Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Drake
Hi Shelby, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Ever since I was in high school I have always had a huge love for photos. I was always the girl with the camera when we were out. Using my parents point and shoot camera to get those fun creative shots around our house. After graduating I started my journey into graphic design school to pursue Photography further. Unfortunately due to personal reasons, I dropped out of the program. Honestly, I didn’t pick up a camera again for many years. Still, a major love of mine, but it just wasn’t there anymore.
Fast forward to 2015, my fiancé bought me my first, I like to call it big girl camera – a Nikon D5300. My absolute dream to have this “big girl camera” . So from there, I started shooting. First it started off with a few friends of ours, their kids, my nieces and nephews, etc. When I started this, I had zero interest in doing weddings. I knew they were a huge responsibility, and liability. We’re talking about the biggest day of a couples lives here. I wanted nothing to do with it. Then I had a friend from school that convinced me to do their wedding. So, on 10/14/17, I entered into the Wedding industry and shot my first wedding… solo, 9 hours, on one camera. Everything turned out fantastic, and the wedding day was gorgeous, but It truly makes me laugh and will make other Wedding Photographers laugh at the pure stupidity that was shooting solo, that long, and with one little ol camera.
Everything began to grow after that and my love for photographing families and weddings grew bigger. So, I upgraded my camera to the next big girl camera – a Nikon D750. My first full-frame. Now, when I got this camera, to me that was the legit deal. That was the professional deal for me. Sealing it that this is what I wanted to do and this is what I was going to.
I began shooting more, all while still working full-time, this is what I was doing when I wasn’t working my 9-5. My business was growing, rapidly. My husband, Nathan, and I welcomed our first son in September 2018, and I still kept photographing away. Taking more weddings, taking more clients. Fast forward to February 2020 – I left my full-time job to become a stay at home mom. We were expecting baby boy number 2 in May, and this was the right move to make. The plan was me staying home with our kids, but also going full-time with my photography business. And once the pandemic passed, I officially went full-time.
This business has flourished so quickly and I could not be more proud of it! This is my passion. They say you never work a day in your life, if you’re doing something you love.. And that so true!
Now, here I am almost a decade into capturing some of the most amazing memories for people all over Central Ohio, and some beyond. I have gained some of the most amazing friends and truly the best clients around. My family and I recently moved from our suburban home into a fixer upper out in the country. And now currently building my studio on our property! This studio has been the dream for quite a few years now, and its finally coming true! I cannot wait to share this space with my clients and other photographers once its finished!
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?
This journey has had its moments, and still does. Main struggles were definitely just building this from the ground up. Things don’t come quickly, but if you have the drive to keep going, they’ll come. They just take time. I feel like every year for me is a new growth. Each year is bigger than another year.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I’m a Central Ohio photographer and I specialize in Lifestyle and Weddings. Lifestyle can be a confusing term in the photography world. To describe it better would be “Your life”. Photographing the milestone ages for your kids, you’re having a baby, getting engaged, your wedding, updated family photos, a day in your lives, new headshots for your office, updating your brand for your small business, etc.
My approach with taking your photos is laid back. I am going to pose you, I will make sure you have images of you all smiling. But I am also going to make sure you have the shots of you being you. Whether that be playing with your kids, laughing because someone did something silly, running (yes I have made my couples skip before, haha). I want you to feel comfortable and be yourself!
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Camping with my family. My parents used to take us camping, I swear it felt like every weekend and we went to so many campgrounds. Often with the same family friends, whom we’re still friends with today. That is probably one of the more favorite childhood memories. We did it all. Tent, pop up camper, full on camper, you name it.
However, you will never catch me camping now, unless its in a tiny house with all the essentials. 😅
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shelbydrakephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelbydrakephotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShelbyDrakePhotography/
