{Deep breath.} Yes, really.

I’ve been worried about what it would mean to “give up” the brand. I worked so hard to create “Shelby Lane” that, even though I’m now Shelby Newman, I’ve kept the business name. But it doesn’t fit right anymore. I’ve been on a portrait hiatus for awhile now, and as time has passed, I’ve found that it’s really not such a scary idea after all. And that it’s time to rethink the direction I want the photography part of my life to go.

I’ve always loved helping new photographers reach their goals, so that’s where I feel my focus needs to be for now. And in light of some of the recent trends I’ve seen in portraiture lately (including the dangerous newborn stunts at some portrait sessions) there seems to be a need for education at that very, very basic level. So I’m reaching out to moms with information on how to cherish their own photographs, why they need a professional and what to look for in a photographer, and to newbie photographers about how to get their businesses started the right way.

I’d love for you to join me over at the new Capturing Life blog. Make sure to update your bookmarks! And to all my photographer readers out there: I will be looking for guest posts, so drop me a line on the new blog if you have a great idea for an article. Thanks for all the years of support over here at ShelbyLane.net!