I got just what I needed this week… I got to hang out with two fabulous ladies for a day. Wendy & Jessica came and visited me here in Portland. I absolutely adore the fact that my job lends me the opportunity to meet people like them that I would never have had the chance to without. They were funny & sweet & the conversation just flowed like old friends all day. Not to mention that we got one of my favorite little models back in the studio (and her kill-me-with-his-adorableness little brother). The Measure outfitted our little angel & Knuckleheads wardrobed our mini pilot. Seriously… good day.
And to make your day… The Measure is giving away the little pants & shirt on our little girl below (size 6). To enter to win just comment below or on my FB page! I’ll pick a winner Tuesday :) **We have a winner!! Congrats to Galina Tarantul… email me your address! :)
portland | OR
I’ve been reflecting a lot on the importance (or lack of) of our daily strive to make more so we can get more.. be popular.. be cool.. keep up with Joneses.. create that business that brings you the ‘right’ clients. But the thing is, I think all of our ultimate plans are to make it to a ripe old age right? And if we are lucky enough to make it to that old age, I guarantee not one of those things will be important. They won’t be what is spoken of at your memorial or what is remembered by your loved ones. It will be about your kindness.. it will be stories told of laughs shared & tears shared.. the love you gave to others.. the type of person you were to the people around you.
My grandpa just passed away and not one person said a word about how far up the corporate ladder he had risen or how many cool things he owned. Every single memory was of the kind of person he was. I watched an entire house of things he had collected over the past 81 years go out the door. I didn’t want any of it. Without him connected to it, it was all just stuff. I wanted the pictures. I wanted the ring that sat on his finger every day. I wanted to see his handwriting on a card. I realized that in my own life that those are the things I should be paying attention to when I have people I love around. Those are the things I should be striving for and collecting every day.
He had a ’65 Mustang that he used to drive to the cemetery every Sunday to visit my Mooie. My first instinct was that I needed it. It would somehow make me feel closer to him. That wasn’t a possibility so I decided second best would be to do a shoot of the kids with it. The funny part is that the whole time I was shooting, the whole time I was thinking about it after I finished, the whole editing process… I just wished I had done a session of him with the car. I hadn’t taken enough pictures of him.
I guess the lesson of the day is I hear people every day struggle with photography- how to make it a business, how to make more money, how to be well known for doing it… please don’t do that to yourself. Each time you capture something special- someone special, you are surpassing anything you could ever want from the ‘business’ end of things. That is what you are going to look back on and give the people that you love. That is your legacy.
My grandpa kept every single picture he was ever given or had taken. It is the best gift he could have left me.
Handsome sucker wasn’t he? One of my favorite stories told when I was down for his memorial was from a lady friend of his in the neighborhood. Apparently he was the catch of the neighborhood and all of the widows would take walks on his street in hopes of catching his eye (caused a bit of a stir amongst them in the process- hehe).
This is the only time I ever got the ‘real’ camera out to have pictures done of he and I. It was when I had just purchased a digital SLR and had NO idea what I was doing (with the camera or PS). This is a lesson learned… as I got better the camera started only being pulled out for ‘business’ and so I have nothing since (*changing that is at the top of the to-do).
