SIMPLY ME — SIMPLE PORTRAITS, BIG PERSONALITIES...
AND A LOCAL ART SHOW THAT MAKES AN IMPACT
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MEET HENRY
MEET HENRY
Henry has always been the happiest little baby. He’s always eaten like a 30-year-old, slept 12 hours every night, and is the sweetest, smiliest boy with a little old man personality.
At the beginning of October, we were just completely on cloud nine. After years of planning (and already being married), we finally had our big wedding celebration. Just two weeks after we got home, everything changed. We started noticing Henry was incredibly lethargic, super thirsty, and just not acting like himself. He had every single DKA sign possible. In an instant, our world shifted as he headed closer and closer to a diabetic coma, was lifelighted, and was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Henry also suffered a stroke due to his high glucose levels causing swelling on the brain. Leaving him with a lingering eye droop.
From there, we entered the world so many diabetic parents and caregivers know all too well — the big hospital stay, overwhelming emotions, endless information, no sleep, and learning how to care for your child in a whole new way. Today Henry is doing so well. He recently started on an insulin pump, he is healthy, thriving, and still the same joyful little boy we know and love — just growing so fast, somehow sillier, and more full of personality by the day.
This story carries an even deeper meaning for me because I lost my mom when I was 14, and she also lived with Type 1 Diabetes. Becoming a mother without your own mom is already a heartbreak of its own, and watching my son receive the same diagnosis brought a whole new layer of grief, perspective, and purpose. And now this newfound respect for my mom as she dealt with this disease stealthily. It’s a big part of why this show means so much to me, and why preserving the people we love through heirloom artwork feels more important than ever.
BLACK AND WHITE PERSONALITY PORTRAITS
BLACK AND WHITE PERSONALITY PORTRAITS
Simply Me was created to celebrate children for who they are beyond any diagnosis, circumstance, or label. This show is about capturing personality first — the joy, the spark, the softness, the silliness, the strength — and creating portraits that reflect just how special each child truly is.
Join Shelby for her first-ever Simply Me art show this June, with full details coming soon. Walk through a gallery-style showcase featuring children photographed through her boutique portrait experience. This collection highlights simple, timeless black-and-white portraits of children from across Northeast Ohio, all as part of an event designed to give back to the community.
Proceeds from our gallery's ticket sales will be donated to Breakthrough T1D. More than an art show, Simply Me is a reminder that these children are so much more than a diagnosis. They are vibrant, unique, expressive, and deeply worthy of being seen and celebrated exactly as they are.
For Shelby, this show is also a reflection of why photographs matter so much. The people we love deserve to be seen, celebrated, and remembered in a tangible way. Heirloom artwork gives those moments a place to live beyond a screen — something to hold onto, display proudly, and pass down for years to come. When life changes, as it so often does, those pieces become more than photographs. They become part of a legacy.
THE GOALS
THE GOALS
1.) To have the opportunity to showcase local children in our community and show how amazing every kid can be, despite their difference.
2.) To educate how important boutique photography (artwork) is and allow our community to experience it in such a fun way.
3.) To give back! Our show will have ticket sales and we will be donating proceeds to Breakthrough T1D.
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LET'S CHAT
LET'S CHAT
It starts with a quick phone call. Once you discover we are a great fit and you want your kid featured in the gallery, we will go ahead and schedule our in-person consultation. This is where I get to know you better, so we can properly plan our session and get an idea for what artwork we can create that shows your baby's personality best.
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THE SESSION
THE SESSION
Your session is planned completely around your kid's personality! Plus, capture some timeless family portraits, as well. We will have so much fun by letting you and your family just be yourselves. If you're nervous about how the session will go, no worries! With my experience and knowledge, I've gotchya covered. I will make sure everyone looks great and feels comfortable.
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ORDERING APPOINTMENT
ORDERING APPOINTMENT
The BEST part — the image reveal! We carefully go through the best of the best images. I'll hold your hand and walk you through how to choose your favorites and turn them into perfect artwork for your home. We want to make sure you pick something special that you and your family will love for generations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1.) Is there an age limit? No, any child of any age can participate. Including teenagers or newborns.
2.) Does my child have to be diabetic to participate? No, any child of any background can participate.
3.) "I've never experienced boutique photography before?" No worries, I'll hold your hand and show you how much better portraits are when they are properly preserved.
4.) How does this art show give back? Ticket sales from the art gallery will be donated to Breakthrough T1D.
5.) What happens to the artwork displayed in the artshow? They will be offered at a special edition cost to the family or kept as samples in my studio, or possibly gifted to BTT1D.
6.) Are the artworks in the gallery for sale to public? No, absolutely not. If anyone in your family wants artwork, please mention this to Shelby as there is a solution.
7.) What else will happen at the gallery? We will have some vendors that will make the evening very enjoyable.
8.) Are the kids welcome at the gallery? Yes, please bring the children who are in the photos! They will be VIP and have special suprises. They will feel like celebrities for the night and will have so much fun.
9.) "Can we get in the photos?" Yes, a complimentary family session is gifted to anyone who signs up for this portrait experience. But only the child(ren) will be in the gallery.
READY TO GIVE YOUR FAMILY AN EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER?
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