INQUIRE

HOME

ABOUT

PORTFOLIO

OFFERINGS

JOURNAL

The Team

“Today you are you, that is truer than true.
There is no one alive who is youer than you.” – Dr. Suess

Well, hello there! 
I’m Shelby and I would LOVE to meet you, cuz I have no doubt that you’re awesome. 
But, I suppose you’d feel weird meeting a stranger, so let me introduce myself.

Let’s start with the basics. I hail from Akron, but am now a dedicated Cincinnatian. I love Jesus and I know for a fact he loves you. I’m on the fur-baby end of the spectrum at the moment with my pup and cat (sorry mom). I volunteer at a farm with horses, cue childhood dream finally coming true. I have red hair if you need help finding me at coffee shops for meet ups. Lastly, I’m a graphic designer at heart having worked in Singapore, San Francisco with Apple and now at Spicefire blending graphic design with brand and lifestyle photography as my job. I LOVE what I do. And while what I do doesn’t define me, it sure is a blast.

As for photography, Odessa James Photography has evolved since its origin in 2012 when I, Shelby Albertz, began shooting with local photographer Eliot Gomez. I was instantly taken with photographing weddings, oftentimes one of the most memorable days in a person’s life. To be able to capture the relationships, history and stories that are shared in one day is deeply moving and encouraging. But we’ll leave more of that mushy gushy for our coffee date, or hot chocolate in my case. 

It’s a pleasure to meet you in words, but I would love to meet you in person,
so let’s connect!

A BEAUTIFUL ROMANCE AT RITZ PARIS - FRANCE

MOST STYLISH SHOES FOR THE MODERN BRIDE

auras biggest dreams for the year to come

EXPLORE READERS

FAVOURITES

BROWSE THROUGH MY

CATEGORIES

WHY we're the perfect match

WE ARE SOULMATES

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar. The Big Oxmox advised her not to do so, because there were thousands of bad Commas, wild Question Marks and devious Semikoli, but the Little Blind Text didn’t listen. She packed her seven versalia, put her initial into the belt and made herself on the way. 

Elizabeth & colin

"Makes you feel like
you're magazine worthy!"

"Shelby is simply amazing. She knows how to help you relax, guide you into poses and provide you with a finished product that makes you feel like you're fashion-magazine worthy (even if you're like me - just your 'average' bride)! She's incredibly kind, creative and upbeat. I felt like my best friend was taking my photos!

Peyton & joseph

I am so grateful to have these
pictures for the rest of my life.

My experience with Odessa James Photography was amazing!! My fiancé and I felt so comfortable behind the camera which isn’t usually the case and the photos turned out even more amazing then I thought! She did a fabulous job capturing the little moments. I am so grateful to have these pictures for the rest of my life!

TRICIA & ZACK

I can imagine having
every single photo framed.

I really hope I can put into words how incredibly impressed & happy we are with Shelby. She photographed our wedding and I can imagine having every single photo framed and put on our walls. Shelby did an amazing job capturing our wedding day but her work goes way beyond that! She was genuine, fun and just as adventurous as us! I could not recommend her and her work enough.

OSCAR & ODETTE

"felt surrounded the allure
of grace every single second."

Aura captured the wonders of our day. Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the. 

RAMUNE & BEN

The most talented, kind-hearted,
and creative photographer!

She was absolutely amazing at capturing precious moments and interactions as well as scenery and landscape at our destination wedding in Maine. She has a way of making you feel at ease and while helping stage the most wonderful photos! Highly recommend! She's not only excellent at her job but also is one of kindest people you'll ever meet!.

warmest words from

INSTAGRAM

@odessajamesphoto