Shelby Rayne Welte (b. 1999) is an experimental based photographer, papermaker, and bookmaker born and raised in the Chicagoland area in Illinois. Shelby moved to Montana to pursue her B.A. in Film & Photography from Montana State University where she found various alternative processes, experimental chromogenic printing, and handmade bookmaking instrumental to her work. Welte’s work while in Montana delved into the ecological disasters that were hidden within the state and is still working to spread accessible information through collaboration with various forms of scientists. Shelby became an instructor at Montana State University after graduating and instructed undergraduate students from 2021-2024, additionally working as the Photography Coordinator during that time, overseeing the use of photographic chemistry, darkrooms, computer labs, and studios.

Welte has received the Congressional Award for Art in the 10th district of Illinois, exhibited in both group and solo shows, and has experience publishing, leading workshops, giving artist lectures to groups of various ages, and binding books for other artists. Shelby’s recent work revolves around her family’s history, delving into archived images that have nearly no context.

She is currently pursuing her MFA in Photography & a certificate in Book Arts through the Center for the Book at the University of Iowa.

Email: shelbyraynestudios@gmail.com

Instagram: @shelbywelte