Today we’d like to introduce you to Shalyn McCullough.
Hi Shalyn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My photography journey began with a simple love for capturing life as it is — real, raw, messy, and beautifully imperfect. I’ve always been a creative spirit with a deep passion for storytelling, drawn to the beauty in everyday moments. What I saw through my lens wasn’t always what others noticed, but photography quickly became my way of freezing time and preserving emotion.
It started with snapping photos of abandoned buildings, my kids, and little slices of daily life. Before long, friends and family began asking me to capture their special moments too, and that’s when I realized this could be something more.
As I grew more confident behind the camera, I dove headfirst into learning everything I could about lighting, posing, and editing.
In 2019, I officially launched Simply Shalyn Photography, and not long after, I partnered with Erica Jones to create White Iris Photography. Where we specialize in weddings and elopements. Every step of this journey has been fueled by passion, purpose, and a desire to serve others with intention and heart. To be able to give my clients something meaningful to look back on and cherish for a lifetime.
Today, I get to spend my days documenting love stories, chasing golden light, and creating art that tells honest, one-of-a-kind stories. It’s been a wild ride full of growth, late-night editing sessions, and beautiful human connections, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road, but honestly, that’s part of what makes this journey so meaningful to me. One of my biggest hurdles has been not having any formal education in photography. Everything I know has been self-taught through trial and error, late nights, and a whole lot of hard work. I’ve leaned on books, YouTube tutorials, online courses, and (bless them) amazing friends who let me practice new techniques on them in those early days.
But learning how to take beautiful photos was just one piece of the puzzle. I also had to figure out how to run a business. How to market myself, build a brand, network in my community, and attract clients who aligned with my vision. That part didn’t come naturally at first, but it pushed me to grow in ways I never expected. I’ve worn all the hats: photographer, website designer, social media manager, secretary, accountant, and cheerleader.
And on top of it all, I’ve had to learn how to juggle this dream while being a mom. Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship is no small feat. Some days, I feel like I’m totally killing it, and others, I’m just trying to keep my head above water. But I’ve learned to give myself grace, to embrace the chaos, and to find beauty in the in-between. My kids are a huge part of my why. Being able to pursue something I love while showing them what it looks like to chase a dream? That means everything to me.
It hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has shaped me. Every mistake has taught me something. And through it all, the late-night editing marathons, the self-doubt, the small wins and big milestones, I’ve grown not just as a photographer, but as a person.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
When I first picked up a camera, I photographed a little bit of everything just exploring, experimenting, and figuring out what truly lit me up. Over time, I discovered that I’m most passionate about three things: boudoir, maternity, and weddings.
These days, boudoir photography has become my heart and soul. While it may look like “spicy” photos on the surface, it’s so much deeper than that. For me, it’s about helping women, and some men, feel empowered, confident, and beautiful in their own skin. As someone who’s struggled with self-acceptance, creating a safe, uplifting space where people can reconnect with themselves is something I hold close to my heart. If you’re curious about that part of my journey, I’ve shared more over on my blog, which can be found on my website.
As a mother, maternity photography has really tugged on my heartstrings. Pregnancy is such a fleeting, magical chapter, and I feel incredibly honored to help expecting parents preserve those quiet, powerful moments. There’s something sacred about capturing the anticipation, strength, and beauty of new life on the horizon.
Weddings never lose their magic. Every love story is unique, and being there to capture the laughter, tears, and once-in-a-lifetime moments feels like stepping into a real-life fairytale. I don’t take that responsibility lightly.
What truly sets me apart is how I show up for my clients. I’m real, transparent, and fully invested in your experience. Whether we’re documenting your wedding day, celebrating your body in a boudoir session, or honoring the beauty of pregnancy, I go the extra mile to make sure you feel seen, celebrated, and supported every step of the way.
My goal isn’t just to deliver beautiful images. It’s to create a meaningful, memorable experience that leaves you feeling empowered and connected long after the photos are delivered.
How do you think about luck?
I was gifted my first camera in December of 2019, just a few months before the world turned upside down. When COVID hit, everything paused. Instead of standing still, I saw an opportunity. I threw myself into learning. I studied nonstop, practiced every day, figured out my camera inside and out, and started exploring photography.
This journey hasn’t been easy. There were late nights, self-doubt, and plenty of moments where I wondered if I was on the right path. But I kept going. I showed up even when I felt like I had nothing left to give. I poured myself into this dream, one step at a time, and I built my business from the ground up.
While I’ll always stand behind the hustle it took to get here, I also know I didn’t do it alone. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have an amazing circle cheering me on, my fiancé, my parents, my friends, and as time passed some very amazing repeat clients. They believed in me during the times I didn’t believe in myself. Their support pushed me to keep going, to work even harder, and to chase this dream with everything I’ve got. For that I was very lucky.
Growing up, my dad would always say, “Life is all about choices.” It became a mantra I still carry with me today. I choose to keep growing. I choose to keep showing up. I choose to look for the good, even in the hard seasons.
This business is a product of grit, passion, and a whole lot of late nights and deep breaths. But it’s also a reflection of the love and encouragement I’ve been lucky to have around me. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and even more excited about what’s still ahead.
Pricing:
- Wedding photography starting at $250/hr
- Boudoir packages starting at $285
- Maternity pricing starting at $350
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.shalynphotographs.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/simplyshalyn__?r=nametag
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplyshalyn/
