“you’re so put together… I’m another planet” -amy seeley
I was never really one of the ‘cool’ kids. I may have sat at their lunch table or ended up in a group of them at the game… but it wasn’t me. I stayed to the outskirts… kept quiet… sneak in a side door, quietly watch from the shadows. You can probably count the amount of yearbook pictures or snapshots you could find me in on one hand (I cringed at the thought of a picture being taken of me). Come to think of it… rather similar to the role I play as an adult ;)
So when these Senior girls come for their sessions, I am always so taken aback- these girls are poised… put together… confident. I wonder where was that when I was 17? Right in that moment of pause though, I am proud. Proud that we have a generation of girls that can hold a room’s attention on their own. Proud of the confidence they exude in front of a camera. Proud that I see these tendencies in my own daughter. And proud that as a photographer (all of us), we are solidifying this by capturing their personalities & beauty for them to hold.
Yes. Point proven… beauty in & out…
portland | OR
Stop #3: Detroit. It was a big group and I gotta say, in this case, bigger just meant more smiles on my face. It was a sweet, welcoming, eager, fabulous bunch of photographers. There were a couple of attendees that I had actually talked to online before and I was SO excited to meet them. Laurel had the most perfectly PERFECT locations right out her back door. Such a good day :) Oh- and did I mention that one of my most favorite, best, most talented & crazily creative friends came to style the shoot? Yeah.. I can say it again… it was a GOOD day.
styling: Marjolaine Richards
detroit | MI
sarah wheeler: it was so nice to finally meet you shannon! wonderful pictures, and the styling was fabulous ;) (10.28.2010 10:04pm)
wrecklessgirl: marjolaine styled this one! amazing collab. brava. (10.28.2010 11:58pm)
Lisa Rajt: It was lovely to meet you - and these are breathtaking! (10.29.2010 12:06am)
Thea: They are all stunning-I especially love the last two-total owl incarnate. (10.29.2010 01:11am)
Kelli Taylor: You have such a great eye! It was a great workshop! Thanks for visiting us in the D! :) (10.29.2010 01:49am)
Brittany Stover: I just can't take it anymore!!! Seriously, how could you possibly get any more creative? When are you coming to Oklahoma? We need you here. :) (10.29.2010 03:01am)
Rose: These are so cute, the close-ups are amazing, such vivid and detailed images! The last two are simply stunning. Really eye capture. (10.29.2010 09:09am)
Kara Layfield: The styling is super cool!! I find myself looking at each image over and over. Very creative and it looks like you all had a blast. Those little girls are great models! (10.29.2010 01:41pm)
Lesley: Wow, those lashes are so intense! Love them and your photos!! (10.29.2010 04:06pm)
ronnie: Freakin' way cool :) Love them! (10.30.2010 02:47am)
jean smith: loooooooooooooooove your take on this day! you are a beautiful person, and have a special and unique talent! thanks for spending the day with us :) (10.30.2010 11:32am)
photodude: who? who? I'd like to know who? (11.03.2010 02:55am)
Stop #2 was Philly… I was there less than 24 hours and I can tell you that is way too short! I was able to squeeze in a little night time visit with a few of the girls and then spent a full day with everyone. I know I always say this… but it’s always true ;)… I had the best time, met the most remarkable ladies and felt like the day flew by before my eyes. Jamie (and her ENTIRE family) were the most gracious hosts & found us the cutest models to play with for the afternoon (little surprise… youngest girl was actually in Jodie Foster’s movie The Brave One… totally recognized her!). And, if you’re into tattoos, you have to check out Jamie’s work… beautiful.
