Bloomington Normal Readers Choice - Top5

I went onto the Pantograph's Reader’s Choice website to see what amazing fellow photographers got selected to move on to the TOP 5 voting round. I had a list in my head of ones I just knew I would see there - trying to figure out how I would vote equally for my favorite Photographer Friends…

Scrolling down to “best photographer”

I literally screamed & dropped my phone.

My 3 year old said “what mom! Is there a spider!” 😅

Tears filled my eyes.

There was no spider.

But there was MY NAME.

There was my name. 🥹

You see I go through many seasons of self doubt, believing in myself is HARD.

But someone… somebody.. nominated me. Someone saw my work as art. Someone saw my growth and determination. Someone saw my uniqueness and authenticity and nominated me.

And for that I am thankful. I am thankful to those who have welcomed me into their home or birthing spaces to document their families. Those who follow me, a stranger out to random locations (I know you learned better than this as a kid 🤪) to capture them with nature. I am thankful. I am thankful for the ones who come back. The ones who share. The ones who value my art and time.

If you feel led to - consider voting for Shelby Springer/ Shelby Springer Birth Doula & Photography Services in Best Photographer and… Best Video Production. 🥹🫶🏼

(https://pantagraph.com/contests/readers-choice-2023/)