Trudy Jacobson Presents: Shelly Legler, Finding Everyday Beauty With Photography
Shelly spent a lifetime being captured on film as a model. But now she found herself on the other side of the camera as a professional photographer and rediscovered herself
It’s easy to forget details with just about anything when you’ve been doing the same thing for years.
Whether it’s running the same business for years, performing the same workout routine, or simply being married to the same person for so long, you often forget what it takes to keep everything running smoothly.
And that is what happened to Shelly Legler.
She was a model for so long that it became a routine part of her life.
But it wasn’t until she grabbed a professional camera and began learning photography that she felt reborn and discovered a whole new world to explore.
“I’ve been in front of the camera for many years and have always been interested in photography. It’s just been in recent years that I’ve returned to photography and being behind the lens,” Shelly said.
She found passion in photography but learned where her heart lies when choosing what to photograph – nature.
“I see beauty in all different forms. I tend to look through the lens, not so much even through my eyes, but looking through your soul for the beauty in things,” Shelly said.
She continued, “I’m just drawn to nature, to flowers, to things that are blooming or emerging. I know it’s different than shooting people, but that’s what brings me joy is more of the nature.”
“My hope is that my photography provides a sense of beauty, hope, strength, courage, even grace and a healing kind of feeling when you see it on your wall,”she said.
Shelly is further fine-tuning her craft by always keeping an eye out during her everyday life. It is when she least expects it that she finds something beautiful to capture.
“I saw this shattered glass that was held together with duct tape. And I immediately knew that’s just super cool! I’ve got to get a shot of that,” she said.
But it went deeper than that.
“In this particular shot of the shattered glass with duct tape, I was asked what I would name this photo. So, the assumption was that it would be appropriately
named ‘Shattered’ or ‘Broken’,” she said. “But I’ve lived enough life that I’ve experienced disappointments and I understand when you feel broken and held together with duct tape. But I chose to name it Tenacious’ because it takes tenacity and resilience in life. I’d rather look at it as, instead of broken, it’s a strength, you’re still held together,” Shelly said.
Shelly recalls the feelings she experienced when she decided to get into photography professionally and merge with her son’s jewelry business.
Although it was a challenge, she is glad she did it. And if you are thinking about making a big life change, Shelly offers words of wisdom for you.
“I did not hesitate to take a leap of faith. I think once you make a decision, you don’t need to have all the details worked out. You just need to go with it and move forward. Just take one step at a time. Then things will unfold as they are supposed to,” Shelly said.
She continued, “You do have to put in the hard work, but just trust and assume success in yourself.”
To learn more about Shelly and her photography visit ShellyLegler.com and follow her on Instagram @shellylegler
A Message from Trudy
Shelly has found a special place in her life and is doing what makes her happy and successful! Sometimes we get so caught up in pursuing professional success, we forget about personal happiness. But not with Shelly and I’m very proud of her for that.
– Trudy Jacobson
Who is Trudy Jacobson?
Trudy is an entrepreneur and leader. Her path to success and entrepreneurialism started in the trucking industry decades ago. She encountered numerous obstacles in the male-dominated industry- like discrimination. She was even defrauded out of a lot of money by an unscrupulous, opportunistic person. Despite all that, Trudy always fought hard and pushed forward. Once she realized she could do anything, she started her own company and excelled. Now she empowers other women to do the same and to learn from her experience. Trudy now highlights their stories for the world to see in the Great American Women Series. Trudy wants women everywhere to know they can achieve their goals.
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