Meet Shelby June | Film & Portrait Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shelby June and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shelby, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I always dreamed of being my own boss, and I one day decided to make it a reality. I’ve found so much more freedom and creativity once I allowed myself to get the courage to pursue my dreams as an independent freelance photographer. What really pushed me in that direction was traveling, and meeting people who use their skills to financially support themselves as they traveled. I wanted that, I wanted to travel the world without a return flight. I began this process by traveling between northern California and Southern California, opening the doorway for me to become a destination photographer.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I began shooting film in high school and found my main interested was combining a conceptual component l to my digital work, which I believe set me apart from other artists and photographers. It was not easy getting to were I am now, I still conceder myself very new to being a self employed photographer. Im still learning the ups and downs of how to run a business, but after several years of experience working for private photography studio & within the film industry I’ve gained enough knowledge to feel confident in perusing my own business. I believe that a photographer doesn’t have to have just one style of shooting. I have two very different eyes when it comes to photography. I capture beauty and express emotion with my digital camera when photographing clients. With my film camera I capture candid realism with a raw, grim style. I have two voices with my instruments & I love exploring the world and sharing my eye with the others.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Whenever I have friends visit me I love taking them to Ocean Beach in San Diego. Its such a fun area and its there is a ton of unique street art, delicious food and great vibes. After spending a day exploring the area and enjoying the beach ill then take them to sunset cliff., The view is insane and its one of the most epic places to see sunset. There are so many great options for food in San Diego, my top breakfast choices would be, Morning Glory and Farmers Table both located in downtown San Diego. For day drinks and lunch I would choose, Miss Coco B’s, El Perez and Grass Skirt located in Pacific Beach. All these restaurants have super cool aesthetic and are close to the beach. San Diego overall is the perfect people watching destination. No matter were you are there is always so much entertainment. Mission Beach is one of the most beautiful places to walk around, chill, and enjoy an evening bonfire. I highly suggest to anyone visiting San Diego to check out each town if possible. They are all beautiful and unique in there own way and its impossible to not fall in love with this city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shout out to my fiancé Spencer Harrington, he inspired and supported my decision to pursue my own photography business. He is a very talented and successful traveling tattooer. On a summer road trip together exploring the United States, he encouraged me to begin the process of becoming a traveling photographer. Because of his support and encouragement Im now a self employed photographer.

Website: https://shelbyjunephoto.com

Instagram: shelbyjunephotography

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/shelbyjharris

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/shelbyjunephoto/photos/