Hi, welcome, I am Shelby Cole, the artist behind the lens.
mother
artist
I'm Shelby, hopefully your future photographer and new best friend. I am from the now big city of Katy, where I was born and raised. Growing up I was heavily involved in agriculture, was never that great at sports, and spent most of my time dreaming about moving to a small quiet town. After high school I attended college in the hopes of pursing a nursing degree, but photography was always at the forefront of my mind. After 2 years (start of covid) I dropped out of college to pursue my dreams and jumped head first into being a full time photographer, in my new small quiet town of New Waverly - raising my precious and sassy daughter Blakely, with my boyfriend of 6 years, Justin.
Here I am 8 years later still fully consumed and in love with my "job". I have a deep passion for the opportunity to document other peoples greatest achievements in life - from celebrating their marriage and all the in between, to staying in touch and documenting their growing families years later. My goal is always to look back at the photographs of what were once a fleeting moment in time, turned into a tangible photograph to cherish and reminisce on for years and decades to come. Photographs full of emotion, intentionality, personality, in an artful way. At the end of it, all we have to look back at when a moment is gone is the photographs taken freeze framing that moment in time.
On a more personal note..
when I'm not
DOCUMENTING WEDDINGS
I am typically spending my days outside with my daughter Blakely, my long time boyfriend Justin, and our 2 corgis, Dutton and Peaches. Cheesy, but nothing makes me feel more at home and peace than being with my little family.
5 things
I CANT LIVE WITHOUT
 
A crispy cold Diet Coke. Energy drinks, any flavor, any brand. Classic country music, think your papwpaw's favorite songs. Dark spray tans. A Miller Lite every now and then. And most importantly, my little family.
my entire
PERSONALITY IN A NUTSHELL
 
"Carries herself with a quiet, calm confidence, but once you're in her circle you realize she's warm, fiercely loyal, unexpectedly hilarious, and secretly the kind of chaotic-in-the-best-way kind of friend who loves loudly and shows up fully" -my bff Kaitlyn
some random
FUN FACTS
 
- I had my daughter when I was 17
- My first time on a plane was at 19 years old
- My boyfriend Justin and I have been together for 6 years (no ring yet)
- I grew up raising livestock in FFA from the time I was 8 until I graduated highschool
- I rewatch Criminal Minds at least once a year
my journey
WHERE I AM TODAY
 
My dad bought me my first professional camera for my daughters first birthday to document her life as she was growing quicker than my mind could compute. From there I started photography friends and family before attending college for nursing. Two years into college I started working as a CNA, which is when I realized my passion was really in photography. At that point, I made the decision to drop out of college and to my little hobby into my full-time profession. 8 years later - I know I made the right choice.
what ignites
MY PASSION
 
After losing my dad unexpectedly in May of 2025 - my passion for photography shifted entirely. I now know the weight that photographs hold at a magnitude deeper than I ever expected. The passing of my dad taught me how deeply important it is to have tangible memories of the moments and people we never want to forget.
Hannah & Evertt reid
 
 
 
"From the moment she arrived, she brought such a calm and joyful presence to our wedding day."
 
 
 
2023 bride
MY APPROACH
 
 
 
 
 
guided documentary
My approach to your wedding day is with a guided documentary style blended with traditional portraiture and deep personal connections. This allows me space for the quiet glances and lingering laughter to unfold organically while also instinctively knowing when to direct and guide you for more traditional and editorial portraits.
The end result? Tangible photographs of your wedding day that feel effortless, honest, and deeply personal.
 
 
 
 
 
 
rooted in honesty
Your wedding day is not meant to be a performance for the camera but a lived experience. My goal is for you to be able to live through and be fully present during the motions of your quickly moving wedding day. My goal is to be a fly on the wall during moments of connection letting moments naturally emerge, yet intuitively knowing when to step in and guide you through the next moment in a genuine and honest way.
So if your looking for a photographer who prioritizes wedding days naturally flowing and getting to kick back with your friends and family, more than producing forced and unrealistic instagram viral photos, I'm your girl.
 
 
 
Dream Destinations
 
 
greece
ireland
 
 
wyoming
montana
 
 
cabo
banff
 
 
scotland
italy
 
Getting married in one of these places? I just might have a special discount for you!
 
 
 
Get in touch
 
Let’s get to know each other