Thank you ladies… for making the trip (can’t believe how far some of you came!) & for making my stay a fabulous one. Much love…
philadelphia | PA
marci yochum: Shannon, loved meeting you in Philly. You are such and inspiration and oh so talented. Thanks for sharing your yourself and allowing me to get inside of your head even if for a little while. Can't wait to meet up again! (10.27.2010 11:05am)
Kara Layfield: Beautiful images Shannon!! Love the idea of this session...such fun! Wish I could have been there! (10.27.2010 01:12pm)
Jamie Siever: Shannon, the photos and the workshop are both awesome! Thanks for sharing them and for everything at the workshop. And, thanks for the shout out about my work! Much appreciated! (10.27.2010 07:03pm)
Claire: I agree with Jamie. I had a blast and these pictures are gorgeous! It was so nice to meet and chat with you. Thank you for everything. (10.27.2010 07:28pm)
Ahhh… so I feel like I just came off my first world tour (ok, ok.. coupla state tour)- Minneapolis, Iowa City, NYC, Philly, Detroit… all in two weekends. Now I’m back. Back with 40GB of cards sitting in front of me reminding me of my adventure. It was such an inspiring, exhilarating experience. I was pushed into situations I never shoot in, places I’ve never shot at… all with about 4 hrs of sleep a night. And yes… it was amazing :)
This shoot was my NYC stop. I met up with the most stunning family… we were there to shoot some images of their jewelry line (beautiful pieces!!), for their dental practice, their language program… and portraits too (of course!) I got my first taste of the NYC Ace Hotel- amazing decor (and shooting by a 60Watt light bulb was a fun change of scenery)- a little walk through Central Park… it was a whirl wind day that left me needing several more hours to accomplish all the ideas running through my head ;) So get ready NYC… I will be back. Soon.
new york city | NY
Pat Turner: Shannon, your photo's are amazing! You have such a gift. Any chance of you coming to Chicago to do a workshop? (10.26.2010 10:27pm)
sherry mescher: s t u n n i n g . . . (10.26.2010 10:55pm)
Heloisa: Shannon, you did an incredible job! We love every single minute we spent with you. Thank you and we long to have you come shoot us and friends in Boston Soon! xox Heloisa (10.26.2010 11:47pm)
kelli taylor: THANK YOU so much for coming to Detroit! Your workshop was awesome and inspiring!!! It was a pleasure to have met your creative, talented self! :) (10.27.2010 02:39am)
Marci: Beautiful girls and a bundle of energy. What a fun session. Love the Hotel basement shots with the 60watt...you totally rocked it. (10.27.2010 10:58am)
Kara Layfield: Such beautiful girls! Love the last two. You're amazing! (10.27.2010 01:14pm)
zalaine: Very Gilmore Girls - ish. Loving the car, map and Carl's Jr hula girl! FAbulous inspiration and as usually, you have made my day. Follow the Light, my friend - you most certainly are making magic! (10.27.2010 04:26pm)
Becky: That last image is beyond adorable! LOVE LOVE LOVE!! (10.27.2010 09:53pm)
janice: i want to go with you when you go back to nyc!! you know i mean that!! talk soon! (10.28.2010 04:50am)
Jeannine: I wanna go too :)...I've always dreamed of going. Let me know when you are going next and maybe we can meet up! Beautiful images again of course! (10.28.2010 05:45am)
jennie gaskins: WHAT??? u were in MN??? Oh well next time I suppose!! (10.29.2010 08:18pm)
Tai Lee Grant: I love these! (01.17.2011 05:23am)
This is the story of a music fan. A music fan that likes to look up lyrics & stories behind songs. And definitely notices the pictures. And this one time, while she was doing these things, she came across the photos of a certain artist and instantly she thought “I’m gonna take his picture some day.”
And guess what? After a couple of road trips.. and a few shows.. and a slightly-embarrassing-but-really-pretty-funny (& totally endearing) introduction… it happened :) (ps… it’s a good story if ya ever wanna do coffee)
And, lucky for that girl.. the story didn’t end there.
