Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you are all finding your Black Friday Deals ;) I have a small one of my own… if you sign up for the Portland workshop TODAY you can save $50. Past attendees can get in for $250 :) You can check out all the details right here or just go straight to signing up here.
We just got back from our little SW road trip last week. There really are no words (well, that I can arrange) that can adequately describe the Grand Canyon, Zion and all the places in between and beyond. God’s artwork in all it’s glory. We barely ventured a couple miles off the highway… I can’t wait to go back and dig deeper. Like my words, images don’t do it justice either… but a girl’s gotta try ;)
Accent pieces provided by ZozoBugBaby (flowy-desert-perfect jacket) & Maya’s Curls (my favorite floral headband). Thank you ladies!!! :)
wardrobe: ZozoBugBaby & Maya’s Curls
Grand Canyon | AZ
Zion National Park | UT
& more.
**LOOKING LIKE A PDX WORKSHOP WILL TAKE PLACE ON DEC 16TH. EMAIL (shannon@shannonsewell.com) TO BE PUT ON THE NOTIFICATION LIST. REGISTRATION WILL OPEN SOON!!**
Now on to the good stuff ;)…
So excited to release these images!
A beautiful, soft, perfectly girly, holiday inspired collaboration between ZozoBugBaby, Lillipops Designs and The Measure for Green Child Magazine. I was so happy when I was asked to shoot a feature (& the cover!!!) for a magazine dedicated to the welfare of our lives and our planet. I mean taking pretty pictures is cool enough, but taking pretty pictures for a cause I believe in? Yes please :)
You can see the whole magazine here. (fantastic magazine with great articles on everything- fashion, nutrition, gifts…)
And some more of the shoot :)
wardrobe: ZozoBugBaby, Lillipops Designs & The Measure
publication: Green Child Magazine
portland | OR
stephanie mcbride: right on!!! they definitely picked the right girl for the job. absolutely a perfect shoot in every way. the globe shots. yeah, they pretty much are beyond creative. nicely done miss Sewell. (11.22.2011 03:00am)
Amy C: Oh my goodness!!! There is so much to love about these. I cannot pick just one favorite because I love them all!!!! (11.22.2011 03:54am)
Krysta: Love. Love. Love. Love. aaaaand Love. xo (11.22.2011 04:20am)
zalaine: That tree, the globe, the girls. What a wonderful message wrapped in a beautiful world. Past Lovely, Miss S. On its way to , WOW! (11.22.2011 06:38pm)
Phillipa D: I'm looking forward to reading the magazine, very cool stuff and as usual your shoot was awesome. Loved the outfits. (11.22.2011 09:31pm)
Julie: You are just TOUCHED with the hand of creative genius. You are inspired in every breath you take! (11.23.2011 03:44am)
Jessica: This shoot is beyond amazing. I could spend hours obsessing over all the details. IN LOVE!!! (11.23.2011 03:48am)
Alicia Thurston: I! LOVE! THIS! SO! MUCH! YOU'RE! AWESOME! SHANNON! xo (11.23.2011 03:51am)
Jen S: To channel my inner Rachel Zoe - "BA-NA-NAS!!!!" Gorgeous images Shannon. (11.23.2011 03:58pm)
Roxana: Such beautiful dolls you've got there! :) So pretty and adorable and your photos are always so fresh and full of life, give me a chance to smile and wow at them! (11.23.2011 05:38pm)
Renee Waters: Oh my goodness Shannon, Your creativity is so fantastic! I just think it is fabulous simplicity yet detailed and amazing! When I grow up I want to be like you! :) XO! (11.23.2011 07:14pm)
Bobbie Brown: Wow... these are incredible! (12.02.2011 06:51pm)
Jennifer: omg wow. brilliant (01.23.2012 01:51am)
**IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN A PORTLAND WORKSHOP READ BELOW!! :)
Whew!! Such an amazing last week… I have always sworn by the beauty of the NW but wow! Northern Arizona/Southern Utah… jaw dropping. So inspiring…
I have some fun stuff from the Grand Canyon and Zion to share (once I can get caught up and actually edit! haha) but for now… the reason I got to even head to that part of our beautiful country. Jeanette and I have emailed back and forth for a while so when she suggested I come to Phoenix for a workshop I was all in. I couldn’t wait to get down there to finally meet her and hang out for the day :) We stayed & hung out all day at The Clarendon. Such a cute little boutique hotel and fabulous place to do some shooting. And these models… can I tell you how much I love it when kids come just bursting with spunk and personality? These girls were perfect!! Amazing models, a super fun group of attendees, inspiring scenery… made for about a perfect day :)
I came home feeling totally refreshed and excited about things to come… it got me thinking. I have cleared most of my December (left those Christmas card deadlines behind long ago- LOL) and I have always had inquiries about doing something here in Portland… I would love to find out what kind of interest there is for me to do a small workshop here in Portland maybe on December 16 or 17th? (try and fit it in before kids are home for break!) Having it here at home means I could cut costs (for you and me) and it is perfect timing to squeeze in one last tax write-off! It would also be the first (& probably only) time that I would offer something where I would actually be able to show you the studio that I do most of my work in. Anyway, if you are interested email me at shannon@shannonsewell.com and let me know. I will have to scramble to get it all perfect so quick but I feel like I have all this extra excitement and would love to spend a day in a room of people that I can share it with!
k… back to those cute girls :) Thank you to Jeanette and our two perfect models and to the girls that came… I loved spending the day with you all :)
phoenix | AZ
zalaine: Girls rock. There is Something about the natural ability of a girl to look in the camera. Awesome, my friend! (11.21.2011 10:29pm)
Chandra Ferguson: Shannon I may be interested:) How much would it cost? and what would the day look like:) Thanks so much, Chandra (11.22.2011 05:40am)
Kara Layfield: Love your comps! Gorgeous models and clothes! (11.22.2011 01:40pm)
Phillipa D: beautiful (11.22.2011 09:26pm)
Roxana: Such beauty and delicacy in these photos. Love them, Shannon! The young ladies are adorable, the clothes amazing and you make it look too easily! :) (11.23.2011 05:40pm)
Jovana Zlicaric: Yay for the workshop. Buying my ticket today. I will be traveling from Seattle and taking a vacation day from my regular M-F job. :) (11.23.2011 09:15pm)
Genille: My friend ( the blonde one^^) posted a picture on Facebook of her modeling, and im very interested. (01.23.2012 02:31am)
Eliza F: Wow, the blond girl, Brenna C, is one of my really good friends! (01.23.2012 03:08am)
I’ve been quietly working hard over here. Lots of fun, new & different projects on the horizon. That means nose to the grindstone and not too much to share (yet) so I thought I could at least do a little sneak peek so that my blog followers don’t get bored, lose interest and leave me forgotten ;)
Last year I found some great tissue paper confetti on clearance at Urban Outfitters. I instantly thought that it would need to make an appearance in this year’s Christmas shoot. But (like it happens often) I came across this picture…
and had a ‘dangit’ moment. Basically the exact concept I had (not that confetti in the air is a stretch) ;) So, I took a different direction with the shoot (but still had to use the confetti for a few shots of course) and these made the cut…
The rest of the shoot has a much different feel and will be published early next month (can’t wait to share!!) along with a couple other things I’ve been working on. It has all led me to realize how incredibly grateful I am for where I am in life. I am working on a big enough project that I need collaborators and it has been amazing to see that 90% of the people I call on are my friends (seriously- being completely surrounded by crazy talented people is what inspires me every single day), not to the mention the fact that every one instantly said “yes”… generous, nice AND talented. This is my public ‘thank you’ to all of you that are such incredible influences in my life and my testament of what a difference it makes in life to surround yourself with people that are genuine, kind and inspirational. I could not do what I do without them :)
wardrobe: Ritchie Rags (adorable custom made bloomers & top)
Jeramie Ritchie: You are ... 1. Completely and insanely talented. Seriously...I can look and look at your photographs for the longest time! 2. Sweet as can be. 3. And a write up a fabulous blog! Another killer shoot! LOVE!!! Thank YOU for the inspiration! (11.13.2011 01:04am)
Rachel: YES! Confetti shots are so much fun to produce. Not as much fun to sweep up :) Beautifully handled. (11.13.2011 05:09am)
Shelly Waldman: What a touching thank you to your collaborators and friends. Being the Thanksgiving month, it seems fitting to voice thank you's to those in each of our lives that make us better people, support us when we need it and make our world a brighter, happier place to be. PS - If you ever want or need an extra helper, please give a shout. (11.13.2011 05:32am)
zalaine: the confetti was a genius idea. So untraditional yet, so festive. Can't wait to see what you come up with next. The kids are too cute! (11.14.2011 03:23am)
Nataly Harris: Glad you still went ahead with the confetti despite your "dangit" moment... it paid off, as shown in these stunning images! Lovely as always! (11.14.2011 05:26am)
Amy C: Love it! Your kids are gorgeous!! :) (11.14.2011 03:42pm)
Phillipa: Fun, I love it and I cannot wait to see what you've been up to. Have a great Thanksgiving! (11.15.2011 12:17am)
The Detailed Life: Your daughter's eyes are stunning- both kids quite adorable. So, who did create that first image who inspired you? I love that one too. (11.15.2011 08:51pm)
Heather F: Yes thanks for new images for your blog readers...not that I stalk or anything ~coughs~ LOL I love the images, it came out beautifully, and look at her shorter hair..wow. I gotta know tho, are those shorts she is wearing or a skirt? LOVE IT! (11.16.2011 01:14am)
Heather F: ok duh now I see you posted bloomers and the maker LOL Awesome! (11.16.2011 01:16am)
Elizabeth: love the idea.. and the shots look great. (11.16.2011 10:17pm)
ajira: Love this. Thanks for sharing. (11.17.2011 03:18am)
tabitha: I love LOVE your work. Where is this little girls outfit from?? I'm head over heals in love with those shorts! (11.17.2011 03:39pm)
amy hall: Love it! I was going to use glitter confetti for my christmas fam pic...hope you know I didn't steal it from ya! This looks so cool and I can't wait to see the rest! xo (11.18.2011 05:00am)
KELLI TRONTEL: Eeek! So gorgeous!! (11.21.2011 06:46pm)
Happy Sunday :) This post is a bit different than what I typically share but it is something that I thought would be helpful to some of you (& maybe keep some extra $$ in your pocket) ;)
I regularly receive emails asking me about my gear… what camera do I use, what are my favorite lenses, etc. And while I do feel whole-heartedly that you should spend lots of time & care picking your gear (it’s a big investment and YES- lens choice will effect how your images ‘look’), I don’t think that is what ‘makes’ a photographer take good pictures. What I do believe is that a good photographer can take any camera, figure out how to work it (reading the manual goes a long way) and take an good photograph.
I saw a message on Twitter yesterday that got me thinking and gave me the push to go grab my original Rebel and 50 1.4 out of the closet to play. It was a message saying that my pictures made them want to upgrade their DSLR. If you are reading this, PLEASE don’t feel like I am calling you out!! It is a totally legitimate ‘wish’ but my gut reaction was “NOOoooo… don’t go spend all that money!!” haha And this is why…
This was literally about two minutes outside and less than 10 frames with the gear that I started on 7 years ago (This is the original Rebel. All 6 megapixels of it. My iPhone now beats it out- haha).
Now, granted these aren’t jaw dropping images but I think you would agree that they are sharp, high quality and, other than some hard core experts out there, you would be hard pressed to tell if these are from a Rebel, a 5D or anything in between. I also want to note that I used the 50 1.4. I normally shoot with L glass… had I used one of those lenses I am sure you would find it even harder to notice any difference from my 5D.
So, the moral of the story is that you should use the equipment that you have to its full extent before you need to upgrade (unless money isn’t an issue.. then I say go for it! heck you can even throw a little something in there for me if ya want) ;) Seriously though, upgrades should be a necessity. I know that (obviously) 6 MP won’t blow up nearly as nice for a poster/billboard as 21 MP does… and I do love the extra room and feel that my full frame sensor gives me… being able to shoot low light with less noise… most of these things aren’t necessities for your average portrait photographer though. Decent light, a semi-willing subject and about the lowest end DSLR you can get your hands on is all I needed to make these happen.
So get out there and play… show everyone that it isn’t your camera that makes you amazing… it’s YOU that makes you amazing ;)
xoxo ~S
and the cute little hat clip is by the lovely Maya’s Curls. Use them as barrettes, hat pins, brooches… LOVE how fun, beautiful and versatile her pieces are :)
Kelly: Nice Shannon! And so true. Good glass esp. does make a difference but some of my favourite shots of mine we shot with my 40D and 50 1.4 (that's a sharp lens!) Next dare... do this with a disposable ; ) (11.07.2011 12:58am)
Ellie A.: I have a Nifty Fifty although I have the 1.8 I so do love that lens one day I will upgrade to the 1.4 because I have seen magic w/images w/it. I actually upgraded to a 50D as a early bday gift to myself & its fun to see what I have started to do. I know its not the camera you have but the photographer who makes the picture but it sure is fun to have a new toy! You inspired me to take a trip downtown w/the kids & see what I can capture maybe I'll find a quiet cool spot Ha :) That's what I asked the kids to give me as a Bday gift next weekend hehehe. Sneaky Mama I am! (11.07.2011 01:07am)
Heather F: I love this post and I believe every word of it! I love my 50 and I also have the 1.8 like Ellie mentioned and I shoot with a Sony a550 {gasp} I know I know its NOT a canon LOL I was a big Minolta girl back in high school so I got sucked into Sony and I am saving like crazy for the full frame. Can I just say you have the most beautiful kids...seriously...gorgeous :) (11.07.2011 01:42am)
Paige Anderson: I saved and saved so I could get the best I could afford. I love my Nikon D700. I'll be hard pressed to upgrade anytime soon. Honestly, though, your talent speaks volumes above the equipment you use. You are truly an artist. (11.07.2011 01:42am)
shawna [of styleberryBLOG]: I'm sharing this on my FB fan page & it makes me wish I'd kept my rebel to do the same experiment. I love this idea! :) It's totally not your gear. It helps sometimes...but I love what you said! (11.07.2011 02:04am)
Suzanne: I had a pro photographer say to me recently, "You're shooting with a Rebel?" in utter shock. Having said that, I have since upgraded to a 7D as my Rebel died on me. (11.07.2011 02:10am)
Tara S.: I love this post. You're amazing :) (11.07.2011 02:32am)
Juliet Carey: Your kids are gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!! You ROCK! Love these :) (11.07.2011 02:44am)
Yolanda: Thanks for making me feel not-so-bad about running my business on a Rebel. We all know intellectually that better equipment doesn't make us better artists, but it be easier to look at the shortcomings in our gear than the shortcomings in our skills. (11.07.2011 02:45am)
Kelsey Gerhard: Yay. Awesome... love it! (11.07.2011 02:49am)
janice: Being a non-photographer - I KNOW this is true. I laugh because you and I could be standing right next to each other taking pictures of the same thing, using the same cameras. Your shot would be amazing and mine would suck. I have a point and shoot Canon Elph (that probably horrifies real photogs, but I LOVE it), but even when the husband and I both use his nicer Nikon: he takes great pics and I take really bad ones. I can vouch: it has NOTHING AT ALL to do with the camera. It has to do with the person behind it...and YOU'RE AMAZING, Ms. Sewell. (11.07.2011 03:51am)
Paul: Totally agree Shannon. Several years ago I shot some pictures of a guy in a band, in the studio with exactly the same camera you used here. Admittedly with the 70-200L 2.8 (the original one), without any Photoshop help, no rezzing up at all we output to a 44inch Epson printer at larger than life size. The results were taped to the studio wall for comment, every single person that saw those images was blown away including me! The result.....I became a digital convert that day :) Cheers from Down Under! (11.07.2011 05:46am)
equipment | jenny collier – tulsa photographer - jenny collier photography blog: [...] http://shannonsewell.com/theblankpage/2011/11/07/yeah-im-working-to-make-butter-for-my-piece-of-bun/ equipment | jenny collier – tulsa photographer · November 7, 2011 · 8:34 am · random [...] (11.07.2011 01:34pm)
Kathy Carlisle: WELL SAID:..and DONE;) (11.07.2011 04:25pm)
Laura: Love this. As someone who can NEVER afford new equipment, I try to live by the "its not the camera, its the artist" motto. So I like to think I'm not missing out on something because I'm not shooting with the "best" camera :) Beautiful shots! (11.07.2011 09:34pm)
stephanie mcbride: see. that is what i love most about you. so willing to give a helping hand. love the pointers. made my day. i actually dug out my 50 and dusted it off and had some fun with it. thanks for helping us rethink. you're a gem:) (11.07.2011 10:14pm)
crave photography: Started out with a Canon Rebel too! I feel the same way. It's the person behind the camera that either can or can't make things happen. Study, study, practice, practice!! (11.07.2011 10:28pm)
Pam Burke: Very well said. I still shoot with my Olympus E510 even though I have a Canon 7D and it feels so right. I'm still learning and appreciate your tips! (11.08.2011 12:58am)
christina: WORD. (11.08.2011 08:18pm)
AmyHall: Preach it sister! I re shared on fb coz it's dat good! Makes me wanna bust out my Ricoh manual flim camera asap! (11.10.2011 12:10am)
