Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Bierwalter.
Hi Shelby, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My interest in photography began when I was 5 years old. I received a blue Kodak EasyShare Digital camera for Christmas. I brought it everywhere with me. I was enchanted by the ability to document my family and the adventures we went on. In the years following I started to pay attention to my mom who was always photographing me and my sister so that she could make us scrapbooks and my dad, who was the cameraman of the family and always filming the events (no matter what importance they had) on one of those huge camcorders. When I turned 10 I was again gifted a camera for Christmas, this time it was a purple Nikon L830. It was by no means a professional camera but in my mind, it was a huge step up from what I had been working with.
I began to realize that there are other aspects of photography than pointing and shooting. There are many things to consider: composition, planning, and timing to name a few. After a ton of trial and error, I soon found out that I preferred photographing people rather than landscapes and wildlife. I began using my twin sister as a model. She was the perfect person to experiment with. I am beyond grateful she has always been a good sport about it, even if that means dealing with all of my crazy photoshoot ideas. In my senior year of high school, my friends took notice of my interest in photography. I started taking senior pictures for my friends. It never even occurred to me that doing photography professionally was an option from me. After some overwhelming encouragement from my family, I decided to give it a shot. I started charging my friends a small fee for their senior pictures and through familial connections, I landed my first wedding gig. I worked way too hard and charged way too little but it was the start of what has now become my own business.
After lots of research, I learned how to edit using Lightroom and Photoshop. I found a style that I adore. I discovered a love for analog photography and reproducing the dreamy beauty of it all. Along the way, I have also found a passion for traveling and experiencing the many things the world has to offer. Today, my photography focuses most importantly on people, but secondly on nature and the outside world we live in all while holding onto the vintage, analog feel of the past.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Comparing myself with others has always been a challenge for me.
There are a lot of talented photographers out there that I have noticed over the years whose work I admire. It is tempting to compare the differences between my techniques and theirs without questioning the stylistic choices that I make.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in weddings, couples, and portrait photography. A ton of my inspiration comes from browsing antique stores, watching old romance movies, all those old dusty pictures you can find at antique stores for 25 cents each, everyday movements one makes, and of course, love.
I also draw inspiration from shooting on film. There is just something about that dreamy, grainy look film gives that I just can’t get enough of. That look is what I strive for and is what (I hope) sets me apart from other local photographers.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Duluth has always felt like home to me. I adore the flowers in the summer, the hiking trails, and the abundance of coffee and food options. Another thing I love about this city is the lake. I am forever grateful to live so close to Lake Superior and all of its beauty.
I don’t have any complaints about the city itself but the winters sure are long. With photography, a majority of the sessions are in summer and fall so that leaves a bunch of downtime in the winter and early spring months. The downtime gives me time to focus on different aspects of my business, however, only so much time can be filled up before I am impatiently wanting summer back.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shelbyvictoriaphotography.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/shelbyvictoriaphoto/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/shelbyvictoriaphotography/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/shelby-victoria-photography-duluth
