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

Hi Shelby, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking has played a huge role in my life. I would not be where I am now if I hadn’t decided to take the risk of moving to Texas in 2010. August of 2010, I decided to sit down with my best friend’s mom over coffee, where she encouraged me to attend college outside of California and make something of myself. So I researched four different colleges and made the phone call to Clarendon junior college where I got a feeling that was where I was supposed to go. The livestock judging coach offered me a scholarship and I was to be in Texas in one week. It was in that moment that taking the risk to pack up my car to move to Texas to attend a college in a town that I had never even heard of would forever change my life. I learned to trust google maps, but more importantly myself and those weird gut feelings. The choice I made that day to move to Texas forever changed my life and was the best risk I could have ever made for myself. It was in that uncomfortable moment that I learned sometimes you just have to say yes or in other words “fuck it and send it”. By making that choice and taking that risk, I achieved so much in my two years at Clarendon College, 2011, my meat judging team won the national title for meat judging and I will forever have my photo hung up on the judging wall at Clarendon Junior college. As well as finding my love for photography.

The next risk I decided to take was again an unknown path where I decided to attend West Texas A&M to judge horses and receive a degree in Ag Business with a focus in cattle and equine industries, little did I know while attending another college in another unknown town did, I know that my life would forever again. I took the risk my first semester of being the only kid to transfer to WT, I became Block & Bridle President, a part of the WT Ag ambassadors and member of the badass horse judging team. The connections I made in my two years would set me up for success later on down the road. Saying yes to the unknown is all I have ever known in life. I graduated from WT with my degree and was awarded top ten outstanding seniors. Don’t be fooled it wasn’t for my grades, but for my work ethic and saying to Yes, to helping and volunteering where I could.

In 2016, I upgraded my soccer mom camera which was just a simple little Costco rebel to a Canon 5D mark 4 with to lenses to match. I quickly panicked as I watched my bank account go from having quite a bit of money to having nothing but taking that risk of upgrading my equipment to go after a photographer’s dream of one day becoming a professional. That fall I made the decision to reach out to Donald and Kelly Brown of the RA brown ranch and apply for their apprenticeship, little did I know again was my life about to change. Kelly showed me the power that a photo can have on educating people about the agriculture industry and the art of storytelling. It was my time at the RA brown ranch that I knew I wanted to pursue photography more, but again God had other plans.

My apprenticeship was over in October of 2017 and my grandfather was getting sick and I decided to make the decision to move back to Paso Robles California. I moved back home got a corporate job and absolutely hated it so I decided to quit and through one of my contacts that I had made I was unemployed for 30 minutes and I quickly became a barista at spearhead coffee. It was my time at that coffee shop where I was able to work Monday through Friday while second shooting for so many photographers to build my portfolio. I reached out to many influencers in my area and asked to shoot them. Carly Rudd was one of those kind humans, that let me come out and photograph her and Jenna on the beach. That was five years ago, since then I have become a part of her family and told her story.

Fast forward to January 2020 it was the month that I lost my grandfather, and I knew that he wanted me to pursue my dream of becoming a professional full-time photographer. I decided to take another risk and give my two weeks’ notice one week before the whole world shut down in March. Not knowing what the world was going to be my boss is offered me my job back and I continued to work during the pandemic. It was in the moment of October 2020 I decided with the world being so unknown I was going to take the leap and become a full-time photographer. That was one of the best risks I’ve ever made.

Moving from Texas back to California learning to make new contacts and new relationships, if it weren’t for the people like Carly Rudd and Phillip Ralls this year’s 2023 NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman giving me my break back in 2018 I don’t know that I would have the career that I do. So, at the end of the day when someone asks me do you believe in taking risks my answer is yes fuck yes. Opportunities will always present themselves at least once but never twice, so you might as well take a chance.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from other photographers, I build an experience with each of my clients and a lasting relationship. I want leave my clients feeling better than how I found them and excited to look back on those images with excitement and joy. I firmly believe people will always remember how you made them feel, long after the photoshoot. I take pride in being your legacy photographer. Donnell Brown asked me “What type of legacy do you want to leave?” My mind quickly went into questioning him…. What do you mean? Long story short, having the mindset that we can leave something important on the daily, and makes you do your daily life with more intention.

