Meet Birmingham, AL Photographer, Shelley Barrett
I’m a homeschooling mom to four wonderfully spirited children—Noah (11), Lucy Lou (9), Annie Mae (7), and little Molly Jo (4). Our household is full of energy and neurodiversity, which has given me a deep understanding of children’s unique personalities and the ability to create a calm, comfortable environment for every family I photograph.
Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, I’m thrilled to be back in my hometown after serving so many amazing families in the Pensacola, Florida area. I bring this blend of personal experience, patience, and professionalism to every newborn and family session, ensuring that each portrait captures the beauty, joy, and individuality of your family in a timeless, heirloom-quality way.
Photography is truly my DREAM JOB, and I count myself so lucky to love what I do.
I grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, and my love for photography began with photojournalism and travel photography. While I initially pursued a more “classic” path by majoring in Elementary Education—fueled by my passion for children and teaching—I spent four years working in preschools and elementary schools before exploring a career in Computer Science.
Although I enjoyed programming, everything changed when my first son was born. I discovered a deep joy in photographing newborns and capturing those fleeting, precious moments. I took the leap to turn my passion into a full-time photography business, and it has truly become my dream job. I feel incredibly fortunate to work with such amazing families and to create timeless, heirloom-quality portraits that celebrate life’s most special moments.
Some random facts about me:
- I love the colors teal, yellow, and black and white.
- I love music and singing. I played clarinet, flute, and oboe in high school, as well as piano and bass guitar.
- I am obsessed with games, puzzles, and trivia.
- My favorites are cheese dip and margaritas. Yum!
- I'm actually half-blind in one eye and have zero depth perception.
- I totally understand the hate that many moms feel about being in front of the camera, but I try to as often as possible for the sake of my kids!
I’ve recently discovered a love for birding, and especially photographing these beautiful creatures. My incredibly talented son sparked this passion—he is an amazing artist, and I’ve learned to appreciate the joy of birding through him. Together, we share a special bond photographing the birds we discover. I’m even planning to launch a side shop to share and sell some of the stunning images we’ve captured—stay tuned!
