Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Celene Stanley
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Photography has always been a part of my life, but I didn’t start out thinking it would become my career. I actually spent years in education and ministry, working in roles that focused on storytelling, branding, and community building. Through that, I realized how much I loved capturing moments, not just visually, but in a way that truly told a story.
Eventually, I took a leap and started SHOTS BY LC, turning what had been a creative passion into a full-time photography business. Weddings became my specialty because I love documenting love—real, raw, and unfiltered. There’s something about capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments that just feels right to me. Over time, I expanded my work to include portrait sessions, brand photography, and even photojournalism.
Along the way, I also created Selah Space, my own photography studio. It’s a space built for creativity, designed not only for my own work but as a place where other photographers and small business owners can bring their visions to life.
I never set out with a rigid plan..I just kept saying yes to opportunities, learning as I went, and staying true to what I love. That’s how I got to where I am today, and I’m excited to see where this journey continues to take me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s true for most people pursuing something creative. One of the biggest challenges has been figuring out how to grow a business while staying true to my vision. Photography isn’t just about taking great pictures—it’s about marketing, client relationships, financial management, and constantly evolving creatively. Learning to juggle all of that hasn’t always been easy.
Another challenge has been navigating seasons of uncertainty. There have been times when bookings slowed down, when I questioned if I was doing enough, or when I had to pivot and adapt to keep moving forward. Being a creator means constantly putting yourself out there, and that comes with moments of doubt.
Beyond that, balancing passion with sustainability has been a learning process. I love what I do, but I’ve had to set boundaries to avoid burnout and remind myself that rest is just as important as hustle.
Despite the struggles, every challenge has taught me something. Like how to be more adaptable, how to trust the process, and how to keep pushing forward even when things don’t go as planned. And honestly, I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I’m all about capturing real, meaningful moments. Whether it’s a wedding, an engagement, or just a milestone worth remembering, my approach is simple. Authentic, storytelling photography that feels natural and true to you. I don’t force stiff poses or overly edited looks; instead, I focus on documenting genuine emotions and connections.
What sets me apart is how personal this work is to me. Photography isn’t just a job, it’s a calling. I know these moments only happen once, and I take that responsibility seriously. My clients trust me to capture some of the biggest days of their lives, and that’s not something I ever take for granted.
Beyond photography, I also run Selah Space, a creative studio where photographers and small business owners can bring their visions to life. It’s a space built on the idea of taking a pause. Whether that’s to create, connect, or just breathe in the moment. It’s available for rentals, and I love seeing others use it for their own creative projects.
At the end of the day, I just want people to have photos that truly reflect who they are. No forced smiles, no cookie-cutter editing. Just real, beautiful memories preserved forever.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I wouldn’t call myself a risk-taker in the traditional sense. I’m not the type to make impulsive, high-stakes decisions just for the thrill of it. But I do believe that creativity, by nature, involves a certain level of risk. Every time I try something new, whether it’s experimenting with a different style of photography, launching a new project, or putting my work out there for the world to see, there’s always that uncertainty…Will it work? Will people connect with it?
For me, risk isn’t about being reckless; it’s about being willing to step outside of what’s comfortable in order to grow. One of the biggest ‘risks’ I’ve taken was starting my photography business in the first place. There’s no clear roadmap when you’re building something from the ground up, and that can be intimidating. But I’ve learned that taking calculated risks (i.e. trying new things, pushing creative boundaries, and continuously learning) leads to the most rewarding experiences.
At the end of the day, I think risk is just a part of being a creator. You can’t stay in the same place forever and expect to grow. So while I wouldn’t say I chase risk, I do embrace the unknown when it means I get to learn, experiment, and create something meaningful.
Pricing:
- Wedding packages starting at $2750
- Engagement Sessions starting at $320
- Portrait Sessions staring at $180
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shotsbylc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shotsbylc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shotsbylc
Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/zanabjaffrey/
https://www.instagram.com/called.women/
https://www.instagram.com/streetstuff101.jpg
