Meet Sheldon Botler of Sheldon Botler Photography in Glendale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheldon Botler.

Sheldon, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I arrived to Los Angeles, I had no job, no permanent home, and I knew two people. Not the strongest start. But I had saved up some money, and had a couch to crash on. So, I was satisfied. Not long after, I had acquired a job as an assistant manager at the Beverly Center Macy’s, and had accrued a host of hobbies. Little did I know, one of them would take flight and send me on a completely new path.

One night, while taking photos at a concert, I was stopped by a patron, who asked me a simple and powerful question. Before I tell you their question, I should provide some pretext. One of my favorite things to do in LA, was to attend concerts, and surprise fellow musicians with free pictures. I didn’t realize, at the time, that I was gaining a new skill set. Nor did I realize that this was a career path. Fast forward… A young man asked me asked me, “do you charge for this.” I chuckled, thinking to myself, no! “I just do this for fun,” I replied. And almost instantly, it occurred to me that I was happy to do this work for free, I was good at it, and without asking for money, people had been offering it to me. At that moment, made the bold decision to slowly stop showing up to my job. (I was miserable there and it felt like a fun rebellion to slowly slink away. I don’t recommend it, but, to each their own.)

For the next year, I began to study photography diligently. I got an internship at Concrete Studios LA, in Downtown Los Angeles under the management of photographer, Elie (LR) Richards, and actor, Dior Allen. Also, that year, I shadowed photographers like, Nogen Beck, David Dentz, and a young man named Stephen Michael. By the middle of 2014, I was a shooting machine, had secured a position as an acting instructor and photographer at Barbizon, inside of Center Studios, and was well on my way to independence.

Now four years into my craft, I make nearly all of my income on photography alone and look forward to many more years of discovery, artistic expression, touring as a vocalist, and teaching others how to create income from their passions.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Like any entrepreneurial venture, there have been many a struggle and many outstanding, often miraculous, blessings. I have faced near homelessness, been so stressed that I bordered depression, and I have endured physical and emotional injuries that would drive a normal person insane.

But none of these challenges have been greater than overcoming myself. Fear, and self-deprecating thoughts are my two worst enemies. People often say that we are our own worst enemy, and it is true. When a tough month comes up, it is easy to want to give up. When criticism arrives in abundance, or failures pour in, in rapid succession, it is easy to feel self-doubt, shame or pity. But, I believe, strongly, that anyone invested in self-mastery, is bound to win. And I, based on how happy I am, the opportunities I receive and that impact I have had on others, am winning and loving every moment of it.

Sheldon Botler Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am the proud owner and head photographer at “Sheldon Botler Photography.” My full team consists of 2 technical assistants, 4 professional hair and makeup artists, and 2 extraordinary additional photographers, Sean Nicholas, and Nogen Beck.

I specialize in coaching and self-discovery and I attribute this to my background in facilitation and teaching. My main line of work is headshot photography, but I function as more of a mentor/psychologist. I spend 90% of my time solving puzzles and helping my clients overcome negative perceptions of themselves. Then, from a place of honesty, vulnerability and fun, we make art. When I take a picture, my aim is to help my subject see, appreciate, and express their true self. Not their projected self. I also shoot weddings, concerts, and artistic portraits for entertainers. Regardless, my aim is the same.

I am grateful to be so trusted and loved by my clients. Honestly, my favorite part of this job, and what I am most proud of is the community I have built around me and the progress I have seen in myself and everyone around me. I will grow old with my clients and we will all raise one another. Someday I hope to look back on these humble beginnings and say, “we did it!” to my dog, wife and children.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success very simply. Success, in my life, means having time for my friends and family, being healthy, and having created enough wealth to invest in myself and others. Oh, and I have to be having fun.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sheldonbotler.com
• Phone: (213) 291-5030
• Email: [email protected]

Image Credit:
Sheldon Botler

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