Fort Collins Phtographer

Shelley XOXO

‘Cuz that little baby of mine? I had him when I was 21 and raised him really well, mostly by myself. He's the best thing in my entire world, and being his mother has changed me in all the ways I never knew motherhood could.
So my work has always prioritized the recognition of your story - no one else’s. And the recognition of YOU.

Pretty soon I became known for my signature photography style (intimate close ups, classic edits)...

But also for my deep understanding of what people want to document, and creating an experience that feels like you’re spilling hot tea with your BFF on a sunny Saturday morning.
 
I’ve now worked with so many amazing clients over the years who, crazily enough, want the same thing. The response has been overwhelming! 

Let’s do it, shall we?



But thankfully I remembered that I don’t play nice with rules, and decided to do things my way.

I did love the photos, but they were (of course) an exact replica of everybody else’s.

Even when I first started my business, I felt pressured to follow what other photographers did (spend every weekend ‘shooting by checklist’ & producing near identical galleries).

Case in point: When my son was a baby, the photoshoot du jour was a 15 min free sitting at Walmart (& a sheet of images for $4).

Which brings me beautifully to my point (thanks comfy clothes).

Family photography does not need to equal Pinterest perfection or awkward poses. Fact is, the best images come from shoots that are relaxed, fun (and comfortable)-because when people are feeling good, they shine.

Fort Collins family photographer, mom, and unofficial president of the Comfy Clothes Club.

Hi, I'm Shelley

-Bri-Ann Zwetsch

She is patient, funny and kind! Our toddler was a bit tired and she worked so well with us and didn’t rush us. Loved our experience and will definitely be back for more photos! Our entire gallery is absolutely stunning.”

“Shelley is amazing at making you feel comfortable and like long term friends during the session!

my CLIENTS HAVE THE SWEETEST THINGS TO SAY

-shelley

A couple of old favorite photos... THIS is what I'm talking about!

Every time I see these photos I'm transported back to this afternoon when my son and I were playing around with a film camera I’d just got. We’d run outside to see if we could take pictures of each other with it.

It’s a blip on our timeline together…but when I look at these pictures it’s like I just clicked my fingers–and I’m back there, with him.

My son still lived at home and I saw him all the time, and this afternoon we spent doing something together that we both loved.

It matters, you know? All of it.

I love photos. And it would be my honor to help you click your fingers whenever you want need to go back.

Trust me when I say that when children are grown you will obsess every single photo of them...

all summer you will find me in gardening overalls with dirt on my hands

Gardening

 My dog, Rosie, in my garden.

DOGS

the WATER

whether it's a river, lake or the ocean, I'm drawn to the water

Classic
Emotive
romantic

Call me maybe definitely.
(Or I’ll call you)

But either way, in the wise words of Ferris Bueller:
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

My process very intentionally includes communicating prior to our session and prints of your photos. I created this business to be an artist, a provider of art. You hire me because you both want my style of photography and you find value in having those photos printed in an heirloom album or framed, or both.

my PROCESS

My journey began when my husband, who was then my boyfriend, bought me my first "real" camera. Since then I’ve taken countless courses from amazing artists and continue to learn everyday.

my JOURNEY

My style is emotive, classic and romantic. I love to add a little pop of nostalgia to photos through color, clothing and texture.

my STYLE

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