One Year of Shutter and Compass: Travel, Photography, and Adventures Around the World

It’s hard to believe that just one year ago, Shutter and Compass was nothing more than two best friends daydreaming about how we could combine our passions for travel, storytelling, and photography. Today, that dream is a thriving travel and lifestyle brand filled with blog posts, podcasts, social media content, and unforgettable adventures.

Shutter and Compass is the result of two photographers—Shelby and Megan—who wanted to share more than just pretty pictures. Megan, with a background as a travel agent, realized that her true calling wasn’t booking trips but living them, documenting them, and inspiring others to follow their wanderlust. With Shelby’s photography expertise and shared love of exploration, the path became clear: create a platform where our imagery, words, and voices could transport people into the heart of travel.

At its core, Shutter and Compass is:

• A travel blog and podcast filled with tips, stories, and insights. Have you subscribed to our YouTube Channel? If not, this is an open invitation!

• A content creation hub for businesses who want to showcase their experiences, services, or destinations with a professional and creative touch.

• A photography brand that thrives on capturing detail, emotion, and adventure.

• A community for travelers—especially women ages 25–55 who are inspired by exploration, luxury travel, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Our Facebook Group is growing to be a wealth of knowledge for newbie travelers and experienced alike.

Whether we’re highlighting a charming winery in Virginia, sailing the Caribbean with Virgin Voyages, or racing through Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, our goal is the same: to bring our imagery and storytelling to the masses and help others discover the beauty and excitement waiting for them.

October 2024

Just one year ago, at the Shutter and Compass Launch Party at The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm! Grateful for Sunshine Ridge and Maria Rafferty who graciously allowed us to celebrate there — and Maria and Sunshine were the first official video published!
Grateful for so many who came out to support and offer services, including Ofe Cox and her team at Love Wedding & Events, and Ester Malinowski, of Castle Drive Flowers. We couldn’t do what we do without support from our amazing small business family!

Local Adventures: The Best of the DMV and Northern Virginia

This past year, we leaned into our own backyard and discovered how much there is to see and do right here in the Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia area.

We’ve highlighted some of the region’s most beloved spots:

• Lark Brewing Co - A relatively new local gem that we LOVE hanging out at! Great for relaxing weekends or weeknights, and family friendly.

• Stone Tower Winery – A gorgeous backdrop for wine lovers, where rustic charm meets rolling hills.

• The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm – A hidden gem on the water with a welcoming community and a perfect sunset view. Maria and her team are fantastic, and we’ll always love our adults only time to just chill with a lake view.

• The People’s House in Washington, D.C. – A unique space blending history, architecture, and a sense of national pride. As it’s only a year old, this was a perfect way to check out some of what DC h as to offer, without the craziness.

• Alexandria Colonial Tours Ghost Tour – An after-dark adventure that revealed the spooky (and fascinating) history of Old Town Alexandria.

• Nationals Game from a rooftop — yes, please!

• We didn’t forget the winter festivities - between the Bull Run Festival of Lights and Hi Lawn’s Northern Lights Dome Experience on Union Market’s rooftop, we had it covered with unique and fun visual outings.

And that’s just to name a few amazing opportunities for local travel we’ve enjoyed. Our local content has reached tens of thousands of views and proved that people are hungry to explore what’s right outside their front door. We also had the immense honor of video hosting the opening for one of our favorite local charities, Boxes of Basics. How incredible is it to have people, friends, and groups acknowledge all that we are doing, even as a brand new business?! Truly, we love being able to support our community, and this was a fantastic opportunity to help shed light on the issue of clothing insecurity.

Besties doing what we do…for our favorite charity.

Blessed to be asked by Sarah Tyndall of Boxes of Basics to open for their Dueling Keys for a Cause event. While we were still quite new to being “public” and on video, we got out of our comfort zones and went for it! It was a blast, and using our skills for charity was an honor.

Learn more about Boxes of Basics, volunteer, or donate here: https://boxesofbasics.org

Thank you to Tammy with Sweetheart Photo Booths - so great finally connecting on this special evening!

International Travel: Cruising the Caribbean

Internationally, we spent time in the Caribbean aboard Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady, sailing to some of the most stunning islands in the world. From San Juan, Puerto Rico to Tortola, Bridgetown, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, and St. Maarten, we captured and shared a “sample size” of each destination. This particular cruise was either our 2nd (Shelby) or 3rd (Megan) cruise with Virgin, and let us say — we are fans. For adult cruising. Otherwise, I think we’d go Disney all the way!

