Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie and Jacob Shelby.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It was the birth of our son that gave us the push to finally start our own portrait studio. We had become complacent, we were living in a Los Angeles neighborhood just minutes from the beach, life was good. Jacob was working as a film composer and I was working for other photographers. We weren’t being satisfied professionally, but we really didn’t mind given our surroundings. After Jack was born and we realized we wanted to be back in Houston with family, we knew it was finally time to start our studio. Now back in Houston we are having a blast rediscovering a city we forgot, all while photographing some of the nicest and most interesting people we’ve ever met.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s never easy to start a business. Before you even get to the part of the job that earns you income there are hundreds of details that must be taken care of. It’s typical for many small businesses, especially in photography, to neglect, overlook, or just plain ignore many of the important aspects that help keep a business in business. You’ve got to protect yourself as well as your clients; insurance policies, taxes, and contracts are just a few details that can drain the excitement out of working for yourself.
That being said, I feel like we are so lucky to be working as a team, Jacob and I have different skill sets which allow us to manage these tasks without feeling overwhelmed or out of our element. And it doesn’t hurt that my father is an attorney, he’s been such a big help getting all the legal stuff in order.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Shelby Studio – what should we know?
The Shelby Studio specializes in family and newborn photography. We have portrait sessions designed specifically for different stages of a family: maternity, newborn, children, senior portraits, and families.
Jacob and I are very family oriented, which is why it was so important for us that Jack grows up in Houston. I think that’s the center of everything we do. During our consultation, we make it a point to understand our client, not just what they want but who they are. We like to understand how the family interacts with one another; some families are very lovey-dovey, they don’t mind showing affection in public, others though, are more reserved. Understanding this dynamic can make the difference in the quality of the portraits, the comfort of the client, and the overall success of a session. It’s imperative that each family is allowed to be themselves during a photo shoot.
As for what sets us apart, I’d have to say it’s a combination. First, comfort. We’re a family, when on a shoot Jacob and I are working together as husband and wife, not just a photographer and assistant. We are relatable and real, and I think people find comfort in that. And because we’re a team it allows us to get a greater range of photos. Jacob works hard to capture those candid moments, while I like to get well-posed shots. In the end, our client has far more options than they expect. Next, we listen. We don’t force our ideas of a shoot on our clients. We have an extensive consultation in which we all get on the same page, then Jacob and I create something that fits the goals of our client. And lastly, attention to detail. We don’t mind putting in the time to get the exact shot we need, too many times we find that people have a shot list and approach a shoot like it’s a race, just ticking boxes as they go along. They may get lucky and walk away with a usable shot or two but when you want consistency, a collection of great images, you have to work for it.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Well, as a general rule the weather in Houston is not what most consider desirable, or even comfortable. It can be difficult when trying to schedule a location shoot around unpredictable rain showers. as well.
Houston has really changed so much in the time we’ve been away. The parks and green spaces are fantastic, I don’t recall so many places to spend time outdoors a decade ago. They also make for great photo shoot locations. Jacob and I are both foodies and you can’t ask for more from a city than what you find in Houston. But maybe the best thing about Houston is just how diverse it is. I love that we have so many people from all over the world. It exposes us to food, art, and perspectives that many never get, it’s a real luxury.
Pricing:
- Sessions start at $300
- Collections start at $1225
Contact Info:
- Website: theshelbystudio.com
- Phone: 832.582.1983
- Email: studio@theshelbystudio.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/theshelbystudio
- Facebook: facebook.com/theshelbystudio
Image Credit:
The Shelby Studio
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