Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelley Shroyer
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?
It all started when I joined the 4H Club as a youth, where I was introduced to the art of photography. It wasn’t long before I entered my first photography competition and won my very first ribbon. That moment was a huge confidence boost and sparked my interest in photography even further. From there, I spent years honing my skills as a hobbyist, experimenting with different styles and techniques.
As the years went on, life became busy, but my love for photography never faded. However, everything truly reignited when my sons were born. Their arrival brought a renewed sense of purpose to my photography. I suddenly found myself captivated by the beauty of capturing the fleeting moments of their childhood—those genuine, candid moments that I never wanted to forget. It reignited my passion and took my photography to a new level, as I was now not just capturing landscapes or objects, but real-life connections and emotions. Photography had become an integral part of my life and an essential way for me to document the world around me.
Today, my journey as a photographer has come full circle, and it’s amazing to look back at how far I’ve come. After the birth of my second son, I felt an undeniable urge to dive deeper into the world of photography. I was determined to not only capture memories, but to truly master the craft. To fuel this passion, I enrolled in a darkroom class at the local college in Austin, ACC, where I began to refine my technical skills and immerse myself in the analog side of photography. This experience helped me appreciate the artistry behind the process and strengthened my understanding of the fundamentals.
From there, my growth as a photographer continued to flourish. I took a major step forward when I attended the renowned “Texas School” of Photography. It was an invaluable experience that expanded my knowledge and introduced me to some of the best photographers in the industry. I attended this school for about seven years, year after year, continuously learning, evolving, and pushing myself to explore new techniques and styles.
During this time, I made the bold decision to open the doors to my full-time photography business. With each passing year, I honed my craft even further, gaining experience in areas I had always been passionate about. I began focusing on high school seniors, family, beauty, and fashion photography, attending specialized workshops in these areas to stay on top of trends and elevate my work.
Now, after many years of growth and dedication, I continue to attend workshops each year, ensuring that my skills remain sharp and that I stay connected to the ever-evolving world of photography. My journey has been a continuous cycle of learning, challenging myself, and pursuing my passion with a deep commitment to capturing the beauty and essence of every moment. Today, I’m not just a photographer; I’m a storyteller, and it’s been incredible to see how my love for photography has shaped both my career and my life.
I’m incredibly honored to have had my work published in prestigious magazines like Vogue, Senior Muse Magazine, and Senior Inspire Magazine. Additionally, I’ve been voted the “Best of Wimberley” for four consecutive years, earning recognition as both the Best Local Creative Photographer and Best Family Photographer. Just recently I was awarded Top 50 photographers to follow in 2025 by Senior Muse Magazine (this was based on print judging and scoring) as well as Top 100 Photographers to follow by Senior Inspire Magazine.
It’s truly humbling, and I’m beyond grateful for these acknowledgments. They serve as a reminder of the journey I’ve been on and the incredible support I’ve received along the way.
I love my “job” and I take great pride in documenting life and telling people’s stories!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For seven years, I juggled two jobs while raising a family, so this journey has definitely been far from easy. I look back at those times when I worked for months without a single day off, and I honestly don’t know how I managed to do it. But somehow, I pushed through. There is a lot to learn about being a small business owner. It’s enough just to learn to be a photographer then add on all aspects of running a business! It’s not for the faint of heart, and I’ve worked many nights, weekends, and holidays but looking back, I’m proud of persevering and happy for the business I have today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in high school senior photography because I absolutely love working with this age group. I feel a strong connection with high schoolers and truly enjoy capturing this pivotal moment in their lives. It’s such a special time for them—on the brink of adulthood, proud of everything they’ve accomplished, and filled with excitement about the new chapter they’re about to begin.
I’m most proud of being voted “The Best of Wimberley” by the Wimberley View. It means a lot to me
when your community and clients year after year vote for you and support you. It really means so much to me and I’m grateful beyond words.
What makes you happy?
What truly impacts me and brings me happiness in my work is receiving a handwritten letter, text, or email from a high school senior thanking me for making them feel special and beautiful. I’ve had letters that brought me to tears. Tears of joy, of course!
It’s so important for everyone to recognize their own beauty and worth. Helping to build someone’s self-esteem and giving them confidence is priceless. It’s a true gift to be able to help others see their value and make them feel good about themselves. That makes me so happy!!!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shelleyshroyer.com
- Instagram: @ShelleyShroyerPhotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShelleyShroyerPhotos
Image Credits
Shelley Shroyer Photography, LLC
