Meet Shelby Rae: A Photographer Who Turned Her Creativity into a Family-Friendly Career
I love celebrating female entrepreneurs who find creative ways to blend their passion with purposeful work. Recently, I had the pleasure of connecting with Shelby Rae, the central figure behind Shelby Rae Photography.
Her journey from being a teenager with a camera in her hand to building a family-friendly photography career is both inspiring and achievable. Shelby talks about her early fears, the encouragement that got her started, and the rhythm that got her going while serving clients as a wife and mother.
If you’ve ever dreamed of working from home, or wondered if you could turn your creative hobby into something more, Shelby’s story will encourage you to take the next step.
From dream to career
Shelby Rae is a wedding and portrait photographer who specializes in photographing couples, families, and high school students. But her work is more than just photographs.
“As a teenager and college student, I dreamed of doing something that would allow me to one day be a stay-at-home mom,” she shared. “I’ve always loved creative things and photography was a natural choice for me.”
This dream became a reality. Today, Shelby runs a thriving business while enjoying the flexibility to spend time with her children and contribute extra income to the family.
Face your fears and take the first step
Like many people entering the business world for the first time, Shelby struggled with doubt. There were so many photographers in her area that she often wondered if she was “good enough” to charge for her work.
Instead of letting fear hold her back, she just started. “I just jumped in and did it anyway, thanks to my family and friends who trusted me to take their photos!” she said. Along the way, she sought education, practiced her craft, and built confidence one step at a time.
Her story reminds us that the first step doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be taken.
The power of support and learning
Family and friends played a big role in helping Shelby gain attention. Their willingness to be her first clients gave her the experience she needed and helped spread the word about her business.
She also leaned into social media, creating pages to showcase her work and later a website where people could connect with her, view her portfolio and read books.
Another game changer? educate. “The lessons Amy and Jordan demonstrated were very helpful,” Shelby said. “I also learned a lot from Caitlin James and Rebecca Rice.” These resources not only improved her technical skills but also gave her confidence in the business side of photography.
A Glimpse of the Shelby Era
No two days are the same for Shelby, but she’s established a rhythm that allows her to juggle motherhood and her career with grace.
Most days, you’ll find her editing photos or working on business tasks while her son takes a nap. She secretly responds to emails or performs quick tasks on her phone throughout the day. Meetings were scheduled when her husband was at home, and weddings usually took place on weekends.
She intentionally doesn’t overbook and makes sure to leave free time to spend with her family. “That’s one of the benefits of making your own schedule,” she said.
Encouragement to other moms
For moms who want to start working from home but are hesitant, Shelby’s encouragement is simple: “Go for it!!”
She admits balancing children and work can be tricky, but believes it’s worth it. “It’s incredibly valuable to be with your children every day instead of relying on outside child care. Being able to do something besides being a mother while also contributing to the family income is such a gift.”
Contact Shelby Ray
Want to learn more about Shelby or admire her beautiful photography?
- website: www.shelbyrphoto.com
- Instagram: @shelbyrae_photo
Shelby Rae’s story is proof that passion, persistence and a willingness to learn can build a business that benefits families and customers. Whether you want to pick up a camera, start a side hustle, or just take a small step toward your dreams, let Shelby’s journey remind you that you don’t have to have it all figured out. You just need to start.
More links you’ll love:
- From self-doubt to six figures: Jenna Quentin’s work-from-home success story
- From Homeschool Mom to Instacart Pro: My Unexpected Journey
- Ideas to make income from home
- 25+ Ways to Make Money Fast This Week
- 7 ways to work from home that you may not have considered
- Ask Crystal: How can I start using my skills to work from home a few hours a week?
Do you have a work-from-home success story to share? We’d love to hear it in the comments!
