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'I have a stammer, but photography gave me a voice'

Felicity Baker & Alex Pope
BBC News, Hertfordshire
@shelby.photography__ A kingfisher bird coming out of the water, with something in its mouth. There is a reflection of the bird on the water. @shelby.photography__
@shelby.photography__ Two deers between two trees in a wood. They have their faces close to each other, looking like they are kissing. @shelby.photography__
Shelby said when he managed to "nail a kingfisher shot" it was an "unbeatable feeling"
Shelby said he loved capturing deer in the wild

An aspiring young photographer who has a stammer said taking images of wildlife had given him his "voice".

Shelby, 15, from Hertfordshire, only picked up his camera two years ago and started sharing his journey on social media at the start of the year.

He has already gained about 79,300 followers on TikTok and about 14,000 on Instagram.

He said spending time in nature had helped calm him down and he was doing something he was really proud of.

Shelby Shelby with black hair and a long fringe swept back looking into the camera. He is wearing a grey fleece and cherry blossom is blurred out behind him. He is clutching a DSLR camera.Shelby
"Just spending more time with nature, it calms you down," said Shelby

Speaking about capturing a spectacular image of a kingfisher, he said: "It's well worth it when you get the result you want.

"Photography has really given me my voice. I've never really had something that I was this proud of. Being out in nature has really helped me with my stammer.

"I found it quite hard to socialise with friends because a lot of them wouldn't understand. Even some teachers would be impatient with me and I found that a challenge."

Shelby Shelby, holding a camera on a rock, with a heron in front of him, by water. He is wearing a coat and dark trousers. Shelby
Shelby posts about his photography on Youtube, Instagram and TikTok

He has since left mainstream education and is being home-educated.

"Just spending more time with nature, it calms you down," he said.

"For anyone that has anxiety, I would definitely recommend it, to just take a walk, go for a run, and it will always help.

"The priority in everyone's situation is to put what they love first. You might think the stammer is in the way, but you've got to push it out the way and go for it, and do what you love and what makes you happy."

Shelby Shelby, holding a camera and taking an image of a large tree. You can just see the large tree trunk, leaves on the ground and trees around him. He is wearing dark camouflage clothing. Shelby
Shelby loves taking images early in the morning

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