Why I do what I do. Photographing families from birth to graduation is a privilege that I don’t take lightly. These families trust me to capture their memories year after year and create quality, timeless images, and products that will outlast them (and me). I am simply a tool for them to tell their unique story to their children and their children’s children. Photography is a powerful tool that connects us and creates something bigger than ourselves. It cultivates your family’s legacy.
1. Why I do what I do – Connecting
Connecting with my clients + capturing the beautiful connection between them is my first priority. A good photograph is all about connection. “Connection” between the viewer + the subject of the photograph and connection between the subjects in a photograph. My goal as your family, newborn or teen photographer is to capture that connection and show you the true essence of what you or your family is all about. Not just what you look like. When viewing a photograph, this connection will take you right back to the moment. My deepest desire is for families + seniors to remember how beautiful and meaningful that time of their life was. Photography is such a powerful tool and will create a huge impact when used correctly.
2. Why I do what I do – Creating
Creatively using light, composition and moment to tell my client’s story and create a time capsule of their lives. For me, photography is these about three things. Light, composition and moment. It is the place where these three things intersect that make a powerful photograph. Family, newborn and senior photography provide so many of these intersections. I have learned over the years to not go in with a predetermined shot list or high expectations of what I will capture in a lifestyle or senior session. When you go in looking for those moments you miss seeing the natural moments that unfold before your very eyes. Obviously, I have my go-to shots that are done at the beginning of a session but then I just work with the family or senior to allow them to be themselves. They come alive and their personalities shine through allowing me to create some timeless images that they will cherish forever.
3. Why I do what I do – Cultivating
Cultivating what matters! Cultivating authenticity, confidence, and beauty for my families. Photography is a tool that allows you to tell your story. The truth is that your children will not remember these years and they will probably not remember you as the young mom or dad that you are now. We tend to think our parents are always as they are now. Family photography cultivates your family narrative and allows all of us to see and remember our life story as it actually unfolded and not as we remember it. I use my photography sessions to show families the authenticity, confidence, and beauty that is inside each of them. Sometimes it just takes an outside perspective to show you the beauty right in front of your own eyes.
The second party of cultivating what matters is that I am truly passionate about serving my families and developing a relationship that goes beyond the camera. I have watched children grow up in front of my lens, marriages stand the test of time, and young kids grow up and graduate high school. These families are more than just a photo session but a beautiful extension of my “Why?”. I am privileged that they have let me in to their lives and allowed me to come beside them. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
FAMILY | NEWBORN | SCHOOLS | SENIORS
Shelly Niehaus Photography is a Prosper, TX-based senior and family photographer. I specialize in newborns, seniors, family, and school portrait photography in the Dallas Fort Worth area. I also offer adoption photography for local families through the Red Thread Organization and volunteer for The Gold Hope Project. For more information please contact me so we can start discussing your session.