Oh man, Imposter syndrome is a real thing. I would have to say that has been my biggest struggle as a photographer, especially in the world of agriculture. Thoughts come in and haunt me here and there like “You can’t be a western/ranch photographer because you don’t live on a ranch.” My ego has to work thru that one. If I lived on a ranch fulltime, I would not have time to do all the traveling I am now. The beauty about my photographer journey is that I grew on the central coast, on a cattle ranch out by Lopez Lake. I carried the ball bucket (when you castrate a bull to a steer, they collect the nuts to make deep fried rocky mountain oysters to eat), to helping gather cattle and sorting the calves from their moms and so many more branding pen duties. Having those memories that have stuck with me all my life, make my job easier to capture those images that are just memories in my mind for clients to look back on. Or having been married once, my favorite memory from my wedding was, the grandfather, granddaughter first dance I did with my grandpa. Now this was long before social media, but it is something I encourage my brides to think about that will make their wedding day more of a story to look back on. I give my heart and soul to each one of my clients and they keep returning. I get to grow with them, which makes my life and journey pretty special. Reminding myself that each person’s journey is different and unique it is true, you attract your tribe.

How I got to where I am now professionally is I always asked. People always tell you “The worst they can do is say, NO!” I firmly believe in that. I would say a lot of the connections I have made over the years have been from being truly authentic and never expecting anything in return. I never expected that working with Phillip and Call Me Mitch would have lead me to the career I have now, I did it because I loved capturing the bond that those two have. I wanted to tell there story from a different perspective. Most photographers want that amazing action shot, but some forget out the everyday journey that leads to that point. I did a lot of work for free in 2018 & 2019, I will still do some here and there for free if I believe in the cause and they don’t have the funds to pay me or it fills my soul with joy. Gosh, I did an entire two week road trip with the Backroad Cowgirl’s Courtenay & Kiah for free. We travel all over California filming a series they want on Netflix that educates people about agriculture. People in any type of agriculture industry isn’t your traditional white male. I got that opportunity by asking. I thought for sure they had a photographer already set with them. They didn’t and it just so happened I didn’t have anything Monday thru Friday, I traveled with them in their VW bus and captured the stills for the people we interviewed. It was incredible, they are now filming an official pilot season and have a huge sponsor Simplot Ag, helping make their dream a reality.

I want the world to know: I am a California girl that grew up on my family’s cattle ranch, but has the heart of a Texan. I have a love for good coffee from a small shop or on the back of a chuck wagon, I will drink it. You can find me traveling all over with Shamus, my Frenchie sitting shotgun. Together, we chase the light, and capture the authentic moments that have a way of freezing time. Being a destination photographer for the western lifestyle has already brought so many amazing people into my life. And it’s these connections that make what I do so special. From ropings, rodeos, weddings, engagements, maternity shoots, brands/fashion I’m here to help you tell your story and keep the memories alive for years to come. I have the unique gift of being able to tell a story through photographs, and I’m so grateful for the chance to meet people like you and would love the opportunity to turn your memories into something that you can hold in your hand or hang on the wall. If you put your trust in me, I will make sure that you are left with memories that will last a lifetime. Complete with amazing adventures, random, excited dances, and storytelling like no other. Let’s be friends.

Lastly, its going to be hard, there will be moments where you will question everything and even look at your bank account, and ask yourself, is this even worth it. Fuck yes it is. If it were easy everyone would do it. My clients would probably say the unique part of about me is truly truly want everyone to succeed. I want you to have the most beautiful wedding you ever imagined. I want to make a book of your ranch’s branding and take you back to what it smelled like, the weather, that conversation you were having, that cool trick shot you took to rope that calf. I want to freeze, frame time and take you back to that moment. Impostor syndrome will kick your butt, then self doubt will kick in, but at the end of the day you have to make a daily choice that this is the life and legacy you want to leave on the daily.

