Meet Shelly Redder | Photographer. Capturing memories forever.

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

Hi Shelly, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I worked as a traveling critical care nurse before starting photography. As a nurse, I was witness to patients in a completely vulnerable time. Being able to hold space, and really connect with someone in a time of illness was a valuable lesson, that serves me well today. As a traveling nurse, I also became the product, selling my skillset to the companies hiring me. That experience made the risk of starting my photography business easier. Now I sell my work ethic, my eye for composing a shot, my editing style and my ability to connect with clients!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve worn many hats in life; Horse trainer & NRCHA competitor, bartender, rancher, nurse, traveler, mom, business owner, Airbnb designer & superhost. My eye for photography stems directly from my experiences. My view of the world, like me, is completely unique.

Was it easy starting a photography business? No way. I’ve made a million mistakes and hope to make a million more. Starting something new is not easy for me or my perfectionism, but I’m getting more comfortable making mistakes so I grow as a photographer.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to take the shot now! Always have extra batteries and plenty of storage capacity!

I want to share those once in a million shots with the world that make a person pause, that slows time for just a moment.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love the southwest and sharing local adventures with friends and family, but also the hundreds of visitors I connect with via my Airbnb @SunnySouthwestCottage Check us out on Insta!

Day 1 would include early morning coffee at 81301, a ride on the Durango Silverton Narrow Guage Train, a main street stroll in the afternoon with a bubbling Molcajete bowl to share at Nayarit for dinner with donuts for dessert at Eolus.

Day 2 would be a sunrise hike up Sharkstooth with lunch at Kennebec cafe. A sunset horseback ride around our place and adjacent BLM would grace the days end.

The 3rd day we’d spend at home, enjoying the gardens while grilling up honey glazed pork chops from Sacred Song Farm.

A Mesa Verde National Park guided tour would take up the 4th day.

We’d head to Arches National Park the 5th day with Pizza at Antica Forma.

Day 6 we’d try to catch an open mic or live music at Dolores River Brewing, Mancos Brewing, or Fenceline Cidery, with a ride at Phil’s world mountain biking mecca. We live right next door!

We’d go to McElmo canyon day 7. Those interesting people you asked about? The Carrikers at Canyon Trails Ranch can intrigue visitors for hours with Rodney’s antique hand tool & wagon collection large enough to fill a museum, or the unique trail ride that Kristie & Jessica run, or their authentic chuckwagon dutch oven cooking. Go down the road a ways to hike Sand Canyon full of Puebloan ruins, and just a bit further to experience Sutcliffe Vineyards acclaimed red or white.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have a really amazing man in my corner. Adam gives me room to dream. He encourages me, brings food for thought, and loves me and our 2 beauties, rain or shine. He also makes me coffee in the morning. I couldn’t pursue photography without him.

Website: www.shellyredder.com

Instagram: @shelly.redder.photography

Other: @sunnysouthwestcottage https://airbnb.com/h/sswc