Meet Shelby Lynch of Shelby Bell Photography in Gilbert

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Lynch.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Shelby. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
It all started in high school when I got my first point and shoot camera for my birthday. I had always loved playing with disposable cameras as a kid, but when I got that Kodak, I took pictures of EVERYTHING.

I started pursuing photography my first year of college; taking senior portraits for friends and that’s where it really took off. Word of mouth is an incredible thing! After a few years of that, I decided to move up to Flagstaff to attend NAU’s photography and communication program.

That has got to be one of the best decisions I made, as I got to collaborate with other students, learn from some incredible instructors, but mostly be thrown completely out of my element. Upon graduation, I moved back to the valley and have been here since.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Whoever says that starting your own business is smooth, is not completely truthful. I started out in my hometown of Florence which is a REALLY small town if you haven’t been. The market there was very small, as there was only one or two more photographers at the time, so it was really easy to have clientele year round.

Since leaving Florence it has been MUCH harder as the market is very saturated in the valley. For a while, I was pretty discouraged by this and picked up a 9-5.

This past year I have been more motivated to push past the barriers and start doing more with my business. The road has not been smooth, however, it has been incredibly rewarding and shows me if I can push through this, I can do anything. I am so thankful for the people I have gotten to work with and meet along the way.

Shelby Bell Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I have evolved from the “Jack of all trades” title to Lifestyle Portrait Photographer. I specialize in senior and family photography. Capturing memories and milestones is important to me, so I aim to tell people’s stories through photographs as naturally as possible.

My happiest moments come from receiving feedback from clients telling me how much they like their images. I strive to make my clients feel and see themselves as beautiful as they should.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as happiness. You don’t have to have a six-figure business to be successful. If even just one person likes what you are putting out into the universe, I think that is successful.

Pricing:

• Portraits – $200
• Engagements – $300
• Families – $350

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shelbybellphoto.com/
• Email: shelbybellphoto@gmail.com
• Instagram: @shelbybellphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelbybellphotography/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/shelbybellphoto

Image Credit:
Exhilaration Photography

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