Cruising allows us to experience beaches, local culture, and community life in quick snapshots—whether it’s soaking up the sun, tasting fresh island flavors, or wandering cobblestone streets. And the beauty is, if a place captures our hearts (and many of these islands did), we know we can always go back for a longer stay. Megan will be heading back to Jost van Dyke in February and is excited about the opportunity to bring you images and stories from our favorite island!! Truly, it’s a must-do.

Our podcasts and videos about Virgin Voyages have inspired others to consider cruising as their next vacation. It’s a lifestyle we’ve fallen in love with—relaxing, adventurous, and filled with stories to tell. We are also thrilled to share that we’ve opened up our podcasts to include guest speakers to share guidance and experiences, and you’ll want to keep listening for more!

National Travel: A Day at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe

Closer to home, we traveled to Florida to experience the newest Universal theme park: Epic Universe. Even though we had only one day, we made it count, traveling through each portal and fully immersing ourselves in the magic.

Highlights included:

• Helios Grand Hotel – Elegant and stunning, a luxurious anchor to the park. We highly recommend this amazing hotel if you can swing it. Yes, it’s expensive, and there’s no real way around that. But the ease of getting into and out of the park, plus the captivating views makes it worth it. At least once.

• Ministry of Magic (The Wizarding World of Harry Potter) – A stunningly detailed expansion that transports you straight into the magical heart of Harry Potter’s world. From intricate architecture to immersive storytelling, this new land is a must-see for fans who want to step inside the Ministry itself.

• Isle of Berk (How to Train Your Dragon) – Shelby met Toothless (a true bucket-list moment!) and we all felt like Vikings flying through the skies. From the moment you walk in to see this “Isle”…you are fully immersed. It’s not just magical, it’s transformative. You’ll walk right alongside your favorite HTTYD characters!

• Mario World (Super Nintendo World) – Our teenagers were in heaven, racing through Donkey Kong, meeting Luigi, and dining at Toadstool Café. The only thing we all wish we had more of — time in the park!

• Dark Universe – Creepy, thrilling, and a must-see for fans of Universal’s iconic monsters. Truth be told, we weren’t ‘as’ excited about this Universe. That said - it was VERY well done. Go at night. You’ll thank us.

• Celestial Park – A beautifully designed hub that ties everything together. The food, the atmosphere and the Stardust Racers Coaster are all fantastic! Again, the ONLY thing we needed at Epic was more time.

We were especially impressed with Universal’s attention to dietary needs, making it easy for allergy-conscious families to enjoy their visit. And beyond the rides and restaurants, we treasured the chance to create memories with our children—whether they’re small kids or (like ours) 19-year-old college students who still light up at the magic of theme parks.

Beyond Epic Universe, we also spent two regular park days at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. These days were packed with thrills, from riding the heart-pounding VelociCoaster to soaking in every magical detail of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal always delivers when it comes to immersive worlds and adrenaline-pumping attractions, and it’s a destination we never get tired of returning to.

We also dedicated a full week to Walt Disney World. While Universal is our go-to for big-kid rides and roller coasters, Disney will forever hold a special, nostalgic place in our hearts. We are, and always will be, Disney kids at heart—captivated by the magic, the storytelling, and the joy that fills every corner of the parks. From Cinderella’s Castle to EPCOT evenings, Disney remains a place where our family makes memories that last a lifetime.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Shutter and Compass

While our first year has been filled with growth, exploration, and storytelling, we’re just getting started. Behind the scenes, we’re working on some exciting projects and collaborations that we can’t wait to share with you.

And looking further ahead, we’re thrilled to announce our First Annual Shutter and Compass Group Trip to Sandals Montego Bay, Jamaica in May 2026! We’ll be partnering with our friend and travel expert, Kristen Faye Alfred (@Travel.With.Kristen), to host an unforgettable all-inclusive getaway. If you’ve been inspired by our travels and want to experience the Shutter and Compass community in person, this is your chance. Whether you join us for the full group experience or simply want an excuse to escape to Jamaica, we’d love to see you there.

Thank You for a Wonderful First Year

This journey would not be possible without all of you—our readers, listeners, collaborators, and fellow travelers. Your encouragement and support have helped Shutter and Compass grow from an idea into a brand that inspires, connects, and creates. And, in our first year, we are honored to have even won our very first award! Each year, Inside Nova hosts a competition, and we are beyond grateful to have won The Best of Prince William County - Best Blogger Award. Seriously, y’all. Pinch us!! We love what we do, and we are blessed to share it with an audience who supports and encourages our work.

Here’s to more adventures, more stories, and more memories in the year ahead. ✨

She Goes Anyway: Join Us for the First Annual Shutter & Compass Group Trip to Sandals Montego Bay

We’re doing something BIG — and we want you there with us.

