Meet Shelby Borer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Borer.

Shelby, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I got into photography during my Sophomore year of college when I started my first year at Metro State University. Between my freshman year at Regis and my first year at Metro, I had changed my major four times. I dove into college without a clue about what I wanted to do but once I started at Metro it was like this creative itch I didn’t know I had grown.

I also started to find a passion for teaching and when things started falling into place – I found myself registering for art education classes and taking black and white film photography. With film, it was love at first sight.

That following year in the Spring, I started my business while I was in college and had no clue what I was doing but knew I wanted to follow this passion that began growing inside of me. The past six years have been wild and I have learned so much from so many fellow entrepreneurs and photographers, experiences, and clients.

What keeps me so passionate about my business is when my clients open themselves up to me and truly realize how amazing and beautiful they are. I absolutely love the reactions people give me when they get their photos – it makes me love this passion even more.

Has it been a smooth road?
If an entrepreneur ever says it has been a smooth road they have not taken risks in their business. I have had many experiences throughout the past six years that were not smooth but only because I put myself out there and risked a lot.

Luckily I have not had any major bumps in the road but have had many small ones as I’ve spent the last year and a half establishing my brand. From making mistakes of not having clients sign contracts before shooting to not having the right scheduling system and losing session information.

Other bumps along the way were things I would have never thought of:
establishing a strong sense of social awareness and interaction
establishing in-depth communication skills relating to my brand
These are both things that really helped me grow as a business once I educated myself on how to talk and communicate with my clients. It also helped me establish my brand and how I want my business to be perceived.
Genuine, authentic and transparent.

Something that really helped me through the business struggles was a book by Christy Wright called Business Boutique. This book taught me how to make money doing what I love and taught me how to do it with my heart and soul.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I have been specializing in portraits and lifestyle photography for six years. These past few years I have been specializing more in couples and intimate weddings as well as commercial work for small businesses. Although I have spent a lot of time these past few years with couples and small businesses – I still get people saying that they love my portraits – which I still do! And will probably do forever because working one on one with my clients is my favorite thing in the world. I feel like during portrait sessions I am getting to know my clients on this deeper level because I’m able to help them realize how amazing and beautiful they are.

I am so proud of the brand I have established for my business. Warm cozy tones – raw and unplanned moments. Focusing on the golden hour and natural light, when the sun is just right above the horizon and creates a perfect reflection of orange and yellow hues. I am proud of the ability I have of capturing these small little moments we may never get back. Moments that will capture who people are without having to try at all.

I think what sets me apart from others is that I truly love having a solid relationship with my clients before we shoot. I love a lot of the things I hear most photographers say they like the least. I love editing and changing the tones of the images – I love doing busy business work like filing, organizing files, and sending emails. I think having this love for even these small things really comes full circle within my business and my clients feel that even though they don’t see it.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I feel like our city is a good place for a business like mine – I have met so many amazing people in the past 6 years that I don’t think I would have if I would’ve just been Shelby Borer and not Shelby Borer Photography.

A little over a year ago, a friend and I started a networking community for female entrepreneurs called Creative Women Colorado and this really impacted my business in a good way. Having a networking community that we’ve created in this diverse and friendly city is like a breath of fresh air. I feel like I thrive out here in Colorado close to the mountains but also close to the city.

I would recommend Colorado and the Denver area to anyone looking to start a creative career path. The arts, friendly communities, and the environment will only bring success to them and their business.

Pricing:

• Portrait Sessions – $200/session – sessions 1.5 hours include unlimited outfit changes, free unlimited consultations, location list
• Couples Sessions – $250/session – sessions 1.5 hours include unlimited outfit changes, free unlimited consultations, location list
• Weddings – I let my clients name their budget and then we discuss pricing! They basically get to pick their price for their wedding! I love working with clients this way because I can provide them with professional wedding photography for a reasonable price

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shelbyborer.com
• Email: shelbyborerphotography@outlook.com
• Instagram: @shelbyborerandphotography
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/shelbyborerphotography

Image Credit:
Havannah Hamilton – me sitting on the ground in both, Kimberly Crist – me in overalls

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.