She got to go on tour with the band. She got to meet all kinds of amazing people and get a badge that said she could stalk legally takes lots ‘n lots of pictures ;)
And this is the result of said story…
(if you don’t already know Mr. Reeves and his amazing music I suggest you stop right here and go get it. Then come back & scroll through with the perfect soundtrack)
minneapolis | MN
iowa city | IA
lroah: Your creativity and talent just blows me away. Everytime. :) (10.23.2010 04:04am)
Stacia Lugo: speechless shannon. what an experience! I knew your next post would be worth the wait. :) (10.23.2010 04:06am)
Ph(oto)D(ude): roadieness. coffee. :) :) (10.23.2010 04:08am)
Jennifer Sparaco: coffee?? ok...I'm buying!!! Just so you know...there are people out there that kind feel the same way about you. One day I will say..."Shannon Sewell..yea...she taught me everything I know!" And people will be in awe...in fact...now that I think about it...a certain few already are! Congrats Shannon...not only are the images stunning...but you are an amazing storyteller as always! (10.23.2010 04:13am)
Jeannine: Love it! Love the colours! Love the uniqueness! Love Love Love! You are so inspirational! Thanks for sharing SS;) (10.23.2010 04:17am)
Kathy Carlisle: "And I cannot tell the way she feels away from me...like a layer to be shed...It is carved in stunning shapes and patterns on my soul...Carried like dreams to places my body could never go." Yes please...I would like to have tea and relive all our storied. I feel like I was on the trip with you. Thank you for sharing you heart...the images paint it beautifully! (10.23.2010 05:36am)
Rose: Love the fifth one so much! You are amazing and the photos are stunning! You captured so well the road-life and the behind the scenes stories. :) Impressive. (10.23.2010 11:26am)
gina: a whole range of delish!!!!! (10.23.2010 03:04pm)
Sarah Lane: Um, wow. Seriously. Wow. Lucky lucky girl with super duper talent. What a blessing to them to have you along for the ride! xox (10.23.2010 05:24pm)
zalaine: I always knew you were a rock star and this set in black and white should leave no doubt. There are two reasons we take photos - documentation and storytelling. You have united the two and with the coolness that only black and white can bring, boom...the fireworks begin. I heart you so Girl! (10.23.2010 05:24pm)
sara montour: love love love them! Especially since some come from my beloved MPLS homeland. <3 (10.23.2010 05:25pm)
Kara Layfield: Such an amazing experience. Beautiful! (10.23.2010 06:12pm)
jules: I think I'd be so excited to do this that I would probably pee my pants! ha! awesome dream and awesome experience! love that you live big! (10.23.2010 07:53pm)
AmyC: OMG! You blow me away! EVERY. TIME. These rock!! (10.23.2010 08:00pm)
Jenni Wise: Hey good for you Shannon! I love his music! That's awesome!!!! (10.24.2010 02:47am)
Sarah: Awesome shots! You never cease to amaze! (10.24.2010 12:21pm)
amy: Bad ass...I bet he is PUMPED!! All I can think about while looking at these is the movie "Almost Famous". Bravo once again! (10.24.2010 05:25pm)
Leigha: wow. awesome Shannon! (10.24.2010 07:48pm)
zalaine: I think a more accurate statement would be a rock star, following a rock star. You tell his Story in the most beautiful way. Rock on, Girl...rock on... (10.25.2010 12:19am)
stephanie mcbride: shannon...i've never seen anything like this shoot. good heavens. you shoot through your head. my goodness. excellence. (10.25.2010 03:41am)
elizabeth pellette: Ohhh Man these are so awesome .. I love each and everyone of them (10.25.2010 01:28pm)
stacy t: you rocked the house!!! (10.25.2010 03:43pm)
jamie: This is seriously amazing! It's not just photography, it's a story. One of the best stories I have seen. You really amaze me. Seriously, in awe. (10.25.2010 09:22pm)
Julie Parker: These are so cool! I really love the one of him on his belly! I wanted to thank you for the workshop! I learned a lot and it was SO great to meet you! (10.26.2010 03:26am)