And the one last spin with the Mustang…
santa ana | CA
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said,
people will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
-Maya Angelou
Jeannine: Thanks for reminding me of my passion and what I need to do everyday! It is great to see what we value most and that there always is a reason for everything that happens. LOVE the car and the memories that it brought to you and your family! Thanks for sharing. (05.27.2011 06:47am)
Jennifer Sparaco: Shannon I'm so so sorry for your loss. You are completely right and how sad it is that it seems to take walking in your shoes before we really "get" what you are saying here!! I'm going to make an effort to do better myself. Thank you for sharing this with all of your fans. (05.27.2011 07:10am)
lesley: Shannon I'm so sorry to hear about your grandpa, but he sounds like one amazing man! This post is a nice refresher amongst all that 'how to get yourself noticed' posts, I will treasure this one more than any other. Leaving a lasting impression on people cause you made them feel important is way better than having money in my pocket. Thank you! (05.27.2011 09:24am)
Kelsey Gerhard: Yes, yes. Good start to the to do list! Don't just reserve the camera for business - I am going to take that lesson to heart. So sorry for your loss. That one black and white of the two of you, however, is priceless. :) (05.27.2011 12:40pm)
Christina: I'm so sorry for your loss. I miss my grandparents every day :( And I totally "get" what your saying about all the business stuff! It's hard not to get caught up in it all! But my eyes were opened when I photographed a young mom and her daughter for some Christmas photos last year, and then a few months later I saw her face on the news...she was a police officer and had just been killed by a drunk driver while on duty, leaving behind her little girl. Those photos I took of her & her daughter were displayed at her memorial and burial. They didn't make me famous or more popular, really only the family knew I took them, but they've turned out to be my most important work. (05.27.2011 02:42pm)
giedre: I'm really sorry about your grandpa! I love all the old photographs you included in this post, though - despite not ever having met him, his image in those photographs seem to be infused with such charisma that they make me smile. Thank you for sharing! :) (05.27.2011 02:45pm)
Lina: Oh, this is so heartbreaking. Hugs to you.... (05.27.2011 03:38pm)
eliesa: AMEN! Love it, love the shoot, love your word, love you! LOVEe (05.27.2011 04:53pm)
laurel: Shannon, I'm sorry to hear about your loss. This was a beautiful post. Thank you :) . - Laurel (05.27.2011 05:56pm)
Kristin Cook: S~ So sorry for you loss :( Losing grandparents just stinks. Thank you so much for your WONDERFUL words of wisdom. (05.27.2011 06:48pm)
ajja: One of the more important posts I have read all year. Thank you for the stirring and for your great remembering. (05.27.2011 07:23pm)
Heather F: I am sorry for the passing of your grandfather, glad you got some pics of the mustang with the kids but what you said about doing pics with HIM in it really struck a chord with me. I also have my grandfather's wedding band, I wear it everyday, its the little thing we cherish or remember most. Thanks for sharing, he was indeed handsome (05.27.2011 11:38pm)
Paige Anderson: I lost my mom three months after I graduated high school. I keep her pictures in my work room for inspiration. She was bigger than life and people loved her. I hope I can live up to that! I'm sorry about your grandpa, it's obvious he made you feel loved! Pass it on! (05.27.2011 11:42pm)
Renee Waters: Shannon I am so sorry you lost your dear grandpa. This was a beautiful post! It makes me want to get in the car and driver to California and do a session with my almost 81 year old grandpa. I realize I have my camera with me when my parents and inlaws come to visit but we have very few photos of them because I do not make it a priority to do. Thank you for peeling away a vulnerable layer of you for us to see. Keep inspiring as always!!! -- Renee (05.28.2011 01:24am)
Nancy K: I'm so sorry for your family's loss. What a lovely gift from him for you to cherish, and thanks for reminding us all about what's important... REALLY important. P.S. yes, he was a looker... them be good-looking genes in your family! (05.28.2011 01:48am)
vanessa warren: oh, shannon ... so terribly sorry for your loss. what an incredible legacy he left in you. such a moving story ... i loved every piece of it. know that you are living the legacy you want to leave. you really are. your heart is full of love & compassion for others & for what you do. you're amazing. lots of love, precious friend. xoxo (05.28.2011 04:01am)
Laura K. Moore: thank you for this. so much. - :) (05.28.2011 08:08am)
zalaine: Crazy good. lookslike you have senior pictures all taken care of. fabulous photos Miss S! (05.28.2011 08:30am)
Shauna: As I was reading it brought back memories of when my grandfather passed away and all of the bickering over the antiques and furniture and farm equipment. All I wanted was an old plaid shirt he wore till it had holes in it. It smelled like him.. even 10 years later it still does :) Thanks so much for the gentle reminder of what is really important.. so easy to lose site of that in our reach for the top. xo (05.28.2011 09:41am)
