After spending over a decade working in the field of social services with emotionally disturbed children, Shelly turned her people focus in a new direction and took up her camera full time where she specializes in people photography—what she calls documentary or lifestyle portraits. She is known especially for her imaging of children. Her concern for people is reflected both in her sense of purpose and the photos she produces. Her images have been seen all over the globe on music CD covers, books, magazines, catalogues, websites, ad campaigns, and even on TV. Her work has also appeared in several local Portland exhibits and gallery shows.