole-heartedly say that I worked hard to achieve that. I may not have done it as eloquently as I would have liked, but my God, was this a lesson I will carry with me for the rest of my days.
This past season may have been nutso, but I have been so very grateful to have had the help from my assistant and second shooter, Logan Smith. Logan reached out to me during September of 2013 with the curiosity of wedding photography and I laughed as I told him to join me on my next wedding. I genuinely felt like I had nothing to give, show, or teach him. But in reality, he's been teaching me just as much about communication, collaboration, and cameras. As one wedding together morphed into many, I decided to hire him for the the summer of 2014. Our dynamic works perfectly alongside my clients' wedding days, and I am so thankful to have a set of killer eyes to help me with poses, editing, and share the occasional cupcake and ice cream cone (or four) after the day is all said and done. He is so, so rad. You should hire him.
So with all that reminiscing and with this amazing wedding Season almost behind me, I have decided to only take on a few wedding clients for 2015. A few reactions I have experienced go something like this:
"Wait WHAT?! But I have already asked you to shoot my wedding/event/photos !!!?" Deep breath, friends. I have your name highlighted in my books and it's there to stay!
"But I have always wanted you to take my photos!! What happens if I want photos soon??" It doesn't hurt to ask! Seriously, this doesn't mean I will say "no"!! This means I may say "no" or "not at this time", because I am focussing on other things that conflict with my photography time.
"Oh, really? But I think you are talented and you're crazy for not continuing doing this!" Awww, I am SO genuinely flattered!! Let me explain in detail below:
Since I was 16, I have worked multiple jobs at once. Recently including photography, nannying, and working at an outdoor retailer- all while going to school full time. Even though juggling many activities is something I pridefully believe I am fully capable of (and often feed energy off of it), I have chosen to focus on a smaller set of time consuming things. This past year, I chose to focus on school and photography and at first, it was the healthiest thing I have done for myself in a loooong time. Emotionally, physically, in so many ways. Having the chance to channel my energy towards a smaller amount of things was a first for me, and seeing improvement was so rad. Although, I noticed as I moved from Olympia to Bellingham in January 2014, I had to return back to Olympia almost every other weekend to keep up with meetings and photo shoots, which quickly filled up my schedule yet again. I gained a ton of business and found myself juggling a full time job that I was always connected to, while simultaneously going to school. Pheewww! That wore me out quick and my stress level quickly rose, leading to health issues and a very sassy Shelby.
I frequently hear a gasp when I reveal my age (newly 21), or tell clients that I am actually pursuing a degree in Sociology & Communications with an emphasis in Social Justice and Law.
My heart is to ultimately be a resource to the beautiful people that live in this world who need assistance way more than I would ever hope to. I totally understand there are so many capacities that this falls under, and I frequently pray that future jobs will allow me to incorporate media- whether in the office or on the mission field!! I believe that God can beautifully marry your passions together to become something more significant than you could ever dream, and I hope I get that opportunity.
It has been on my heart for a long time as well as it does pain me to declare: My aspirations and career goals need my attention in the near future, and I desire to seek out a job/internships in another field other than photography.
So what does this mean?
-I will not be working in full time pursuit of photography.
-It is my short term goal to be serving overseas in India Between October-December 2015, which means I may not be around to book weddings and shoots during that time.
-Not booking multiple weddings a weekend (if I get inquiries).
-Cutting down hours so I can focus on school, graduating, my health, internships, and my family.
-Becoming settled in Bellingham and infrequently traveling to Olympia for photo shoots, client consultations, and work.
What does this NOT mean?!
-That I am not taking clients. Yes, I am! Just not close to as many as before.
-That I am saying goodbye to photography.
-This is definitely not "goodbye" to photography forever, but more-or-less a small "break"**.
**Ya know, those awkward periods of time when you don't want to let go of your awesome hot boyfriend, but he is just so frustrating and cute, and ahhhgg. Its hard to completely let go, but you go on a "break"? ***For the record, I think "breaks" are utter BS, But, I wouldn't be human if I didn't contradict myself…****
So, with that, I am taking a small break from photography in 2015 and hoping it will be there to catch me when I make up my mind and land my feet in new soil. My future will hopefully come in the form of a lobbying career for a non profit/educational district or becoming a full time missionary in the US or abroad. I am trusting in God’s plan for my life, and I am so very excited to watch my life unfold in the many years to come.
As far as 2015 goes... I plan to road trip around Iceland, continue studying at Western, build lasting friendships, climb more mountains, capture sweet memories, see Hawaii, explore new places, return to India, love more, and worry less.
As far as 2015 goes... I plan to road trip around Iceland, continue studying at Western, build lasting friendships, climb more mountains, capture sweet memories, see Hawaii, explore new places, return to India, love more, and worry less.
For anyone reading this; I can not thank you enough for supporting me. Whether that has been hiring me to capture your wedding, considering me to photograph an event, made it in the infamous "365" album, or if you have simply provided me with encouraging words in person or online. Even if I have not met you, I am thankful for you, and the way you have shaped my growing passion and the business that has graciously evolved from it.
I can confidently say that I have had the absolute pleasure of photographing the worlds best clients. Some of my greatest friendships blossomed from seniors who needed photos or couples who chose me to photograph their wedding. Not a day goes by that I am ungrateful for where I have ended up in my career, or the immense blessings that it has brought me. Photography has taught me SO MANY fantastic lessons, and I am so expectant to see where those lessons bring me in the future.
I can confidently say that I have had the absolute pleasure of photographing the worlds best clients. Some of my greatest friendships blossomed from seniors who needed photos or couples who chose me to photograph their wedding. Not a day goes by that I am ungrateful for where I have ended up in my career, or the immense blessings that it has brought me. Photography has taught me SO MANY fantastic lessons, and I am so expectant to see where those lessons bring me in the future.
I have decided to write this sooner than later, for I have been receiving many inquiries regarding booking weddings for Fall and Winter of 2015 as well as in 2016. I very much want you, my awesome clients and friends, to know that i'm not denying you 'cause I'm a jerk. My goal is to be honest and open with my struggles, triumphs, and trials- both as a wedding/portrait photographer and as a gal who just wants to leave the world a bit better than she found it.
In love & so much gratitude,
Shelby
No comments:
Post a Comment