Hi, I’m Sheila, and I’m the photographer behind Castle Color Photography.
If you find me at a session, there’s a pretty good chance I’ll be wearing something comfortable. Between the sand, water, wind, and chasing little ones around, comfort is usually the best choice! Photography sessions involve a lot of moving around, and I want to be right there in the middle of it with you. I’m not afraid to get in the sand, get a little wet, or look completely ridiculous if it gets a genuine smile out of someone.
My love for photography started long before Castle Color Photography. My family owned a portrait studio in Ohio, which is where the name Castle Color Photography comes from. I didn’t grow up working in the studio, but I spent a lot of time visiting and being around it. There was always something going on, and I think that early exposure to photography stayed with me more than I realized. I’m proud to be the third generation of photographers in my family, and I love that the name carries a little bit of that history with it.
As a teenager, I also spent some time modeling, which gave me a completely different perspective on being in front of the camera. I learned about posing, angles, lighting, and how small changes can make a huge difference in a photograph. More importantly, I learned how uncomfortable it can feel to have your picture taken. I know what it’s like to wonder what you are supposed to do with your hands, whether you look awkward, or if you are even doing it right. That experience has stuck with me and is a big part of how I approach my sessions today.
I’m lucky enough to call the Outer Banks of North Carolina home. I’ve lived here since I was six months old, and my family has had a place here since the 1970s. So I may be a little biased, but I really do think it is one of the most beautiful places to live and take photographs. The beaches, the light, the wind, the changing seasons, and all the little things that make the Outer Banks what it is have always been a huge source of inspiration for me.
I photograph families, seniors, maternity sessions, couples, and beach portraits. No matter what kind of session we are doing, my goal is pretty simple. I want you to feel comfortable being yourself.
I don’t think every photograph needs to be perfectly posed. Some of my favorite pictures are the ones that happen in between. The laughing, the kids being silly, the way someone looks at the person they love, or those little expressions and personalities that you know so well. Those are the things I want to capture.
I have always been the person behind the camera in my own family, which also means I am often missing from the pictures. I’m sure I’m not the only one! I know how easy it is to spend your time making sure everyone else is photographed and forget to get in the picture yourself. Those everyday moments are important too, and I love being able to help families have photographs where everyone is actually in them.
I also really love the creative side of photography. If you have an idea, a vision, or something a little different that you would love to try, tell me about it. I love coming up with ideas and figuring out how to make something work. Some of my favorite sessions have been the ones where we get to do something a little outside the ordinary.
When I’m not photographing families around the Outer Banks, I’m usually spending time with my own family, making something, working on some kind of project, exploring somewhere outside, or learning something new. I have a lot of hobbies and have never been very good at sticking with just one. I love photography, sewing, embroidery, watercolor, mosaic making, gardening, cooking, and pretty much anything that gives me an excuse to make something.
I have always loved people and the things that make each person different. I love trying new foods, discovering new places, and learning about other people and their stories. One day, I would love to travel the world and experience different cultures, landscapes, food, and all the memories that come with exploring somewhere completely new.
Photography is more than just a job to me. It is something I genuinely enjoy. I get to meet people, spend time outside, be creative, and preserve little pieces of people’s lives. Whether we are chasing a sunset on the beach, celebrating a milestone, trying to get the kids to cooperate for one more picture, or simply capturing your family exactly as they are right now, I am grateful that you have trusted me with those memories.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of your story. I can’t wait to see what we create together!