I think it was the early 80′s when I first heard Madonna. I saw her mixed-dance-attire-sudo-street clothes, black rubber bracelets, rags tying her hair back… it was the Borderline video… and I was hooked. Apparently, as a little girl, I thought that dancing down the street looking like you just rolled out of bed was the thing to attain to. I proceeded to memorize and copy every single dance move & lyric I could behind the security of my closed bedroom door. And I’m pretty sure I was really good. No really. I mean, I still have some of them memorized (not that I would still do it to know of course) ;) For some reason (the painfully shy part of me most likely) I never actually asked to go to a dance class or entered a dance studio more than once in my childhood. Yep, it was kept for me alone (& my poor little sister that I made join in when back-up dancers were necessary). As I grew older I kept my love for dance. Read books & drooled over pictures of Martha Graham, Twyla Tharp, Alvin Ailey… so, of course, when I had my own little girl I assumed (k- kinda hoped & prayed) that she would love dance like I did. As soon as she hit the magic age of 3 we signed up for ballet. All I can say is that seeing that little 3 year old cutie with her buns, leotard & leg warmers was all I ever needed and I was good then & there. And, lucky us, she had the most fabulous teacher- Ms. Candace. So, you can’t imagine how excited I was when Ms. Candace emailed telling me her daughter needed Senior pictures aaaand… yes- she is a dancer. And yes.. she arrived with leg warmers & a tutu in hand. Me? oh-so-happy (mighta done a little dance even) ;)
ryan: what a fun shoot...and intro story too. (09.09.2010 02:28am)
AmyC: Absolutely stunning!!! Love the ALL! (is there a video of said dance? hehe) (09.09.2010 03:21am)
julie brazeau: Very cool the ballet shots! That tutu is something to write home about. Where did it come from? I'm a fan...like always! (09.09.2010 03:25am)
Anna: How do you manage to infuse such a sense of style and whimsy into EVERY session you do? I keep waiting for you to have clients that look just the slightest bit unknowing--simply bc everyone you shoot seems so at ease by you! Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. (09.09.2010 03:39am)
lroah: Me thinks your daughter just got life long dance lessons. :) Awesome. That tutu is AWESOME!!!! (09.09.2010 03:51am)
ajja: as a happy dancer myself i just love the fire hydrant image....yes, yes, yes. that tutu is very special esp with the earphones...she could grace the cover of dance magazine anyday! (09.09.2010 01:42pm)
Kathy Carlisle: Stunning! I love that tutu. I keep trying to find a favorite....just can't do it. I like the reflection of you in the glasses:) (09.09.2010 03:17pm)
zalaine: I am always looking forward to what you are going to do next and now, this masterpiece. The two of you together are way too cha cha. The spunk, the angles, the attitude. You have got it going on Girl! These are over the top. I magine Ms Candace is a very happy mom and Ms Candace Jr is too. FABulous my friend! (09.09.2010 03:38pm)
Susan Dodd: WONDERFUL!! (09.09.2010 03:58pm)
oneshotbeyond: just beautiful! Love the 1st black n white of her in her dance outfit. (09.09.2010 06:28pm)
Kelly: LOVE! Gorgeous shots as always - you can do no wrong Shannon. And that tutu is awesome! (09.09.2010 07:20pm)
Bunn Salarzon: That's THE cutest ballerina outfit ever! (09.09.2010 07:24pm)
ray: simply put...awesome work! (09.09.2010 07:53pm)
janice: love!!! (09.10.2010 05:04am)
paveiphotos: Love it!! Great work! (09.10.2010 01:00pm)
Natalie Clayshulte: Wow! She is an awesome ballerina. I love the last shots where you can see your reflection in the sunglasses. Such a fun session!! (09.10.2010 03:09pm)
Paige Butcher: Love! These dance photos are fantastic. That is one stylish tutu. I'm in love with the one of her sitting at the cafe table :) (09.10.2010 03:33pm)
Corey Sewell: These are awesome! Love the ones in the tutu - so fun! (09.10.2010 04:01pm)
Sarah: These are just beautiful! (09.10.2010 05:47pm)
Rianne: Woow! Beautiful pictures! (09.10.2010 06:51pm)
Deyla Huss Photography: Beautiful Session Shannon! I ADORE her tutu!!! (09.11.2010 05:19am)
jennie gaskins: STUNNING!! I took dance classes when I was young and made it all the way to point!! Wish I had these images to look back on!! NICE work!! (09.11.2010 06:54pm)
stephanie mcbride: we are drooling over this shoot. fantastic in every way. this one we will definitely have to print and put in the "shannon sewell" file cabinet;) saving this for my girl's senior shoot in 3 years. you knock our socks off Shannon in every way :) (09.12.2010 06:38pm)
stephanie mcbride: wait! the fire hydrant picture... thats our favorite!! (09.12.2010 06:40pm)
darcie elliott: LOVE that session! Kiernan, is dear to my heart, I've loved watching her grow up and I can't even believe she is already a senior, and so grown up! You captured her essence, Shannon, beautiful job! (09.13.2010 07:19am)
Miss Candace: Shannon, we cannot thank you enough!! What a glorious way for Kiernan to begin her senior year. She is thrilled beyond words. And, I tear up every time I read the intro. This shoot is sooo HER! You know, It's never too late for dance classes! P.S. I also have white, sapphire and red platter tutus : ) (09.13.2010 05:46pm)
willow: if i thought it would be ok the only word that this comment would have is F. just one after the other all in caps. but i wont so i'll just say stop wit yo bad self! those are awesome!! that tutu is off the hook, i love how its all spikey. that is totally the outfit one would wear out for coffee, right? (09.13.2010 07:13pm)
Sunny: Just so you know...I SUPER fat heart the tutu shots. The hydrant one is canvas art baby! (09.13.2010 10:30pm)
Chrissi Richards: Perfect. just perfect. (09.14.2010 03:51am)
KELLI TRONTELL: Perfect....in every way. I love this! (09.16.2010 02:05am)
heather mann: um. these are fabulous! i totally was a dancer growing up and wish i had pictures like these! oh man. completely fabulous! would it be weird if i did a session like this now? i am 27, have had 3 kids and look like i have had 3 kids. but i still have my point shoes, tutu's, and legwarmers!!! oh, and haven't danced in like 6 years!!! (09.16.2010 02:15pm)
kamonwan: I love the last one she has really nice smile! (09.18.2010 10:02am)
Michele Houston: WOW, these are such cool photos!! Our Daughter has Teacher C for a teacher too. Some day I can't wait for yout to take photos of our girls!! (09.22.2010 10:00pm)
LEticia: Hi ... I have watched your photo style and I LOVE IT!!! I m i I am an inspiring photgrapher, and would like to upgrade my canon 40 d. What type of camera, and lenses are your favorite...what is your GO TO all time favorite lens...?? THanks for your help! I love your work!!!! (10.06.2010 11:47pm)
Breanna: Gorgeous!!!! :D (10.18.2010 06:58pm)
kristin: God, I love these images! The juxtaposition of something that is usually done inside a studio being brought out into the street is fabulous. i love all the sides of personality this young girl brought. Great capture, Shannon. (10.21.2010 01:57pm)
Jess: I am completely amazed by your talent. (10.23.2010 05:50pm)
Trudy: beautiful, Shannon! love seeing you in her sunglasses, too! (: (10.05.2012 05:22am)