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Meet Shelby Williams of SN Photography

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

Thanks for sharing your story with us Shelby. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am 25 years old and own my own business, How crazy is that? Although I am young, I have been working since I was 15. I grew up in a family that instilled the values of hard work and what it means to earn your way in our society. I worked quite a few retail jobs before I really got started in the workforce. So how did I get here?

I worked my way through college. If you have done this, you know just how hard it can be. When I wasn’t working I was studying and when I wasn’t studying I was sleeping. I finally graduated, but as any college graduate, I had no idea who I wanted to work for or what I ultimately wanted to do.

I would love to say I knew I wanted to own my own business since the day I was born but that really wasn’t the case at all. I think like the majority of people out there, I didn’t even consider entrepreneurship as a valid path in life. This is such a silly statement as this what the American Dream is based off so why wouldn’t I chase it like a mad woman? I thought the only way to make a good living was to work for someone else, climb the corporate ladder, and be with the same company for years and years. This couldn’t have been farther from the truth.

The more I chased this idea of how I should progress in my career, the unhappier I became. I was tired of chasing the promotion. I was tired of being forced into a mold that I clearly didn’t fit. I was tired of not being paid what I should have been paid. I was tired of just being tired.

After much encouragement and frankly a ton of prayer, I left all of that behind. It was one of the scariest decision I have ever had to make. Now, I am a full-time wedding, engagement, and lifestyle photographer and I can honestly say for the first time, I feel like I am doing what I was made to do.

Great, 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?
Have you ever heard of cobblestone ice? That’s what the road has been like for me, incredibly bumpy. I have struggled a lot with identity. I feel like no one ever talks about this piece because we all want to seem confident and that we know what we’re doing. The fact of the matter is, its tough… so tough. Trying to not only figure out what direction you want to take your business in and who you want to be is rather intimidating. Not to mention the actual business side of owning a business is not exactly what my creative mind finds stimulating.

Beyond measures of the heart, physically I was dealing with a broken foot pretty immediately after my business really started to take off. Turns out, not only do photographers need their hands to hold the camera, but you also need feet to walk around with. Who knew?

I think it is incredibly important to look at the struggles as a part of the journey. Even though during it all I wanted to do was kick and scream, the struggle is what builds identity and character. Without it, we wouldn’t cherish the successes.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about SN Photography – what should we know?
I am a wedding, engagement, and lifestyle photographer in the DFW area. Although Texas is where I call home, I love to travel. A few places I will be traveling to this year include Denver, Austin, Boston to name a few.

I think what really sets me apart from others is that I go in as a vendor but come out the other side as a friend. This is truly my goal. I love meeting new people and I love hearing love stories. I will 100% be that wedding photographer that will tear up at your wedding because of all of the love and happiness.

Full disclosure I am also a HUGE goofball. I will laugh with you, roll around in the dirt, and basically do anything to get you to laugh and smile and just be present and enjoying the moment. I think the best thing I have heard one of my clients say was that anytime they need marriage counseling they want to book a session with me because they have never felt so in love before.

That to me is why I do what I do.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Determination. If there is one consistent theme to my life and my business, it is one of determination and perseverance. It could have been so easy to give up and walk away from the opportunity to own my own business.

1. Money isn’t consistent.
2. Broken Foot
3. Booking Clients
4. Its super scary
5. All of the endless “what if’s”

These are just some of the things that could have stopped me. But I didn’t let them.

I think it is super important to chase your dreams even if you think they are crazy. I can’t even begin to tell you how not on my radar being a full-time photographer was. I was more concerned about what would make me the most money and not what would make me the happiest. Once my perception shifted from running the rat race to living my dreams it was as if I could finally see.

Contact Info:


Image Credit:

Alex Oger

Getting in touch: VoyageDallas 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.

1 Comment

  1. Betty Jones

    May 16, 2018 at 7:07 pm

    Shelby, what a wonderful writing of where you wanted to be and where you are today. You are amazing and I have seen that determination in you from just a little girl. You are stronger than you think. God has so much for you and what a great plan HE has for your life. We love you so much and couldn’t be any prouder of you. You could include IN in your travel plans as we would love to see you here in Evansville. We love you and Nathan and wish you the best in all your endeavors. You are amazing, have I said that before. Love, Grandma and Grandpa Jones.

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