We recently connected with Shelly McCallister and have shared our conversation below.
Shelly , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I’ve always been drawn to capturing moments since I was a child. I remember playing with my parents’ old camera, taking pictures of anything and everything around me. As I grew older, I realized that photography wasn’t just a hobby; it was a way for me to express myself and tell stories. I was always drawn to it. The turning point came when I attended a family friend’s wedding and saw the photographer in action. The joy, emotions, and unique moments being captured made me realize that this is what I was meant to do.
Wedding photography combines my love for storytelling with the opportunity to be a part of one of the most significant days in people’s lives. There’s something incredibly special about capturing the raw emotions and the beauty of such a joyous occasion. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills and developed my own style, but the core of my passion remains the same: to preserve precious moments and create lasting memories for couples and their families. This purpose gives my work meaning and continues to inspire me every day.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a dedicated wedding photographer with a lifelong passion for capturing the beauty and emotion of life’s most significant moments. My journey into photography began in my childhood, playing with my parents’ old camera and finding joy in preserving memories. This hobby evolved into a profound calling when I witnessed the magic of wedding photography for the first time. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to capture the unique love stories of couples on their special day.
What excites me most about wedding photography is the opportunity to document real, heartfelt moments. Each wedding is a unique story filled with laughter, tears, and love, and I feel privileged to be the one to capture these emotions. My approach is to blend into the background and let the day unfold naturally, allowing me to capture genuine, candid moments that truly reflect the couple’s journey.
In addition to wedding photography, I am passionate about continuous learning and expanding my skills. Recently, I have been exploring new photography techniques and styles to offer even more creative and personalized services to my clients.
For those interested, I have some exciting developments on the horizon. I’m currently planning an exhibition of my favorite wedding photographs, which will showcase the diversity and beauty of the weddings I’ve had the honor to document. Additionally, I’m expanding my services to include destination weddings, which will allow me to capture love stories in stunning and unique locations around the world.
I believe that photography is more than just taking pictures; it’s about creating memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. My goal is to provide my clients with beautiful, timeless images that tell their love story and bring them joy for years to come.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey as a photographer, three qualities and skills stand out as particularly impactful:
Passion and Dedication: My deep love for photography has been the driving force behind my success. This passion keeps me motivated, inspires creativity, and helps me overcome challenges. For those early in their journey, I recommend finding and nurturing your passion. Dedicate time to practice and explore different aspects of photography to discover what truly excites you.
Technical Proficiency: Mastering the technical aspects of photography, such as understanding lighting, composition, and camera settings, has been crucial. This knowledge allows me to adapt to different environments and ensure high-quality results. To develop these skills, invest time in learning through courses, workshops, and hands-on practice. Experiment with different techniques and equipment to build a strong technical foundation.
People Skills and Emotional Intelligence: Being able to connect with clients, understand their needs, and make them feel comfortable is essential in photography. Building rapport and trust allows me to capture authentic, intimate moments. For those starting out, work on developing strong communication and interpersonal skills. Practice active listening, empathy, and patience. Volunteering to photograph events or working as a second shooter can provide valuable experience in interacting with clients.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
In the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been expanding my creative vision and pushing the boundaries of my photography style. I dedicated time to experimenting with new techniques, such as incorporating more dramatic lighting and exploring unconventional angles and compositions. This creative exploration has allowed me to add a fresh and unique perspective to my work, making my photos even more captivating and dynamic.
To keep up with industry trends and client demands, I am also exploring incorporating more video elements into my services. Learning to shoot and edit short wedding films is on the horizon and I will be thrilled to offer this to my clients in the coming months.
Overall, this year has been about stepping out of my comfort zone, embracing new challenges, and continuously refining my craft. The growth I’ve experienced has not only enhanced my technical skills but also reignited my passion for storytelling through photography.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.shellymphotography.art
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shellymphotography
Image Credits
Shelly M Photography
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