Shelbi Bailey Photography

This morning I listened to a sermon on angels which made me think of my grandma and grandpa. 😇

In my religion we believe that angels are real and they walk among us, even if we can’t see them. When I’m having a hard day, that thought is so comforting. Maybe my grandma is trying to hug me in the smell of a cookie or my grandpa might be reaching out through the woodpecker I saw or the fresh coke I thought to grab in a moment of exhaustion (“wanna swig, Shel?” He loved sharing his coke, even with my 2 year old on our visits 🤣)

I was lamenting to Andy how sad I am that my kids wouldn’t have those memories that I have with them. Then I realized that those memories built me into the person I am today. My grandma and grandpa gave so much of themselves teaching me what love could look like, when I embody that my kids get to learn those same principles they taught me of true love and make those same memories that I made. Teaching my kids about birds or the stars will always bring me closer to my grandpa and bring my kids closer to me. When I sew or read with my kids, it’s like my grandma is guiding my hands. (Although she might be a little distraught if she knew just how bad I am at sewing 🤣)

I’m so grateful that angels are one little prayer away. That maybe my memories are sweet enough to build upon and that one day I can be with those sweet souls again.

Please DM me for the date that you’d like. All dates are on a first come first serve basis and require a nonrefundable 25% deposit paid via Venmo or PayPal in order to reserve the date.

I won’t be adding dates after 4pm tomorrow ♥️

I’m so grateful for all of the clients that come back every year and book ahead of time! It means a lot to me. This hobby is what pays for soccer and basketball and homeschool and Christmas. So, you really do bless my family with your support! Thank you!

Happy birthday, Addy!! 1️⃣8️⃣🎉🎂

✨May the 4th be with you!! ✨

✨Happy Holy Monday ✨

I think of Christ cleansing the temple often. Not because I think of him as an angry god, but because it makes me feel better about the fact that sometimes I’m angry 🤣 if Christ is perfect, and even he got angry about a mess in His house, then maybe I’m not the worst mom in the world for yelling when I step on a Lego 🤣🤣🤣

How are you celebrating Easter week?

✨Heaven is a place on Earth ✨

I can’t believe Finley is almost one! And then I can because she’s the tallest baby ever 🤣 my maternity session tonight had me dreaming back to this sweet session with my sister in law last year ♥️

I still have a few dates available in April and May. So, reach out if you want to take advantage of this amazing spring weather ♥️♥️♥️♥️🌸🌸🌸🌸

✨🌸Spring is in the air 🌸✨

There’s something truly magical about capturing love stories—every smile, every glance, every moment tells a chapter. Grateful to freeze these memories in time! 💍

Is your pet looking a little down in the dumps? Maybe they are a little depressed because the neighbor dogs keep passive aggressively peeing in your yard while he looks on from the window and barks helplessly? Maybe your turtle feels like he needs a little affirmation that his shell looks nice and shiny? I’ve got the answer that will make your pet feel like a million bucks!

Exciting news! I’m officially adding luxury pet portrait sessions to my photography lineup. Think feather boas, tiny tuxedos, and dramatic backdrops. I can even do a little bo***ir session if you’re looking to make some puppies in the futures. Whatever your needs, I promise they will leave their session feeling like a million bucks!

Who’s booking first?

“I’m a recovering perfectionist and an aspiring ‘good-enoughist’” -Brené Brown

Even as a family photographer I find myself stressed thinking of booking family photos. “What will we wear?” “Should I cut the boy’s hair?” “Andy will probably be grumpy about getting his photo taken.” Etc.

There are so many hurdles to getting to the photo and I know just enough about photography to really want the perfect picture.

But more important than perfect is to just having the picture. I want my kids to see that I really was there and I loved them.

So, if you’re worried about showing up perfectly… don’t! Only Christ is perfect. The rest of us are just doing our best and that’s more than enough!

*scroll to the end to see the sweetest mothering moment 🥹

Moms, do you ever hold off on family photos because you’re waiting for the ‘perfect’ time?