Featured Vendor: J&S Portrait America
The camera lens can capture many precious memorable moments, weddings, births, and even epic historical events. That’s one reason why many newlyweds have a professional photographer chronicle their milestone moments. These heartfelt life-changing events only happen once. There are no do-overs. So, it’s essential that a knowledgeable and skilled photographer captures the photographs. Sure, reenacting a moment can be staged but having the skill to know how and when to capture the essence of a moment is an art form. It’s the difference between taking a snap-shot and capturing a memory. The first time a groom sees his bride. The first kiss. The moment the couple realizes that they are now really married. Wise couples don’t leave this to chance. They hire a professional photographer.
Seeing a love story unfold in front of the camera lens is expected. What is less common is seeing a love story behind the camera lens. A perfect picture of love can be the only words to describe the husband and wife business team of Stanley and Judith Shelton, owners of J&S Portrait America. This darling duo started photographing weddings in the mid ’80s and later in 1989 decided to turn their passion into a business. Over the years, the Shelton’s have weathered through life’s challenges, but their love for each other and determination to build a strong, lasting business has given them the ability to photograph their client’s special moments.
“I got my first camera when I was ten. My mother said that I asked for a camera and a watch. I don’t remember asking, but they did get me a camera,” says Stanley as he recalls his youth. Although Stanley says he can’t remember if he received the watch, he knows that a camera has been in his hands ever since. He continues, “Years later, I always took my camera to work and took pictures there. Luncheons. Gatherings. I took a lot of pictures.”
Indeed, he did take a lot of pictures. He even managed to record his Army basic training on film because of his passion for photography. It is not surprising that many years later, after having a successful career with DTE and raising a family, he made room to continue to pursue and perfect his skills.
The Early Years
However, Stanley is only half of J&S Portrait America. Judith completes the other half of this partnership. In essence, the story about their business starts with her. She is all about business and is credentialed with a Bachelor’s degree in business and a Master’s degree in Organizational Management. After taking classes to learn more about photography, Judith embraced the trade wholeheartedly even taking on a position at a photography studio at JC Penny to sharpen her skills.
During the interview to prepare for this article, she reminisced and shared memories of the early years. “Stan always wanted to go into business and said photography would be good. I left my job after my third child. Stan was still working at the time. Since I had more time on my hands I said, let’s try this.”
The couple learned about a group of photographers who were part of a photography franchise business and decided to join them. Judith continues, “I started getting business. I started taking pictures going door to door talking to businesses.”
30 Year of Service
With Judith’s tenacity to see the business succeed, coupled with her keen business experience, the company began to grow. Her desire to see their dream of having a successful business became a reality. Their client services ranged from business portraits to school photos, but over the years their wedding photography clientele grew more and more. Today, this couple spends most of their time photographing weddings and special events. Not only have they created a successful business together for nearly 30 years, but they have also built a strong loving marriage that stretches over 43 years. By all accounts, this couple is a master of recognizing the perfect picture of love.
When asked to share one thing that each of their clients would say about their experience working with them, both agreed that they could capture the essence of any events without being disruptive and interfering with the natural flow of the event. They shared that many of their clients comment on how pleased they are with the photographs and the overall experience of working with Stanley and Judith.
The Shelton’s take pride in learning about their clients and their unique needs. They have photograph packages to meet most wedding budgets, and they can also provide customized packages when needed.
What makes a lasting marriage?
So, what does this couple attribute their long-lasting marriage to? Judith response, “Always call on God and keep Him in your life during the marriage. That helps to keep it together”.
With years of sharing their love, while raising a family and following their dreams, this husband and wife business team is truly a portrait of love.
Here are just a few samples of work.
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