100 Creatives 2013: Shelby Carter, Playboy Model Turned Photographer

What She Does: All her life Shelby Carter was interested in photography and picture taking, but she started out on the other side of the camera as a model. She posed for Playboy.com in 2011 and for the print issue in Playboy South Africa as well as Maxim.

Sigh... yes, we'll wait why you Google her. Back now? Good. Moving on.

During her shoots she became fascinated by the work her photographers were doing. Before long she was helping with shoots, learning the importance of lighting set-ups, editing, retouching, and all the tricks of the trade. One year she picked up the camera herself, and although she plans to return to posing herself this year after a long hiatus it's taking pictures of others that's become her passion.

At just 22 years old she is a managing operator at Muse Studios, which is designed to serve as a hub for the Houston photography scene helping artists to work and find contacts in Houston. Mark Bradley, Robert Gouner, Rachel Tate, Stanford Moore, and Gracie Sosa are all associated with Muse, as well as a network of , retouchers, designers, makeup artists, models, hair stylists, restaurant and bar owners, wardrobe stylists, and creative directors making it a one-stop shop for photoshoots.

Why She Likes It: "Muse Studios, is literally its name. It's a space that allows you to be inspired. A space where you can create. My partners and I are lucky enough to have built a business that involves what we are most passionate about."

What Inspires Her: Like a lot of photographers Carter draws her inspiration from everything around her. She sees everything through a lens, noting colors, textures, and shapes. As little as a song or a facial expression is enough to spark ideas for her, and the walls of her office are covered with images from fashion magazines. When it comes to specific photographers whose work she admires she's a big fan of Ellen Von Unwerth, Peter Lik, and Allen Henson.

If Not This, Then What: Within her role at Muse Carter wears a lot of different hats, so she's used to any number of tasks like wardrobe stylist, makeup artist, and creative director. Outside of the photography and modeling industry she'd like to pursue writing, and hopes to one day publish a book.

If Not Here, Then Where: "I plan on moving to New York City within the near future. New York is the Mecca for the fashion industry in the U.S. There I will be able to grow, and live to my full potential. My dream job would be an editor for Vogue."

What's Next: In August Carter will be headed to her beloved New York to mentor with Allen Henson and improve her skills as a photographer. After that she'll return as a model in the pages of Playboy and Maxim as well as a few beauty campaigns. One way or the other, you're going to be seeing her pictures more in the future, whether she's in them, taking them, or guiding them through her work with Muse.






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