Kevin and Elaine Shen of North Georgia on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Kevin and Elaine Shen shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Kevin and Elaine, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
Oh, where do I start? People hear “photography business” and immediately assume I spend all day just clicking a button and suddenly magic happens. If only it were that simple. In reality, about ten percent of my job is behind the camera and the other ninety percent is everything from editing until my eyes cross, to planning shoots, to creating content and managing social media that somehow multiplies overnight like rabbits.
Another big misconception is that I am just “taking pretty pictures.” The Simple Theory isn’t about just making things look nice. It is about the experience and about telling a story, catching those little moments where Grandma’s tearing up during the vows or your best man’s laugh is too loud to ignore. It is not staged perfection. It is real life chaos bottled up in the best possible way.
And of course, there is the classic line: “You must have the easiest job ever. You just show up at weddings and party, right?” Oh, totally. I am basically doing the Cupid Shuffle while hauling thirty pounds of gear and making sure Uncle Bob does not photobomb the first kiss. But honestly, I would not trade it. The magic is in the madness.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Sure thing. My wife Elaine and I are the co-owners of The Simple Theory, where we get to blend storytelling with photography in a way that feels genuine and fun. We started this business because we wanted to capture moments that feel real, not overly posed or forced. Every couple, family, or client we work with has their own story, and our job is to make sure that story shines through every photo.
What makes The Simple Theory unique is the experience. We focus on creating an environment where people can relax, laugh, and truly be themselves. It is less about stiff smiles and more about catching that inside joke between you and your partner, or the way your family naturally interacts when you forget there is even a camera around.
Right now, we are working on expanding the creative side of the brand, adding more personalized touches to every session and building content that reflects not just our work but the personality of our clients. Photography for us is not just about pictures. It is about connection, energy, and those little moments you will want to relive for years.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Without a doubt, it is the relationship between my wife Elaine and me. We met young, grew together through all the twists and turns of life, and built both a marriage and a business side by side. Being with her has taught me patience, humility, and how to truly listen. She sees parts of me that I sometimes miss, and she challenges me to step up when I fall short.
Running The Simple Theory together has only deepened that. It is not just about sharing responsibilities but sharing a vision and trusting each other completely. She is the person who reminds me why I do what I do, who keeps me grounded when things get hectic, and who celebrates every win no matter how small. Our relationship shaped me into someone who values partnership, honesty, and showing up for the people who matter most.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self, “You do not have to figure it all out right now.” Life has a way of working itself out if you stay curious, keep learning, and surround yourself with the right people. I would remind myself that the twists and setbacks are not failures, they are detours that shape who you become. And I would add, “Trust yourself a little more—you are going to end up exactly where you need to be, and you will meet someone amazing named Elaine who will make the whole journey even better.”

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to believe that every single photo had to be perfect. Every hair in place, every line straight, every little detail controlled. I would spend hours obsessing over one image, convinced that perfection was the ultimate goal. Looking back, I realize how stubborn I was about that process.
Now I see things differently. Like I mentioned before, The Simple Theory is not about staged perfection. It is about real moments and genuine emotion. Some of the most meaningful photos I have ever taken are the ones that are technically imperfect. A little blur from motion, an uneven horizon, or wind blowing hair across someone’s face. Those are the images people treasure because they feel alive, and they carry a memory you cannot recreate in a studio.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
I think they would miss the experience Elaine and I create at every session. We make it fun, relaxed, and personal so people can truly be themselves in front of the camera. They would also miss the positive energy I bring to every shoot. I try to keep things light, playful, and full of enthusiasm so that even the most nervous clients can forget about the camera and just enjoy the moment. It is that combination of energy and experience that makes working with us unique and memorable.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thesimpletheory.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesimpletheoryphotography/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesimplytheory