Meet Shelbe Hunsaker of Shelbe Lynn Photo in Central Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelbe Hunsaker.

Shelbe, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Four years ago, I packed my entire life into a tiny Kia Rio and moved from the comfort of my small town in Northern California – population 250 to Phoenix, Arizona – population 1.5 million. I was a recent college graduate that had Google-searched and cold-called her way into a position at a small public affairs firm in the Valley.

I had never been to Phoenix…
I didn’t know anyone here…
And it was the end of July…

Despite feeling overwhelmed and probably a little overheated in the 120-degree vortex that is summer in Phoenix, I thrived in this new environment. My first apartment was right on Roosevelt Row and after experiencing the First Friday Art Walk, I fell in love… and although I didn’t know it at the time, this city would reignite my passion for photography.

I first developed a love for the art during frequent family camping trips to the Oregon coast where my dad would let me use his 35mm camera to take photos of the beached sea lions. From then on, I loved capturing moments from my unique perspective, expressing the candid individuality of a specific place or person through the eyes of an onlooker. As my passion grew, so did my subjects. I eventually stopped taking photos of the sea lions and started capturing people’s life experiences. After graduating from college, I had the opportunity to document my brother’s wedding, which sparked my love for candid portrait photography.

After moving to the Southwest, I had the privilege of working closely with local museums, artists and photographers on various public affairs campaigns. Although unaware at the time, my job as a project manager for notable campaigns such as the David Wright House was only directing me to once again pick up a camera. With no clients in Phoenix and no portfolio to point to, I started taking candid photos of downtown Phoenix – which led to connecting with Roosevelt Row CDC, the organization behind events like First Friday and the annual Pie Social in Downtown Phoenix.

Every step I have taken, however indirect, has led me down an artistic path, reigniting my passion and giving me the confidence to pursue it. ​

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not! But that’s what makes it worth it. The roadblocks and struggles are what push you to grow in your art and create more capacity for you to learn more skills.

In this constantly changing and fast-paced world that thrives on the next new, hi-tech product, it’s hard to keep up. I mean, let’s face it, smartphones have “portrait” mode now so everyone’s a photographer. Everyone has the ability to document their life experiences right at their fingertips. It is vital, especially in this industry, to set yourself apart. My advice: find what is unique about your style and focus on that. Be distinctively and unapologetically you and be sure to express that distinctiveness with every click of the camera.

I am, of course, still faced with adversity, but that only means I am still learning. I don’t think that ever stops… nor should it.

Shelbe Lynn Photo – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I tried every kind of photography from landscape to portrait before landing on my own unique flavor. Although I still incorporate aspects of all those specialties, I have found myself most comfortable taking candid, real photos of people and places through a different perspective of that moment. Every person and place has a unique personality, beauty, and spirit that should be inimitably captured.

My style focuses on that kind of barebones, honest photography. With this in mind, my goal is to capture the diversity of the fast-growing, urban Southwest and the desert dwellers that reside here.

Do you feel like there are certain traits that increase the likelihood of success?
“Shelbe is…tenacious.”

At least that is how my family would lovingly describe my overly persistent characteristics… and I would agree. I’ve never been keen on others telling me, “it can’t be done.” Matter of fact, the repetitive “no, you can’t” has only fueled my desire to prove others wrong. I used to think my general obstinate disposition wasn’t my most attractive quality, but I’ve embraced my tenacity because I don’t think I would be where I am today without it.

Having that kind of resolve gets you in the door but you also need to be receptive, flexible, understanding, creative, willing to fail…and fail a couple more times in order to learn, grow and continue pursuing achievement.

I, for one, am only in the beginning of my journey and have a lot more to learn, but I am excited for what the future holds as I continue down this path.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shelbelynnphoto.com/
• Instagram: @shelbehunsaker
• Facebook: @shelbelynnphoto

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