Douglas "Rawhide" Shelby
Hello!
My name is Doug, aka, 'Rawhide.' I grew up loving photography. From a young age I'd look forward to the rare times my parents would buy a disposable 110 camera for me to shoot. I had to make every shot count, because there were only 24 shots and I never knew when I'd get the chance to shoot more film! As I got into my teens, I had a friend named Matt who ALWAYS had his 35mm Canon AE-1 around his neck. I was always so curious about the advanced technical aspects of that camera, and wanted one so badly. Once, he came back from the first-ever Burning Man festival with some incredible photos, and while I never had the desire to attend Burning Man, I told myself I'd do "real" photography one day. In 2003, a pretty well-known celebrity helped me buy my very first "real" camera (ok, that's a bit of a stretch, but it's still a pretty funny story!), and from there I starting getting opportunities to travel around the world with my camera and get paid...a dream job! I also worked for a couple of years as a studio portrait photographer, and fell in love with taking pictures of people in that type of controlled setting. Individuals, couples, newborns and kids, entire families, even pets...sometimes, LOTS of pets! Learning how to help pose subjects in both traditional and more creative ways, and what the best lighting & backdrops to use for a specific shot was a lot of fun, and I grew quite a bit as a photographer during that time.
(photo credit: Joe Brown of @josephwymanphoto - Instagram)
I Didn't Always Do Photography, Though...
Photography doesn't always pay the bills, and I've held MANY jobs throughout my life. I believe that this has helped me stay extremely grounded as a person, and definitely helped me to connect with people of all walks & try to give each of my customers the very best experience possible, hopefully making their day a little brighter. As a little kid I sold subscriptions to the USA Today newspaper door-to-door. I've worked construction; several years in Alaskan fish canneries; as a cook in an Italian restaurant; slinging pizza in many pizza shops; as a women's shoe salesman; I've managed sporting goods stores and transportation companies; I spent years as a youth pastor and volunteer youth worker; I've driven trolleys, taxis, limousines and large commercial passenger vehicles; worked on an avocado ranch and a boatyard; I've given thousands of wine tours in the wine industry; I've worked in bookstores and been a barista on both coasts; And I've started my own motorcycle touring company...which failed miserably! All of these experiences helped shape who I am today, to appreciate what I have, the opportunities I've been given, and each day I have to do it in... and, ultimately, to just be grateful.
(photo credit: Joe Brown of @josephwymanphoto - Instagram)
Fast Forward to Today...
When I moved to Montana in 2021, I made a personal vow that I would build my own house, then as soon as my house was built, I'd jump into the rest of my life as a full-time self-employed photographer. I had discovered tintype photography in 2018, and knew right away that THIS was the medium I wanted to pursue. I love digital and film photography, don't get me wrong...but TINTYPE was a totally different photographic animal! I was enthralled with the process, the intentionality of it, the necessity to slow down, the richness of the blacks, creaminess of the grays and whites, ALL of it. After my house was built in late 2024, I threw myself passionately into starting my tintype business. When I had the rare opportunity to study under the guru of modern day tintype, John Coffer, I jumped at it. I feel blessed to have spent that time studying tintype photography under him at his farm in upstate New York. (Image on left @ John Coffer's)
Today, I have a brand new mobile studio that I can take anywhere I need to go (It's been to 14 states and two countries so far, and counting!), and I live to capture compelling, one-of-a-kind images on one of the oldest mediums in photography. You might see me set up at music festivals, markets, local events, fairs, breweries or coffee shops, or maybe just out and about capturing images around Montana (or the country). Come say hello, maybe get a portrait taken, I'd love to meet you!
How I got the name, "Rawhide"
This is a question I get regularly. "Why 'Rawhide?'" Well, in 2011, I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail (my first of several big anti-human trafficking endeavors). Hikers who attempt any of the long trails in the country get what's called a 'trail name.' This trail name can stick with them the entire trail, and even their entire life. Sometimes you'll meet other hikers on the trail and never even know their actual name, only their 'trail name.' On the PCT that year, I was dubbed 'Rawhide,' and when I started my tintype photography business it seemed only appropriate that I use an 'old west' name for a business centered around photography that was created during the 'old west' and using those old west techniques! You can call me Doug, 'Rawhide,' or just 'hey you,' I'll answer to them all.
(photo credit: Adam Collins, aka trail name "Grizz." I don't think I've ever called him 'Adam!' We hiked about 700 miles on the PCT together. Brilliant photographer. website: WACPhotography.com)