soulful

I TELL AUTHENTIC, 
STORIES THROUGH DOCUMENTARY-STYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Hey, I’m Shelby Maniatty Gaudet

I TELL AUTHENTIC, 
STORIES THROUGH

 DOCUMENTARY-STYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

People come to me when they want photos that feel like life—honest, unstaged moments told through candid, emotive storytelling.

I just make it look like art.

The moment the reception floor thundered with wild dancing. The moment a quiet touch said more than words ever could. The moment she felt fully herself—confident, powerful, and at peace in her postpartum-stretched skin.

For me, it’s about capturing the candid moments that reveal who you really are. Because that’s the good stuff. 

The real life. The real you. The real story. A life worth documenting. 

→ I strive to capture life the way it truly feels—honest, raw, and full of meaning.

→ My approach centers on candid, storytelling moments that unfold naturally, without force or pretense
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→ I’m drawn to bold, rich tones that reflect the beauty of the natural world while staying true to the moment.

→ Rather than chasing trends, I focus on creating imagery that’s timeless and emotionally grounded.

→ Nature plays a quiet but powerful role in my work its wildness, softness, and stillness all help shape photos that feel deeply personal and unforgettable.

my photography style

People come to me when they want photos about life–unstaged moments they can relive through candid, emotive storytelling.

My photography journey began with motherhood—a deep desire to hold on to the fleeting moments with my daughter. What started as a personal passion quickly turned into Kairos Images, a business built on connection, emotion, and intention. I fell in love with storytelling—the kind that goes beyond the perfectly posed and taps into something real.

I’m drawn to natural light—the way it shifts, softens, and brings out real emotion. It's my favorite tool for capturing moments as they truly are. But I’m also equipped to create art in any setting, with artificial light in my back pocket when the situation calls for it. Creating in a studio setting is a passion of mine, too—there’s something powerful about shaping light intentionally to craft images that feel both raw and artful. No matter the environment, my goal is always the same: to deliver images that feel real and alive.

Outside of photography, you’ll usually find me with my husband, daughter, and our two dogs—hiking in the mountains, out on the river, or just slowing down together (camera likely in hand then too).

If you're looking for a photographer who’ll hype you up, embrace the unpredictable, and document your story with honesty and heart—I think we’ll get along just fine.

Kairos

A moment of significance. The right, critical, or opportune time.

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i think you should know

→ I can be your professional hype person

Here to make you feel confident, comfortable, and completely yourself in front of the camera. I’ll bring the energy, the encouragement, and just the right amount of sass when you need it most.

→ My family keeps my work real

Motherhood showed me just how fleeting it all is—the beauty, the chaos, the quiet in-betweens. It’s what drew me to storytelling photography in the first place. Every messy, meaningful moment is a reminder to stay present... and to keep capturing what’s real.

→ Adventure or TrAVEL shoot? YES PLEASE!

If it takes a hike, some snow in my boots, or chasing light across a ridge—I’m in. I’m not here for perfect, I’m here for real. Whatever it takes to get the shot, I’ve got you. And if your story takes us on the road or on an epic adventure? Even better!

Capturing the Real. The Raw. 
The Wildly Beautiful Now.

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