Hannie: I am so sorry for your loss. Hope the loving memories will bring a smile to your face very often. He might not be in your lives anymore, but he will always be in your heart. (05.28.2011 05:22pm)
Kelly: Beautiful Shannon. So real and so true. Thank you - I think we all need that remind sometimes : ) (05.28.2011 11:49pm)
Sherry Smyth: what you said...what you felt...what you've decided...it's all touched my heart. Sending thoughts of love and peace to you on the passing of your grandfather and thank you for your wisdom. (05.28.2011 11:49pm)
Cecily R: The shoot is amazing and the sentiments even more so. A million thank yous for putting things into perspective for me (on an day that I overloaded myself yet again on the business side of things). (05.29.2011 12:23am)
Cecily R: P.S. I'm sorry to hear about your grandpa (although since we don't even know each other virtually, that probably sounds hollow). From the sound of it, he will be very missed. (05.29.2011 12:24am)
Leigha Graf: your words and photos bring tears to my eyes...and along with your photography, your truth, honesty and compassion are a gift. (05.29.2011 12:34am)
Jennifer Beitchman: Shannon-I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my Grandmother almost 5 years ago after suffering for 4 years after a major stroke. I miss her everyday. It so hard, but you are doing your grandfather justice here. I'm sure he'd be proud. (05.29.2011 01:24am)
Ginette Sundin: Yes, your images are gorgeous and inspire the socks off me....but this is really why I follow your blog as a photographer. Because when you post about life and what is important, you always seem to nail it on the head to me. Shannon, I am so sorry for you loss, but so thankful that you used it to remind us of what is important in life. This is the most beautiful post you have ever done....and I am blessed. (05.29.2011 04:28am)
KELLI TRONTEL: you got it!!! the very lessons that i grasped on to last year.... i hate that i learned those things when I did, but im thankful for the perspective change- at my age. my life was rocked- as im sure yours is. thank you for your honesty....such a great reminder and testimony to what LIFE is really about. praying for you tonight, my friend. XOXO (05.29.2011 05:32am)
Sunny D: Oh Shannon...I needed this reminder. Thank you. I'm very sorry for your loss. Grandparents are soooo special. (05.29.2011 08:00am)
Caroljean: Shannon, seems like to me the images of the mustang speak how you feel. So sorry for your loss. Thanks for posting this. I agree with Lesley, I need to remember that making those we photograph feel valued and treasured is the most important thing....so needed to hear that! See you soon....blessings, cj (05.29.2011 04:22pm)
Rachel: neat. (05.30.2011 02:32am)
Pascale: Shannon, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember feeing the same way when my grandpa died several years ago. Your post was beautifully written and very touching. I love those pictures. All of them, the old and the new. Thanks for sharing your heart with us. :) (05.30.2011 04:14am)
Jennifer: Speechless! I want the whole world to read this! I'm gonna print it & read it often! Thank you. You're brilliant on so many levels. (05.30.2011 05:27am)
Laura: I love these words. They are so true and yet we forget everyday. Thanks for sharing, the photos are beautiful :) (05.30.2011 05:45am)
janice: What a great post, Shannon. I always tell you you're an amazing photographer, but you're an amazing human! It's so true. I say it all the time. Just cherish every moment. Don't say you "have to take your kids to school"...you "get to take your kids to school." right?!? Thanks for the perspective, Friend. (05.30.2011 05:50am)
Rose: I am so sorry for your loss. I know how important grandparents are in our lives. :) Your grandfather looked like an amazing person and you should be so happy you got to have him in your life. It is true also that memories are the most important things we have after we lose someone we love. The only thing I wanted from my grandmother was this little Virgin Mary medallion. Felt like it could bring her presence back anytime I needed her. Sending you many hugs! Love the photos, such a beautiful homage to him. (05.30.2011 07:11am)
gina: well said ... love and light to you! (05.30.2011 08:35am)
joan: Shannon, I'm so sorry for your loss. I love every word you said and I learn a lesson today. Thank you very much. (05.30.2011 09:36am)
Dana: hugs to you, you beautiful soul. well said, my friend. so sorry to hear your news. (05.30.2011 01:36pm)
Amy C: Shannon I'm so sorry for your loss. You are so right on everything in this post. I am close to my grandparents and my grandfather's health is getting worse (alzheimer's setting in). I grew up being at their house regularly and have many, many memories. They will forever be cherished. Although I have brought home a lamp from their house because it just reminds me of them. :) And the business point is right on. I just want to do this so I get joy from it and my friends and clients get joy from it. I do not want to stress about it. It's supposed to be fun :) I love the story about the ladies wanting to catch his eye and I love that your kids are so willing to model for you! (05.30.2011 02:35pm)
