Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Sullins
Hi Shelby, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Absolutely- I grew up here in Arlington, Texas and attended college at Texas A&M. After graduating, I started my career with PwC, a Big 4 Accounting Firm. After 3 years there, I got pregnant and knew the demanding lifestyle of auditing was not going to be the best fit for our family. My husband and I took a leap of faith: I left my stable job to explore a passion that had just been a hobby—videography. I filmed my first wedding in early 2021 and fell in love with it. This was just the beginning for Sullins Films.
Reflecting on the past four years, I can honestly say that every step of this journey has been worth it. The path has been filled with challenges and triumphs, but it has led me to a place where I have the privilege of serving incredible couples. Each wedding film I create is a labor of love, crafted to evoke the same emotions and memories that were felt on the wedding day. I cherish the opportunity to be part of these special moments and to bring them to life through film.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Videography requires both technical and creative skills, and I’ve always found that I possess a natural aptitude for both. However, diving into the world of wedding filmmaking has certainly presented its fair share of challenges. Mastering the intricacies of camera gear settings, editing software skills, to the nuanced aspects of the creative side such as shot composition, music, and sound design. Each of these elements requires a significant investment of time and effort to perfect, as well as constant practice and continuous learning.
These days, wedding films have evolved dramatically. They are so much more cinematic and emotive than they used to be. As such, there is so much more work that goes into wedding filmmaking that most people aren’t aware of. It demands a diverse skill set, encompassing not just the technical aspects of shooting and editing, but also a deep understanding of storytelling, visual aesthetics, and sound design.
Not to mention, when you are running your own business, you have to wear many hats. You are the creative director, accountant, marketing strategist, customer service- the list goes on. This journey has pushed me to leverage every skill in my repertoire and refine them to their utmost potential.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Sullins Films is a wedding videography company serving clients all across the state and even country. I take on a limited number of weddings per year which ensures that I can devote my full attention and creativity to every couple I work with. This approach allows me to pour my heart into crafting each film, creating a truly personalized and unforgettable experience for my clients. I strive to capture not just the events of the day, but the emotions, the atmosphere, and the unique moments that make each wedding special.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is hearing the heartfelt feedback from my clients after they’ve watched their wedding film. Whether it’s tears of joy, bouts of laughter, or the excitement of watching their film on repeat, these reactions affirm the impact of the work I do.
What sets Sullins Films apart is my ability to deeply move audiences through film. I have a musical background that has allowed me to take my sound design to a different level than other videographers. Moreover, storytelling is at the core of effective filmmaking, and I believe it is my greatest strength. By weaving together narrative and emotion, I craft films that not only document the day but also stir the heart and soul.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is defined by my impact I have on my clients. If my work can transport clients back to the joyous moments of their wedding day every time they watch it, then I consider that a true achievement. Beyond present day, if one day, their children can watch these films and gain insight into who their parents were on their wedding day—their love, the support and affection of those around them, and the heartfelt moments shared—then I have succeeded on a deeper level.
Sometimes we can get caught up in defining success by metrics such as annual revenue, social media growth, or the number of leads generated in a given period. But in reality, success has always been about how much of myself, my skills, and my passion I can pour into each film, creating something that will be cherished and remembered for years to come.
Pricing:
- Wedding Film Packages starting at $3,800
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sullinsfilms.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sullinsfilms/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sullinsfilms
Image Credits
Sullins Films
