Hello, my name is Lorraine Shackelford.

I’m a documentary, landscape, and portrait photographer based in Birmingham, Alabama. This fall, I’ve been accepted into a prestigious artist residency called Casa na Ilha, located in Brazil. From November 20 - December20 , I’ll be living on the island, developing new work, and pushing myself as an artist in ways I’ve never experienced before.

This opportunity is more than just a trip. It’s a turning point.

My work has always been rooted in the deep, complicated beauty of the South. I’ve had the privilege of documenting my home…its landscapes, its people, its joy and resilience. But now I feel called to stretch beyond what’s familiar. For the first time, I will be creating work abroad, using photography as a tool for cultural anthropology and cross-cultural storytelling.

Brazil’s rich traditions, vibrant communities, music, food, and powerful histories hold deep resonance for me. I want to honor these stories through my lens by capturing landscapes, architecture, and portraits that reflect identity, memory, and the spirit of place. My goal is to create work that connects people across borders and brings me closer to my long-term dream of gallery representation and a sustainable creative career.

I have my passport. I have my acceptance.

Now I just need help getting there.

The total cost of tuition, flights, supplies, and living expenses for the month comes to $6,000. Any amount you can give would go directly toward making this dream possible. Even sharing this with your network means more than you know.

This is my chance to grow, heal, and take my artistry to the next level. If you’ve ever believed in me or been moved by my work, this is the moment I’m asking you to invest in my future.

Thank you for reading, for sharing, and for helping me build the life I’m dreaming of.

With gratitude,

Lorraine