Shelley
Shelley began exploring photography in high school after her Dad gifted her his Pentax camera from the 70s. She immediately fell in love with black and white film and working in the darkroom. Standing under the red safelights and watching images appear on paper in the developer was like magic each and every time. She took every photography class her high school had to offer (and then continued to take them for no credit). She studied photojournalism at the University of Missouri - Columbia’s Journalism School where she learned the ins-and-outs of storytelling.
Shelley has been a professional photographer ever since college. She relocated to the Bay Area from Chicago in 2017 and loves the sunny skies, warm weather, and living a few steps away from what she considers her own little corner of the Bay in Alameda. She loves exploring this side of the country with her 11 year-old daughter, Eleanor, and chihuahua/terrier mix dog, Logan, and her husband, Tyler.
WHAT IS YOUR AREA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS?
It would probably include some combination of wine, Netflix, snuggling on the couch with my family OR a lazy day at the beach, tiki drinks and friends. The little things are what make me the happiest, though!
IN WHAT HISTORICAL PERIOD WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE LIVED?
I think I would have loved the clothes and music/dance clubs of the disco era...ha!
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BAY AREA HANGOUTS?
People always say Alameda, where I live, is one of the Bay Area's best kept secrets - and it's true! There are so many fun things to do here, whether it's enjoying a sunset walk along the shoreline, tasty food on Park Street, Spirits Alley, or rollerskating in my secret spot I could probably stay on the island full-time if life allowed me to!
WHAT IF I TOLD YOU THAT YOU COULD TRAVEL ANYWHERE RIGHT NOW?
I would go to Spain! I studied abroad for a semester in college and it's been way too long since I've been back. I would love to soak up the culture, food, late nights, language, and the beach for a little while.
Go-tos
Kayaking
I love kayaking in Alameda!
COOKING
Cooking is my hobby! I learned from my dad, who is a chef.
SEA GLASS
Searching for sea glass at a secret spot in Alameda.
MY TWIN
I am an identical twin! Recently we did the polar plunge together on New Year's Day 2022
MY FAMILY
I am an aunt to three beautiful nieces! My daughter's in there, too
MY DOG
My dog, Logan! He got "married" over the pandemic in a Zoom wedding to my niece's cat, Violet. 🤣