Shutter and Compass is thrilled to announce our First Annual Group Trip — and this one’s for the books. We’re heading to the stunning Sandals Montego Bay in Jamaica, May 2026, for a sun-soaked, soul-filling experience that blends luxury, purpose, and unforgettable connection.

While you’re welcome to extend your stay on either side of the trip, the official group dates are April 30–May 7, 2026— and trust us, you’ll want to be there for every second.

Why Montego Bay? Why Now?

Photography: Kristen Alfred
Travel with Kristen

Because she goes anyway.
Whether she’s juggling a million tasks, feeling overdue for joy, or unsure of what comes next — she chooses the adventure, the escape, the connection. That’s what this trip is about. A chance to say yes to yourself while making a difference in the lives of others.

This trip is more than beautiful beaches and butler service (although, yes, there will be that — it’s Sandals after all). It’s about joining with like-minded women — travel lovers, dreamers, givers, storytellers — to celebrate everything Shutter and Compass stands for.

And we’re not going alone.

We’ve teamed up with the incredible Kristen Faye Alfred of @travel.with.kristen, a Sandals and Beaches travel advisor who knows these resorts inside and out. Kristen invited us to be part of something special — and you’re invited too.

Here’s What Makes This Trip Extra Meaningful

✨ The Jill Stewart 5K

This optional charity 5K is a highlight of Sandals Foundation’s philanthropic calendar. Named in honor of a beloved Sandals Resorts team member who lost her battle with breast cancer, the Jill Stewart 5K brings together Sandals guests, staff, and locals for a walk/run benefiting the Sandals Foundation’s work in health, education, and community development. You can run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines — all in the spirit of giving back.

📚 Reading Road Trip

Another optional excursion with big impact: the Reading Road Trip gives guests a chance to visit local schools and spend meaningful time reading with children in nearby communities. It’s a beautiful way to connect with Jamaica beyond the resort and to share your love of storytelling and learning.

Let’s also add: this part of our trip is something we are both looking SO FORWARD to! In an upcoming Shutter and Compass podcast episode, you’ll hear more, but let’s just say this combines Shelby’s long time desire to do mission work with travel to help those in need. While this is obviously not a “mission” trip, we are very excited to connect with the local community and share love in a meaningful way, while having the option to go back to the resort for our food and comforts we are accustomed to. We promise a funny story goes with this, so be sure to stay connected for more background!!

✏️ School Supplies Drive

Shutter and Compass will be bringing much-needed school supplies for the children of Montego Bay and surrounding areas — and we need your help! Whether you join the trip or support from home, we’re accepting donations of:

• Notebooks

• Crayons, markers & pencils

• Backpacks

• Art supplies

• Flash cards & learning tools

Or you can contribute to our fundraising goal to help us purchase in bulk and transport supplies directly. Stay tuned for our upcoming donation drive — and if you're a teacher, mom, or office supply enthusiast, start setting things aside now!

What’s Included with a Sandals Group Stay?

Sandals resorts are all-inclusive — and we mean ALL inclusive:

✅ Unlimited gourmet dining at multiple restaurants
✅ Premium drinks (yes, even top-shelf cocktails 🍹)
✅ Beautiful beachfront accommodations
✅ Watersports, snorkeling, and SCUBA for certified divers
✅ Entertainment, themed nights & live music
✅ Airport transfers and all tips/taxes
✅ Group perks like room upgrades, spa discounts, and exclusive group activities (based on group size)

And for our Shutter and Compass group? We’ll also have:

🦩 Welcome meet-up & farewell dinner
🦩 Curated excursions and photo ops
🦩 Optional sessions on content creation & travel planning
🦩 And yes… time to just be — in a hammock, by the pool, with your favorite book or podcast (don’t forget your sun hat and packing cubes — you know we’ve got you covered in our blog shop 😉).

Let’s Travel With Purpose — Together

This is our first-ever Shutter and Compass Group Trip — and we couldn’t be more excited to partner with Kristen, celebrate service and sisterhood, and build a travel community that gives back.

Come solo (well, Sandals books rooms for two, so this may be the best time to invite someone along, even your husband!).
Or, bring your sister. Grab your best friend. We’re sure you’re overdue to hang out, are we right?!!

Just don’t wait too long — rooms are limited and this will sell out.

To join us, inquire today through Instagram @travel.with.kristen or drop us a DM at @shutterandcompass.
We’ll make sure you get all the details and pricing options based on your room type and length of stay.

We can’t wait to see you in Jamaica.
Because wherever she goes — she goes anyway.

P.S. Want to support the school supplies drive or sponsor a suitcase of donations? Stay tuned — we’ll be sharing all the details soon, including Amazon wish lists, collection events, and how to help even if you’re not traveling with us this time.