Her work mainly centres around themes of youth, nature and beauty. The photographs explore how visual language can be communicated using surface, colour and texture within and of the photograph. The portraits and still-lives of herself and friends represent both her personal and professional relationship and addresses the slippage between public and private while utilising the experiential and emotional energy of the subject.

Shortman’s most recent project, Retail Therapy  focused solely on studio-based portraits and still lifes with close attention to the study of visual culture and how it is seen and understood. Specifically, the ability to experience the content both universally and individually. The body of work considers the close relationship between fashion, contemporary material and its effect on our mental wellbeing.