10 years of Shelly Fry Photography

It was 10 years ago I found myself driving to Fort Vancouver to shoot my very first official family session! I was full of fear and doubts and I had a very unclear vision of what my future held. Starting my own business did not come easily to me. I did not wake up one day and declare this would be my journey.  I believe that if I’d done that I would have been overwhelmed and never really gotten anywhere. Shelly Fry Photography just wasn’t something I could see.

Thankfully, I went slowly. I just kept taking baby steps. Decision were made early on to show up. I would show up when I was scared and even when I had nothing to do. Showing up everyday and working on something. There was always learning to do. I certainly haven’t been one of those overnight success stories. I admit to being irritated by the stories of those who claim they just bought a used camera and magically booked 36 weddings their first year. As the years ticked by I wondered if it would ever take off for me. The answer I now know is no. But my slow steady growth is just what my personality needed. 

I’m still here!

I remember hearing most small businesses close after 3 years. I was determined to get past that mark. I’m still relieved every day to be going and growing!  So to make a long story short. I’m still here! 

I can’t believe it! I am so grateful to still be here on this journey! Becoming a small business owner has been one of the scariest accomplishments of my life!

I have been blessed with 3 locations. At one point my thinking was I would never want a studio. I couldn’t see myself ever enjoying studio work. Which is just one example of how much I have learned over the years! I still shake my head in wonder that I get to work in such an amazing space! 

Slowly over the years I learned more about being a photographer. Which included using my camera, posing people, lighting and marketing. I learned how to deliver what people want as well as being true to who I am. I always knew my favorite experiences would be those that involve something new and adventurous. As a photographer I have photographed on skis, from boats and jet skis, while rock climbing from the side of a wall, and standing in a dumpster. I love the challenges and opportunities photography has brought into my life. 

There have been ups and downs along this journey. Moments when I have been terrified, hurt deeply and very discouraged. I have been overwhelmed with all the aspects that go into running a business. Once I finally allowed myself to find other people to help me in the areas that frustrated me the most it immediately felt better! Learning to ask for help and accepting I don’t know it all have helped me the most!

Thank you!

I am overwhelmed that I’ve been so blessed with this opportunity to pursue a dream that grew slowly and continues to grow. I am so incredibly thankful to every single person who has chosen to believe in me. Every time someone has booked me, recommended me, shared something I did with others has been a tremendous help! Without those who have invested in me I would have gone nowhere. I will never lose sight of that.  I also owe a lot to those who have assisted me and worked along side me. 

Thank you! From the bottom of my heart!

I do plan on a 10 year celebration sometime next year. I am looking forward to celebrating with all of you!

Holiday Mini Sessions at Shelly Fry Photography

In less than 3 weeks the studio will be one busy place! 11 of the 15 spots have been booked and I hope to sell them all out! There will be yummy holiday snacks, music, Santa and lots and lots of energy! 

If having family photos has been on your to do list for awhile this is a great opportunity for you! 

These can be serious “fancy” pictures or fun “silly” or somewhere in between. The goal is to fit each family with the right poses and props. If you are looking for an opportunity to dress up this is your chance! If you’d like to wear Christmas jammies – We can do that as well! Maybe you’d like to get all the cousins together for some beautiful and fun images to share with the family. Whatever combination comes to mind I’m sure we can make it work! And yes, pups are welcomed.

Click the link to read about all the details and see what is still available. And then, if you’d like, you can book right from this link.

 https://book.usesession.com/s/5EkWmB42G

Thank you for stopping by!

Shelly