Mindy: my friend sent me this post because I've been debating about upgrades too. Thanks for reminding us that it's not about the gear, it's about us making it work. I think the middle shot is beautiful! (11.10.2011 03:05pm)
zalaine: You are so right! Took me a long time to really see it an da bit longer to believe it. Thank you for encouraging us... (11.11.2011 03:53am)
elizabeth pellette: well said.. I agree its not so much the gear as what you can do with it..and the way you see the world. (11.16.2011 10:19pm)
Maya C.: May I ask how much was done in post here? Great images and I agree with every word in this well written article, but I also find PS an art of it's own as well. I love my Rebel too, as many of the comments have agreed on and chose the glass before the upgrade on the body :) I am getting her out right now with side kick 50 1.4 !!!! I have seen SO many pro's shoot with Rebels, both old and newer models, and their work is pro! I will be sharing this article with friends who think my 5D is why I take the images I do! I am curious to know your post process and see SOOC. Thanks :) (11.26.2011 05:50pm)
SS: hey maya- trying to email you but it keeps bouncing back :( same processing as everything I do... flourish actions color pop & a defog.. that's all! super simple & fast :) (11.27.2011 12:55am)
angela king: these are uber gorgeous. i have no words. :) (11.25.2011 06:51pm)
Sara from L.A.: dang! you made that hole in the ground look cool! your kids are gorgeOUS! (11.25.2011 07:22pm)
Krista: I love that you take so many pictures of your kids! I think for most photographers as their business' grow, they have less and less time to take pictures of their own kids. Something I hope never happens with my own children. :) (11.25.2011 07:43pm)
josh: These pics make me miss you all even more. Lovely! (11.25.2011 07:48pm)
Julie: Glorious!!!!!!!!!!! (11.26.2011 01:10am)
Tara S.: wow, shannon! these pics are stunning!!!! your kids are quite the gorgeous models :) looks like an awesome trip. happy holidays to you and your family! (11.26.2011 03:41am)
Carin: absolutely beautiful and inspiring!!!!!!!!!! (11.26.2011 07:12am)
Kara Layfield: Just devine!! Your kiddos are so cute! LOVE your styling so much! (11.26.2011 05:49pm)
Jessica: wow!! these may be my new favorites of your kids! your family is so lucky to have all of these photos to treasure for generations to come...beautiful work!! (11.26.2011 08:42pm)
janice: you've outdone yourself. i think it's a combo of the setting, the styling, and the amazingly gorgeous children you have that make these some of my favorites ever. love! (11.27.2011 07:11am)
Laura: These are beautiful. Your kids are so lucky to have all these amazing photos taken throughout their lives! One day I will make the trip to one of your workshops so please keep doing them!! :) (11.27.2011 05:55pm)
Kelli Taylor: You're kids are the coolest! You must have tons and tons of hard drives full of photos of them! (11.27.2011 11:25pm)
Juliet Carey: Chills...just beautiful!!!! I can't wait to see it myself someday...breathtaking scenery and photos of your loves!! (11.28.2011 03:54am)
anita: wow! such amazing photos - everything about them. love. it. i wish i could be so cool. =) (11.28.2011 03:58pm)
zalaine: You have done your magic with God's work. The landscapes are stunning and those two little people, just take it up a notch. FABulous Miss S! (11.28.2011 10:19pm)
Jenny Springer: are you kidding? your kids are so stylish! your daughter is gorgeous and such a great little model! LOVE those photos...xo (11.29.2011 02:35am)
Dina: stunning, every one! I've gotta find one of those floral headbands for my girls! (11.29.2011 09:53pm)
stephanie mcbride: from where i sit ... im pretty sure that your images brilliantly captured and stated the unspeakable beauty of God's creations. landscape as well as human beings! fun see images of our neck of the woods so to speak:) your kids are growing up:( (12.01.2011 11:33am)
Kylie: I stumbled onto your website and WOWEE! Amazing photos - I want to buy your daughters headband (orange colouring) it is just so beautiful ... is it one of yours? (12.01.2011 11:15pm)
Elizabeth: oh my goodness.. these are amazing images... lovely lovely lovely your kids are too stinkin cute and fashionable.. (12.02.2011 03:58pm)
ali wood: Shannon these are beyond gorgeous and what a treasure for your children and the family!!! LOVE!! Hope youre doing well!! (12.03.2011 04:03am)
erin perkins: love. organic. fresh. simply amaze! (12.03.2011 11:32pm)
Jeramie Ritchie: I am so jealous! I have always wanted to get out there! Your images are amazing, as always! The setting and your kids make for the perfect shots! (12.04.2011 05:13pm)
Phillipa: These are just amazing. Your kids are such naturals. Really an inspiring shoot. Love it all! (12.05.2011 01:41am)
Ashley Madsen: Those kids of yours are GORGEOUS!!! (12.06.2011 07:12pm)
Kathy Carlisle: Amazing and yet I find myself with tears in my eyes:( When the hell did they grow!!! I feel so blessed to have your family's brilliance shine on our life. Thanks for getting a migraine that day;) Love, K (12.06.2011 09:12pm)
Gail Zeak: OMG Shannon, these are frickin' awesome! I love every single one of them. Your kids are so gorgeous and are such great models! I think Em has a modeling career ahead of her? Love these! (12.08.2011 11:43am)