Sharelle Wilbert’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Sharelle Wilbert. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Sharelle , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
What I’m most proud of building, though it’s not visible in the final image is the business itself. Beyond photography, I’ve developed a strong brand, streamlined workflows, and established a system for delivering a seamless client experience. It’s the trust I’ve built with clients, the operational systems I’ve set in place, and the reputation I’ve cultivated over time. These elements are often unseen, but they’re what allow me to consistently deliver quality work and keep the business running smoothly.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Sharelle, aka Sade, the photographer behind Shot by Sade Photography. I specialize in capturing authentic, timeless moments that tell a story, whether it’s through portraits, events, or creative shoots. My approach is centered around making clients feel comfortable, which allows me to capture their true essence in every frame. What sets Shot by Sade apart is the personal connection I build with each client, ensuring their vision comes to life in a way that’s uniquely theirs.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mom saw me clearly before I could ever see myself. She always believed in my potential, even when I doubted it. She recognized my passion for photography long before I knew it was something I could build a life around. Her unwavering support, encouragement, and ability to see my strengths, even in my moments of uncertainty, helped shape my confidence and vision. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her constant belief in me.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was a time when I almost gave up, especially early on in my photography journey. The challenges of building a business from scratch, the pressure of constantly improving my craft, and moments of self-doubt made it tough. There were times when I questioned whether it was all worth it. But every time I felt like giving up, I remembered why I started, my passion for capturing stories and creating meaningful work. That kept me going. Looking back, those tough moments were the ones that ultimately strengthened my resolve and shaped the photographer I am today.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
It’s funny, but yes, the public version of me is the real me, just a side of me that’s channeled differently. I’m naturally introverted and tend to stay out of the spotlight. But photography allows me to step into a space where I can express myself through the lens, without needing to be the center of attention. It’s a creative outlet that balances my more reserved nature with the need to connect with others, just in a quieter, more meaningful way. It’s about capturing what’s real, without having to be “out there” myself.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people tell about me when I’m gone is that I was a genuine soul—someone who always stayed true to myself. I want to be remembered for the passion I put into my work and the love I gave to those around me. I hope people remember that I didn’t just create beautiful images, but that I deeply cared about the people I worked with and the connections I built. At the end of the day, I want my legacy to be that I loved what I did and, more importantly, that I loved the people who loved me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Shotbysade.com
• Instagram: Shotbysade_official