Today we’d like to introduce you to Mallory Shelton.
Hi Mallory, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Yes, the short of the story is I purchased a camera in 2013 prior to my husband and I getting married. I wanted to have something nice to use for pictures at our showers and events. Shortly after this, I began taking pictures, attending workshops and mentoring with a few local photographers to learn how to use my camera and build my business. For the first 7 years of my business, I worked full time in commercial real estate while doing photography on the side – at night and on weekends. In November 2020, I left my corporate job so I could be mom to two little boys and run my business full time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. With any business there are ups and downs as you maneuver the business side as well as the client side. I have struggled balancing family and work, creating boundaries for myself as well as for clients. Learning when to say “no” to serve my family best. In recent years, I have had to relook at pricing in a new market and changing my marketing strategy to rebuild myself as we moved from Dallas to the west side of Fort Worth. I have also learned that with each new type of photography ie newborn and family vs interior and brands, comes new pricing challenges and strategies.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a lifestyle newborn and heirloom portrait photographer. I started my business working with families and young children. As the years have gone on, I have started to work with local brands and interior designers to switch a bit to weekday work. With 3 young boys, the weekends have become cherished family time that I want to protect. I am most proud of my Heirloom Portraits. Creating a unique offering for clients in the Dallas-Fort Worth area back in early 2021 prior to so many others offering these portraits. I have also built mine on natural light and adjusting to the modern mama with a digital option. I believe my client experience, communication and prep has helped set me apart. Also as it relates to interiors, I have a background in commercial real estate which I think is a positive aspect when working with interior designers.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Patience. Being patient with littles whether it be siblings of a newborn or parents that are stressed prior to our session. I try to bring a calm presence to each session. I am very detailed oriented so when it comes to any type of session being patient helps me not just see the full picture, but the details and moments that make up the photographs.
Pricing:
- Newborns: $800
- Heirloom Portraits: $450
- Branding: $695
- Interior: Inquiry for more
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.malloryshelton.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mallorypshelton/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mallorysheltonphotography
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallory-shelton-1a66664/
Image Credits
Mallory Shelton Photography
