In The Spotlight with Shelby Lane
August 1st, 2008
What inspired you to become a photographer? My dad and my great grandpa were both serious hobbists, and they taught me how to use an SLR and inspired me to go out and photograph things that were interesting to me.
What is your favorite guilty pleasure? Project Runway and chocolate. Preferably at the same time.
Your Location? New Braunfels, TX, between San Antonio and Austin.
Website address? http://www.shelbylane.net
Blog? shelbylane.net/studioblog/
shelbylane.net/workshops/
do you have a favorite photographer? (site?) Oh, I can’t name just one.
Favorite place to shop online? Etsy, Amazon
Are you a nikon/cannon? Nikon girl, all the way.
On Location/Studio? Primarily in the studio, but I have been shooting a little more on location lately. In the heat.
Your niche? Children and families.
Photography Education? High school photography (woo-hoo!), professional organization seminars and schools, one-photographer workshops, and forums.
What gives you inspiration? My kids. Children’s book illustrations. Movies. Commercials. Magazines.
Your all time fave image (yours)?
Kids? I have two great kids: McCurdy, who is 6, and Charlotte, who is 4. They used to introduce themselves as Mac and Cheese, so we still call them that.
Spouse? Currently single.
Favorite TV show? Mythbusters
Favorite Book? Hmmmm… I read a lot. I guess my all time favorite is Jane Eyre, but the last Harry Potter book is not too far behind on my list.
Your wheels? (what do you drive) I am the proud owner of a Mommyvan.
Favorite shop (not online)? Anthropologie. I love looking at their displays.
Digital/film? Digital for work. Film for fun.
Down time? Lately, the kids and I go exploring. We have so many state parks that are within driving distance, and all sorts of cool shops in the Central Texas area, so if I have a free day we go on driving adventures and check out new places.
In your opinion what makes you a good photog? I know when to push the button and when to wait. 
I also know where to find the good light, so I don’t have to do as much work to enhance afterwards.
Advice to newbies? Before you go into business, or while you’re still in the early stages, learn how to price yourself and find the confidence to be in business. It is so much harder to start off low to get clients in the door, because eventually when you have to either raise your prices or close your doors, you have to find an almost completely new client base.
How do you market yourself? The studio has pretty strong word of mouth, so now we get most of our business from referrals. I used to do partnerships and displays, though. Now I have a few highly targeted partnerships and we have plans in the works to promote our businesses together. I use my newsletter and the blog to keep in touch with my clients, and I support local schools and charities that I believe in with auction or service donations and sponsorships whenever I can.
Name 3 unique things about you? If the stereo in my car or house or studio has a numbered volume control, it always has to be on an even number or a 5. I eat M&Ms in pairs so both sides of my mouth will be equally happy. And I always park a little “out” in the parking lot, as close to a cart depot as possible… I’d rather walk a little bit than to waste time circling to find a closer spot.
What’s in your camera bag? Well, a camera. My 85mm, 105mm, and 35-70mm lenses. A light meter. A flash. Extra batteries and cards. A good lens hood. And gum.
It’s 8pm, where would we find you? Giving kids baths or reading them a book.
Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate, baby.
Favorite drink? Cherry Coke Zero
Favorite food? anything TexMex
Favorite place to go out to eat? The Grist Mill, which is a local restaurant. I hear they have great ribs, but I prefer the Chicken Acapulco.
Shoes or barefeet? I love shoes. But if I’m shooting, I’m barefoot.
Lefty or righty? Righty.
Birthday? June 17th, 1976
Do you daydream? Allll the time.
What’s your favorite jelly bean? Lime
Nickname? Shel, Shellbelle, Mommy
What time did you wake up this morning? 6:00. My kids are naturally early risers.
Your Zodiac Sign? Gemini
Thank you Ms Shelby!!!
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