The Firefly experience
Beautiful photographs begin with feeling comfortable enough to be yourself.
Being in front of a camera doesn’t come naturally to everyone. That’s where I come in.
I’ll guide you through the process, find the beautiful light, help with the little details, and give you direction when you need it. You don’t have to know what to do with your hands or how to pose. That’s my job.
Along the way, we’ll laugh, move around, try things, and leave room for the moments nobody could have planned.
My approach blends thoughtful direction with genuine connection, creating photographs that feel polished and beautiful without losing what makes them yours.
The goal isn’t simply to look incredible in your photographs. It’s to feel comfortable, confident, and genuinely enjoy creating them.
What you can expect
More than someone with a camera.
- 01
Guided, never stiff
Posing, hands, angles, where to look — I direct the details so you can stop worrying and simply be there.
- 02
Chasing beautiful light
I plan locations and timing around the most flattering light, from Colorado golden hour to soft window light at home.
- 03
Room for real moments
Between the composed portraits, we laugh, move and play — and that’s often where the favorite photographs happen.
- 04
Organized from hello to gallery
Clear planning, an easy proof gallery and carefully finished images. You always know what comes next.
The process
From the First Hello to Your Final Gallery
Easy, enjoyable and organized — so you always know what comes next.
Families, seniors, maternity, newborns, headshots and other portrait packages.
- 01
Inquiry & planning
You tell me about the session you’re envisioning. We talk through the location, timing, overall look and any special requests, and I’ll recommend beautiful Colorado locations and share preparation and styling guidance.
- 02
The photography session
We meet at the location and I guide you through everything — posing, natural movement, flattering angles and light, and comfortable interactions. We capture both thoughtfully composed portraits and candid moments.
- 03
Your proof gallery
After the session I review every frame and prepare a private online proof gallery with all the usable images, so you can see everything we captured.
- 04
Choosing your favorites
You select your 15 favorite photographs for detailed editing, simply by tapping the heart on the ones you love. You choose the images that matter most to you — I don’t make every final decision for you.
- 05
Detailed editing & delivery
Your 15 favorites receive my full, detailed editing treatment. You also receive the remaining usable proof images as part of your package — a broad collection of memories alongside a carefully refined collection of favorite portraits.
Weddings and elopements follow their own process — the 15-favorites selection doesn’t apply.
- 01
Inquiry & consultation
We talk through your date, venue, guest count and the feel you want your photographs to have, and find the coverage that fits.
- 02
Reserve your date
A retainer holds your date; the balance is due one week before the wedding.
- 03
Engagement session
Full wedding packages include a one-hour engagement session at Mt. Falcon Park — a relaxed way to get comfortable in front of the camera together.
- 04
Planning the day
We map out the timeline, family photo list and the best light for portraits, so the day feels calm and nothing important is missed.
- 05
Your wedding day
Storytelling coverage from beginning to end, with gentle direction for portraits and an eye for every candid moment.
- 06
Your full gallery
Your edited gallery is delivered within six weeks — or in two weeks with the rush delivery add-on.
In their words
“She made me feel so comfortable.”
Shelly was absolutely amazing! She went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed to make our wedding day special. She even scheduled Zoom meetings with us ahead of time to prepare us for the photo shoot, which I found incredibly helpful, especially since I’m not the best at posing! She made us feel comfortable, prepared, and confident throughout the entire process. I would definitely recommend Shelly to any couple looking for a talented, professional, and caring wedding photographer. We’re so glad we chose her to capture such an important day for us!
Shelly did our engagement photos and absolutely knocked it out of the park! She made us feel comfortable from the very first moment, guided us through poses without anything feeling forced, and somehow captured both our personalities and our relationship perfectly. Every photo looks stunning. We couldn’t be happier with the experience and the final results. Shelly is truly exceptional at what she does!
Shelly is amazing! She captured my wedding better than I could have ever imagined! She is so fun to work with and has such a creative way of taking photos! There was never a time where we felt weird taking pictures. Which is amazing because my husband hates getting his picture taken! I will ALWAYS recommend Shelly!
Shelly was absolutely incredible to work with doing my daughter’s senior photos. She gave my daughter direction that helped capture so many beautiful moments. Shelly made it so fun and made my daughter feel so comfortable and beautiful. I look forward to working with Shelly for future photos. Thank you Shelly 🫶
Good to know
Questions, answered.
Anything else on your mind? Just ask — I’m happy to help.
Do I need to know how to pose?
Not at all — that’s my job. I’ll guide you through where to stand, what to do with your hands and how to move, and give you direction whenever you need it.
How many photos will I receive?
Portrait & Lifestyle sessions include 15 favorites that you choose for detailed editing, plus the remaining usable proof images. Wedding and elopement packages list their edited image counts on the pricing page.
How do I choose my 15 favorites?
After your portrait session you’ll receive a private online proof gallery. Just tap the heart on the photographs you love most, and those 15 receive my detailed editing.
Where do sessions take place?
Anywhere around the Greater Denver Metro Area and the Colorado foothills — Denver, Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Golden, Lakewood, Morrison, Evergreen, Boulder and nearby. Parks, foothills, downtown, or your own home. I’m happy to recommend locations with beautiful light for the look you want.
Do you travel?
Yes. Travel fees may apply outside the Denver area, Colorado mountain weddings 50+ miles from Littleton are +$500, and destination weddings are priced based on travel.
How do I reserve my date?
A retainer reserves your date. For portrait sessions the remainder is due on the day of your session; for weddings and elopements the balance is due one week before the wedding.
What should we wear?
I’ll share styling guidance when we plan your session. In general, coordinated (not matching) colors, comfortable clothes you feel great in and a few textures photograph beautifully.
Let’s create something beautiful
Tell me your story.
Share a little about what you’re dreaming of — who’s in the photos, when and where, and the feeling you want to remember. I read every note myself and will be in touch personally.
- ShellyLBowman@gmail.com
- Call or text 720-822-2454
- Denver & Littleton, Colorado · travel available