We recently had the chance to connect with Shelby Finkelstein and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Shelby, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I am most definitely wandering right now but that sense of exploration and curiosity as I stray from my usual path has led me to something new, exciting and the perfect compliment to my photography. For the last four years, right about the time my oldest daughter entered high school, I have felt this strong desire to travel and explore the world. Not just to see it with my eyes but to also capture it with my camera. I want to pass along a legacy of adventure to my children and to soak up every moment I can with them before their life takes on a busier schedule. Planning our vacations has taken on a new excitement as I ponder the possibilities of where we will go and what we will experience. As I allowed myself to dive deeper into this new passion, it lead me to BACH Luxury Travel, a women-led boutique agency crafting bespoke journeys. Now, I get to bring that same artistic vision to the world of curated travel—alongside a team that defines what true luxury really means: thoughtful, timeless, and deeply personal.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Shelby, a photographer, storyteller, and luxury travel curator with a deep love for beauty in all its forms—whether through the lens or across a landscape. For over 16 years, I’ve run Simply Shelby Photography, capturing meaningful family moments with an eye for natural light, emotional depth, and timeless ways to display your family art.
Recently, I expanded my work to include BACH Luxury Travel, a boutique, women-led team curating tailor-made travel experiences. My unique perspective blends visual artistry with thoughtful planning—whether I’m photographing a golden-hour family session or designing a soul-stirring itinerary through Scotland.
What makes my work special is the intention behind it. I don’t just take photos or plan trips—I enjoy creating experiences that feel lived-in, personal, and deeply aligned with each client’s story. Right now, I’m especially excited about helping clients discover nature-rich destinations like Ireland, Iceland, the French Alps, and beyond—places that invite stillness, presence, and wonder.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
This one is simple…Motherhood. Being a mom has completely changed how I see the world. Traveling together and capturing my kids’ milestones has become my favorite way to hold onto time that’s flying by. The days can feel long, but the years have been so short—it all goes way too fast. Motherhood has made me want to soak up every little moment and memory along the way and to create a legacy of travel and adventure and documenting life’s journey. Now that our oldest has left for college, our son is a Senior in high school and our youngest will soon say goodbye to Elementary School, I will forever be thankful of every memory we have shared together on these trips.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
My husband continues to listen to all my wild ideas…whether it’s flying across the world to chase the Northern Lights or, lately, my dream of exploring remote places like Antarctica for my 50th birthday. But more than anything, he listened and supported me when I felt called to pick up a camera and start capturing real people and real moments. I’ll always be grateful for his belief in me, and his endless patience.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
My children, hands down. I feel incredibly fortunate to share the relationship I do with each of them. I admire them deeply for their unique character, the way they see the world, and how they show up in it. They’re the ones who inspire me every day.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing?
Simple…Putting my family first.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.simplyshelbyphoto.com
- Instagram: @simplyshelbyphoto
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelby-finkelstein-47a9241/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplyshelbyphoto/
- Other: https://bachtravels.com
https://www.instagram.com/bachtravels/
