Meet Shelbie Monkres | Photographer

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

Hi Shelbie, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I grew up in what I consider lower-middle class. By that I mean we never wanted for anything, but we didn’t go on family vacation. That left a lot of time for my sister and I to make our own fun and create our own worlds. One day we were pirates with our own newspaper hats, another day teachers with detailed lesson plans of crayon and marker. When I was around 7 I had a sleepover where I made all of my friends dress up like they were at prom and I took their portraits with a disposable camera.

I say all this because honestly, this is all I’ve really ever wanted to do, this photography thing. Even if I ran from it at some points, it keeps coming back to me. If I’m not actively engaged in a project or creative pursuit it builds up to a depression. I just have to get it out.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I’d like to believe that what sets me apart is the simplicity in the way that I shoot and how comfortable my subjects are with me. I enjoy dramatic photographs with intentionality. I also enjoy capturing vulnerable moments with the people I’m creating with. I’m not the most polished photographer. Things are blurry, dark, and sometimes gritty, I’m not a technician by any means, but I’d like to think I have great timing. Im super proud of an artist residency I completed last fall, which was a slight departure from the commercial work that I have been creating. And that’s where I see myself headed next – photography as a way to execute concepts in my head, which I haven’t really done since college.
It was difficult when I first moved to Dallas to express myself. I needed to pay rent and feel safe, and that took precedent over creating for several years in my early twenties. To be honest I just kept telling people I was a photographer, even when I wasn’t taking pictures. That got me jobs at smaller businesses which lead to meeting more people and that just kinda kept going. Word of mouth is a real thing.
Throughout this, I’ve learned that boundaries are really important. The right people will always respect your boundaries, and the wrong people can find a different photographer. I’m not for everyone! Another big lesson is that for others to believe in you, you have to believe in yourself. That usually means taking action before you’re ready and letting that belief catch up. Less talking about the thing and more doing of the thing.
In some ways I feel like this is the beginning of my story. I’m turning 30 this year and I know what I want to say, and I’m excited about that. I’m excited about what’s to come.

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’m a creature of habit, but I live near bishop arts and I’m there often. I would take them to eat at a restaurant on Bishop. Maybe dinner at Lucia or Written by the Seasons. And if it’s Saturday night we could go to Barbra’s Pavillion for a little dive bar karaoke, which is my favorite. We could see a movie at the Texas Theater, and if the weather is nice go for a walk at the Oak Cliff Nature Preserve. Finally we’d have to go to Mike’s Gemini at some point for a hot dog and a game of pool.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The women in my life have always been a source and of inspiration, support, and encouragement. First my Grandma and Mother, who have since passed, who always encouraged me to express my creativity through practice and play. Next my sister who always encourages me to do whatever the hell I want. And finally the friendships and network of outstanding creative women I’ve met while living in Dallas, who always show up for me. They’re truly incredible and I am so grateful to be a part of that community.

Website: Shelbietheartist.com

Instagram: @shelbietheartist

Image Credits
Image of me is by: Jessica Waffles