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.
Welcome to Paso Robles, the place I call home! The town was once known for cattle and almonds, over the years it has developed in wine country. If you are staying for a week, I suggest staying at the historic Paso Robles Inn located downtown or out in Parkfield at the Lodge. Or you could stay out at Cass Winery in the middle of the vineyard in their converted cargo container rooms, so fun and cute. Each morning we would grab coffee from the only roaster in town Spearhead Coffee where you would see some of my artwork on the walls. Followed by brunch (best meal of the day), we would go to Brunch, their egg’s benny is to die for. I would suggest some wine tasting, Iron Oaks Winery for starters, Doug’s tasting room is matched with ranchy wines but a cowboy saloon vibe. Doug sells his locally raised beef out of his tasting room as well. He has some of my metal prints hanging in his tasting room. Followed by Cal Coast Brewery, to try some local beers and cider. The owner’s Rich and Martha always supported me, by hiring me to capture some events for them and hanging my photos up in their tasting rooms. Military owned and supporters, you can’t go wrong.
Dinner, La Cosecha has by far the best espresso crème brulee that’s where I would start with dessert. Fish Gaucho has a unique take on Mexican food and the best cobble iced margaritas. Hemmingway’s steakhouse, where the old Mclintock’s use to be is now the go to steak house. Anything you order you can’t go wrong.
For that evening night cap, you can end up back over at Iron Oak’s winery for an acoustic night and wine. Or a local dive bar Pine Street Saloon, I would say Friday nights are your best option. I don’t get out too often as my weekends are consumed with a wedding or travel to a photo shoot.
Paso Robles has grown so much! There is a hot spot called Tin City, that has a couple restaurants, sheep ice cream, many wineries, a big brewery that has a mini amphitheater and will host concerts during the summer. As well as amazing distilleries. With over 400 wineries, many breweries and distilleries, a few Michelin star restaurants, horseback riding thru the vineyards, incredible wedding venues and luxurious spas. Not to mention the historic Madonna Inn is only 45 minutes south of Paso or head over to the coast to see the ocean 30-to-45-minute drive. It’s no wonder why we have become one of the best kept secrets in California. I do miss Texas, but I love my small big town.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Grandpa Bill McClain Phillip & Teresa Ralls – Trainers of Call Me Mitch
Donnell & Kelli Brown of the RA Brown Ranch
Carly Twissleman Rudd & Jenna Smeenk
Best Ever Pads

2018 was a year full of changes. I worked at the NRCHA Derby assisting at a photo booth where I met Phillip and Teresa Ralls. I had also made a contact with the videographer who had decided that he needed a photographer to come along and take stills while he took videos of Call Me Mitch and Phillip. It was in that moment that Teresa and I made a connection and developed a relationship over the last five years that has helped me build my career into what it is today. They helped me develop my philosophy and storytelling in that its more than pushing a button it’s telling a story between rider, horse and family. They welcomed me into their family, and I have been their photographer and friend ever since.

2018 was also the year I met Carly, she worked with Best Ever Pads, a company located on the central coast just as I was. She helped open doors with them. With that I have documented some of Carly’s biggest moments like becoming engaged to her now husband Levi, and celebrating her pregnancy with her first child.

The team at Best Ever Pads, Gabby, Tammy & Ryan (owners), Sara and Micheala have blessed me with the opportunity to capture their catalog Cover for the past two years, as well as hiring me to photograph their sponsored riders. Working with a company like this has been a dream come true. I cannot wait to add more to my roster.

The RA Brown Ranch, Donnell & Kelli could have their own article. From meeting her at the Snaffle Bit Futurity the last year it was in Reno to reaching out to her December of 2016 to see if she knew of anyone looking for a apprentice, she didn’t hesitate to say yes to me. This adventure took to Florida, hauling bulls by myself and back, which was stressful and exciting. To witnessing one of the largest fires to take over Kansas and being in the middle of it, to them giving me so many opportunities to grow. They are forever a huge piece of my story. I am so grateful.

Lastly, my grandfather. He was my main man and my world, he pushed me to be where I am and where I am on my way to being. As he was a retired Chief in the US Navy, he was hard on me, but knew I could handle it and be an amazing photographer. He is the reason I push so hard to remind people to take the dang photo, I regret never hiring anyone to take our photos. So I try to encourage my brides to include grandparents, parents for that once in a lifetime generational photo that you will never regret having but will regret never taking.

Website: shelbycaitlin.com

Instagram: shelbycaitlinphotography

Facebook: Shelby Caitlin and Shelby Caitlin Photography

Other: Google if possible… Tiktok @shelbycaitlinphotography

Image Credits
I took all of the images. Maternity – Clay & Brooke Avila – San Ardo, California Ish & Lindsey James – San Luis Obispo Brenden & Lizzie Clark – Wedding in Hollister, CA Phillip Ralls and daughter Josie Marie riding Son of a Mitch Phillip Ralls going down the fence on Son of a Mitch Phillip Ralls & kids – Josie & Jackson Phillip Ralls doing a sliding stop on Call Me Mitch Phillip Ralls on Call Me Mitch with Jackson Edgar Machado with son EJ in Kettleman City, CA Cowboy Hands Clayton Fiscalinni – Morro Bay, CA at Molnar Cattle Co. Wedding of Brenden and Lizzie Clark

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