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Life & Work with Brittany Shelton of Carrollton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Shelton.

Hi Brittany , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Photography has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. When I was younger, my great uncle — knowing how much I loved art — handed me his camera with no instructions and simply said, “Go take photos of whatever speaks to you.” That moment changed everything for me. Through that lens, I fell in love with art, storytelling, and the beauty found in everyday life.
For the past 15 years, photography has been so much more than a career. It’s been my way of seeing and connecting with the world. I’ve always been drawn to emotion — the quiet, fleeting moments that often go unnoticed: a look, a laugh, a tear, or the stillness in between. Capturing those pieces of life has become my calling, allowing me to hold onto them and share their beauty with others.
In 2020, during one of the most challenging times for my family, I took a leap of faith. My husband, Paul, and I were struggling financially, and as a stay-at-home mom, I desperately wanted to help provide while still being present for my children. That balance mattered deeply to me — to support my family without sacrificing those precious moments with my kids.
One night, I got on my knees and prayed, asking God to show me the path forward — a way to honor Him, serve others, and still be the mother I was called to be. Out of that prayer, in the middle of a pandemic, Beautiful Captured Chaos was born. It was both terrifying and exciting, but it felt right — like the next chapter of a story that God had already started writing for me.
Since then, I’ve had the honor of photographing so many incredible people and moments. Each session reminds me why I started — to create images that are honest, heartfelt, and full of life.
My goal is simple: to help you see the beauty in your own story — the kind that’s already there, placed by God, waiting to be remembered. I strive to honor the Lord in my work by building genuine connections with every family I photograph. I love praying for my clients, celebrating their wins, and even being there when they need extra prayers or encouragement. Giving back is also a huge part of my heart — whether it’s through raffles, free sessions, or causes that God puts on my heart. No matter how tired I am, if He calls me to do it, I will.
Because at the end of the day, this is more than photography to me. It’s purpose. It’s faith. It’s love — beautifully captured in the middle of life’s chaos.

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?
Opening my photography business definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. There have been plenty of challenges — some small, some life-changing — but through every twist and turn, God has guided me. Every step I take, I pray for His will to be done, and I truly believe He’s led me exactly where I’m meant to be.
When I first started, I honestly knew very little about the business side of photography. I knew how to take pictures, but not on a professional level. And let’s be real — the photography community can be tough. It’s not always easy to find people willing to share their knowledge without a price tag attached. But I was determined. I took classes, watched endless YouTube videos (yes, the cringe-worthy kind!), and slowly but surely, I learned and grew.
Just as things were starting to click, I got extremely sick with COVID. The virus attacked my spine, leaving me temporarily paralyzed. I was terrified that everything I had just built was slipping away. But I prayed harder than ever, leaned on my faith, and by God’s grace, I regained my ability to walk. My recovery took about six months — and honestly, photography, along with my family and faith, became one of my biggest motivators to keep fighting.
Not long after, I finally felt ready to grow again and started looking for a studio space. Then, out of nowhere, I got sick again — and the same spinal issues flared up. This time, we knew what was happening and caught it earlier. Within three months, I was walking again. Praise the Lord for His healing hand!
Once I was back on my feet, I started praying again for direction. That’s when God led me to Liz by Design. I saw Liz’s post about renting a studio space, and I couldn’t get it off my mind. I prayed and prayed — and God made it clear: “Do it, Brittany.” So I did. I became Liz’s very first studio member, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
What I found there was more than a studio. I found a community. A group of photographers who don’t see each other as competition, but as family. We support one another, share knowledge, lift each other up, and cheer each other on. It’s exactly the kind of community I had prayed for.
Through it all — the challenges, the sickness, the doubt, and the victories — I’ve learned that with God, my family, and my amazing creative tribe beside me, there’s nothing I can’t overcome. Every obstacle has only strengthened my faith and reminded me that this journey, messy and beautiful as it is, is exactly where I’m meant to be.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I love capturing the beauty in every person who steps in front of my camera. My heart behind every session is simple — to show you that you are perfectly made, just the way God intended. Every story is different, and I find so much joy in turning those stories into art.
While I enjoy photographing just about everything (except real estate — I’ll leave that to someone else!), my heart truly comes alive with couples, weddings, and portraits. There’s something about love — whether it’s between two people or the beautiful journey of learning to love yourself again — that fuels my creative fire. Love is never the same twice, and that’s what makes it so inspiring to me.
I’ve always believed that no two artists are alike. You can try to copy someone’s work, but you’ll never capture it the same way — because art is born from the heart, and every heart sees the world differently. That’s what I love most about photography. It’s real, raw, and uniquely yours.
And if there’s one thing you should know about me — I’m more than just your photographer. I’m your cheerleader, your hype woman, your new friend (maybe even your honorary sister for the day). I’ll fix your hair, make you laugh, pray with you if you need it, and celebrate you every step of the way. I wear many hats, and I do it all with love and gratitude — because this isn’t just my job, it’s my calling.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
If there’s one lesson this journey has taught me, it’s to never doubt yourself — or the art that flows from your heart. For a long time, I struggled with comparison, constantly measuring my work against others. But the moment I stopped comparing and started creating from a place of confidence and faith, everything changed.
I began to see the beauty in my own art — not because it was perfect, but because it was mine. It was honest, heartfelt, and a reflection of the way I see the world. Now, I look at every photo I take with gratitude and love, knowing that each image carries a piece of my heart and a glimpse of God’s beauty through my lens.

Pricing:

  • Private Session starts at $150
  • Boudoir Sessions starts at $300
  • Small Event (under 3hrs) $250hr
  • Large Event (non wedding) $200hr
  • Wedding Packages start at $1600

Contact Info:

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