I’m a North Georgia-based photographer, chaser of light, tongue-tied, Scotland & mountain obsessed journeyer. I love the rain and stormy days. I never want to stop learning about people and the world. I am a daughter of God.
Meet Shelby
I am not a JUST a photographer – someone who takes pictures because I have the ability. I am a woman who thrives to share light with others through the outlets God has blessed me in. Photography happens to be an amazing role I am able to do that through. No matter what stage of life I am passing through, I will always be a light seeker - moving to grow, wandering this pathway so that I can bring to others what God has given to me.
The mountains are my home, and I am sucker for cold weather. Take me to a city, and I’ll be counting down the minutes till I can get back out! I love the smell of campfires and Christmas trees, and basically have filled every room in my house with these candles. Nature is SUCH an important part of my life, and (if my photo name didn’t already tell you that) I hope I spend the rest of my life traveling to soak in every bit of beauty that lies within this Earth.
As someone who fully believes people should never stop growing, I love learning about the people I come across. Even more, I am SO blessed when I get to document their love story!
In 2018, I have felt this immense calling to change my branding – not just switching up color and logos, but a complete renovation with a name change - a name that was not mine, but reflected more of me than just a name.
FINALLY the name came to me after much consideration! I instantly fell in love because the name embodied so much of me and what I want for my brand. I strive for natural, authentic, outdoor adventures, and LOVE.
A thistle is the national flower of Scotland (which is a culture & history I am obsessed with) that represents bravery, devotion, courage, and determination. I have been to Kenya, Canada, and all throughout the United States and have found this flower to be growing proudly no matter where I go. It is a symbol of strength to me, and I look forward to seeking it out any new places I go. Wildflowers also fill my heart with endless joy so it fit perfectly.
Thistle + Wood could NOT be a more perfect representation of me. I am so excited for all the adventurous spirits I'll get to explore with, and I cannot WAIT to document their love story along the way.
I’m am also obsessed with anything wood. So when it came to creating my wedding collections, I wanted to put a little piece of what I love inside them. Because of this, all my wedding packages come with a wooden keepsake box that you will receive with your USB. Through this, I also saw characteristics of what a marriage should have: strength & durability - something that can handle wear and scratches and yet still hold itself together. Unique wood grain - it will never be the same no matter how many boxes are made. It will be solely yours.
A name that embodies so much of who I am in three words.
And I am pretty pumped about it
Ever since I was a little girl, there was something about the parks that captivated me. Something about this history, the different terrains, and just how incredible an experience I could dream up imagining spending time in each place. Each park is SO different - each one having characteristics that make it unique and beautiful.
As a photographer that is exactly what I see in people, why I love documenting people's journeys, so I can bring to life the little moments that are created through these characteristics. It's the details of people that tell the story, just like it's the details of nature that can create stories of its own.
In 2020, I decided step fully into the desire of traveling to all the National Parks by making it a goal to live by. And I couldn't be more excited for the stories and adventures that are waiting to be unraveled.
# of parks I've visited:
I have a goal to visit all the National Parks in my lifetime.
17/62
Acadia National Park
Biscayne National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park
DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK
Everglades National Parks
Grand teton National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Smoky Mountain NP
Joshua Tree National Park
Mount Rainier National Park
North Cascades National Park
Olympic National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park
Yosemite National Park
Zion National Park
Parks I have been to:
I believe in loving God + loving people
Watching Parks & Rec + The Office
National Parks
Chick-Fil-a
Pride & Prejudice
Mountains
anything Scottish or Celtic
wildflowers
learning about people
challenging myself towards growth
having travel plans on the horizon
movie scores
HUGS
Personality Tests & Love Languages
How To Train Your Dragon Trilogy
Rain & cloudy days
Going barefoot
Canada