Jennifer: Spugh-sphah, spu- speachless. Love these!!!!!!! (10.26.2010 04:40am)
Kristi: Awesome!! Your photos are always so amazing :) (10.26.2010 05:06am)
marci yochum: That girl...she's a rock star herself!! (10.27.2010 11:10am)
Jamie Siever: These are amazing. I love them! Fun, soulful, inspiring work, Shannon. Love it! (10.27.2010 04:52pm)
stacy t: you were in NYC??? next time you're in, drinks are on me!!! (11.01.2010 07:53pm)
Kathy Carlisle: She is absolutely radiant. And the shoot is down right awesome. And you know...it is said that everyone that comes into your life is a reflection of you some how. These beautifully, confident, put together girls are an amazing reflection of all that shines in you as well. ps...I got to see another beautiful reflection of you today...your sister:) K (10.31.2010 01:39am)
connie r.: oh, yeah. we are definitely going to need to do a senior shoot. These are so expressive and real. (10.31.2010 03:10am)
Chrissi Richards: Oh Shannon, these are beautiful. So beautiful. She should be so happy with these sweet, happy, images of herself. These would make a father proud, a mother cry. She looks her age. simply lovely. (10.31.2010 08:12am)
AmyC: Stunning!! (10.31.2010 08:24pm)
zalaine: Gorgeous... this generation does have confidence rarely seen in generations before. You see it in their faces. Every senior I have shot has had this same stance. Had a woman running for political office come by during our yard sale and she wanted to talke about issues that mattered to me. She asked me about woman issues, and I told her I had no concerns, We women seem to have our stuff together. Thank you Miss 2010 Senior Girl, you have taught us well... AS always, gorgeous Miss S! (10.31.2010 10:54pm)
Lesley: Wow, these girls are just amazing! Their confidence and their style is awesome, how do they get this way?! ;) Lovely lovely photographs, and luve the studio as well, awesome set up! (11.01.2010 01:50am)
stephanie mcbride: can I just say "amen" to everything Chrissi said :) and just add that the black and whites are my favorite! something about them, i just keep going back :) (11.01.2010 02:57am)
Rose: True, todays teens are something else. They are so free, so deep, one can be mesmerized just by having a small talk with them! It is impressive! These photos you took just give my words more credit! Today teens are amazing! :) (11.01.2010 11:17am)
Sandra A.: O gosh, how I love these pictures! Your creativity has no limits! Beautiful girl and you styling is just perfect! (11.01.2010 03:26pm)
Corey Sewell: These are all gorgeous but I especially love the ones in the grey dress! (11.01.2010 03:58pm)
stacy t: ummmm....seriously - those are breathtaking. i was so not that cool in high school. i want a redo!!!! (11.01.2010 07:50pm)
Tj Aneca: These are gorgeous! You are just an amazing artist. (11.02.2010 04:02pm)
Kara Layfield: Beautiful work Shannon. You just captured her perfectly! She's stunning and has the prettiest eyes ever! She's an amazing model...she must be thrilled! (11.02.2010 05:58pm)
Vickey Weiss: soooo pretty! (11.02.2010 06:44pm)
Darla: I am in love with this shoot. I love everything about it. You are such an inspiration. None of your shoots look like the last and that is not an easy thing to accomplish. (11.03.2010 04:22pm)
jayme franklin: your work is jaw dropping! I hope that I can aspire to capture the souls of people like you do. Also hoping that I can get in on a workshop with you in 2011! (11.05.2010 03:45pm)
Erin Tole: She really is radiant...Love that there's so much variety...Where the heck was this kind of photography when I was 17??? I do believe I'm sitting on a ladder, LOL. Aaaand I still adore your work. But that goes w/o saying ;) (11.09.2010 04:33am)
Janee: I really love all your shoots,you amaze me. And your so right about the girls these days..they seem to have so much more confidence then I ever did,and yet are dealing with more. Keep keepin on girls! (11.12.2010 03:16pm)
Kate Craft: These are amazing! (11.17.2010 09:37pm)