Meet Shelby Burtlow | Photographer & Waitress

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

Hi Shelby, how do you think about risk?
Risk; a situation involving exposure to danger. Though the definition of risk may sound scary to others, I’ve always been intrigued by the “what if”. Risk taking has played a trumendous role in my life/career by simply just putting my little unknown name out there. It’s showing up and putting my best foot forward. Reaching out to managers and media personals for big named artists asking permission to even get a chance to photograph the artist. 9 times out of 10 it’s usually a no, but that no has never stopped me from pursuing what I genuinely love to do. Though I must say manifesting does play a huge factor if you believe in yourself enough, you can always reach your goals.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
All art has a story behind it. A Painting, song or photograph.. all have some type back story of how the art became to be. I’ve always used the negativity in what others have said, whether I can and cannot do something as fuel to prove them wrong. I had a specific individual in my life at one point in my life tell me my photography wouldn’t amount to anything. Being with said individual I was faced with challenges and life events I never thought would be apart of story. A part of my story I’m not the proudest of but the most thankful for. After moving past this individual I used the challenges and negativity that I faced as fuel to prove I could do anything. Fast forward the time came to attend an event I purchased for said individual and I that we were supposed to attend. A Tanner Usrey concert. I ended up still going and eating the money of the other ticket. I was able to speak with Tanner about my dreams to photograph him one day and he granted me that dream a multitude of times. Fast forward I have his handwriting tattooed on me, 2 images in a debut album cover and a several other amazing moments.
Some lessons I choose to keep private at this time just as I feel like I’ll be making a tell all book one day.
Manifestation can do wonders! You can do anything you set your mind to. If you have the drive and the dedication to get it done it will be done! I would want the world to know my brand may not have had the perfect path but with determination you dictate what comes to you and what you can achieve.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I typically don’t stay in the city very often so I wouldn’t even know where to begin.

Must make sure the hotel has a hot tub or pool and comfortable bed – Marriott
Food: Somewhere with steak and salad. – Saltgrass or Cowboy Star
Drink: Good whiskey/bourbon cocktail or crisp cold Coors Banquet
Hang out: ANY live music event or by the beach.

Things to do: Top Golf, dirt biking, hiking, paddle boarding..

I’m not very outside the box! haha

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Where do I even begin… Through out the 13+ years of photographing I’ve been blessed to cross paths with a number of magnificent folks. Each individual has added so much depth to my portfolio. One individual has opened doors for me that I never thought would become my reality. His name is Cody Cozz, Pueblo Colorado Native Country Singer now living in Nashville. Little did I know 3 years go walking into a little dive bar would I be crossing paths with someone who would have changed the whole trajectory of my photography career. At the time of meeting Cody Cozz, he was in the beginning stages of doing more shows and little pop ups around Pueblo CO. After this particular pop up show I approached him about possibly photographing potential shows he had coming up. Since then I’ve been blessed to work beside him when able. My images have ended up of t-shirts, hoodies, koozies and more. Photographing his shows has given me to opportunities to be able to photograph a multitude of other outstanding artists from across the US.

Website: https://www.shelbyburtlowphoto.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelbyburtlowphotography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelbyburtlowphotography

Image Credits
Tanner Usrey – 1st and 2nd
Cody Cozz – 3rd and 4th
Adriana Gonzales and Zachary Lacaze – 5th
Ashley McBryde – 6th
Baylee Madison – 7th
Inda Kalivoda – 8th