Taylor: That last quote sums up everything for me, you grandfather seemed like an amazing man and if you can put that into perspective everyday I'm sure you'll live the kind of life he would be proud of. Keep up the great work! (05.30.2011 03:01pm)
Kathy Carlisle: Sob...sob...sobbing! Thank you for sharing your heart and this most beautiful lesson. I feel so lucky to have met your grandpa and experience his kindness. I know that you miss him so much, but I also know that you carry such a huge part of him in your heart. You are beauty, kindness, love and everyone's life that you touch becomes a lot brighter! This shoot is amazing and so are you! May your Grandpa rest in piece with your Mooie now:) (05.30.2011 05:01pm)
alli: Shannon , so sorry to hear about your grandpa. beautifully written & pictures to match. I love the one with your daughter "hugging" the steering wheel. thank you for sharing. xo (05.30.2011 05:39pm)
binh petit: I am so sorry to hear of your Grandfather's loss. This post is beautiful...LOVE everything about it (very well said and I couldn't agree more). (05.30.2011 07:32pm)
Dina: hmm, this got me thinking...the answer to 'how DO I want to be remembered?' is how I will live my life and build my legacy today. there is so little peace in the race to do more, buy more, be more. I want my peace to more and more come from the truth of where I'll go when I die and what I stored up in HEAVEN! prayers for you and yours tonight... (06.01.2011 02:48am)
Anna: Shannon, I stumbled upon your blog because of pinterest. I'm so sorry for your loss. You are an inspiring photographer and I really love your images. I have been thinking about and struggling with this very same thing lately. It's so hard to keep up especially when you run a business and a family. Thank you for taking the time to point out what really matters in the grand scheme. (06.01.2011 04:42pm)
Adria: What a beautiful post! Truly heart touching. (06.01.2011 07:26pm)
gina: first and foremost, i am sorry that you've lost your grandpa. i remember how i felt when mine passed not that long ago. believe me, they are still very close by. second, do you ever wonder why it takes someone passing or losing someone special that makes us stop in our tracks and remember what is important. why don't we remember all the time? your post is sad and beautiful at the same time shannon. i love that you have all his pictures. xo gina (06.02.2011 01:58am)
Becky: I'm so sorry for your loss Shannon. What a beautiful shoot, with so much meaning behind it. Hugs. (06.02.2011 03:04am)
Matthew K: Thank you for this wonderful post. I just lost my grandfather and am wishing I had taken the time to do some photos of him. I've only had my camera for about a year but I could have made the time to take some pictures of him while I could. (06.07.2011 10:43am)
kimberly: Shannon, I am so glad that you posted this message. thank you!!! You have reminded me, for as much as I would like to say I am immune, the viral effect of FB and being bombarded with images and success each day that looks like joy and meaningfulness, is actually a mirage of sorts. Being the best person you can be to the people right in front of you is the hardest calling that we have... and gaining the whole world and forfeiting your soul would be a tragic choice for sure. So sorry for your loss, you have gained much wisdom to share :) Keep using your power and influence to move hearts. (06.07.2011 05:35pm)
Stephanie: I love that you shared Maya's quote.. thanks so much for your seed of inspiration<3 (06.08.2011 01:52am)
jen carver: Shannon, this was such an incredibly beautiful post.. Its 12:30 in the morning and I have been sitting in this chair since 9am.. frantically editing and trying to get orders out all day and probably all day for the next two days.. and coming across your blog post.. it really gave me a reality check.. it has been such an incredibly difficult year for my family.. my husband lost his job last july and my daughter got strep throat a year ago and triggered the onset of juvenile arthritis..(bizarre I know..) in the midst of it all I had the pressures of helping my daughter get a diagnosis to relieve her from the pain she was dealing with and working my but off trying to keep my husband from losing his mind about the job loss and not being able to provide for our family.. thankfully my daughter is doing well now.. my husband is still looking .. and as for me I have been so focused on succeeding as a child photographer and growing this business..that I think I lost site also of many of the things you mentioned above.. so thank you for the reality check.. I'm so happy I came to your workshop in Virginia for more reasons then just bettering myself at photography.. so thank you for sharing this personal story with the rest of us..and once again I am so sorry for your loss.. I think now instead of pulling another all nighter..I'm gonna go crawl into bed with my girls and enjoy every moment of it! ... so thank you. (06.10.2011 04:35am)
Samantha Deyette: I'm so sorry for your loss... thank you for being so open and sharing your thoughts! Here I sit at my computer, stressed out about business. Trying to re-vamp pricing, my blog, and feeling down about it all. I decide to take a break and check my google reader (something else I'm feeling "behind" on). This was just what I needed to hear. Away from my computer I go and off to enjoy my little ones. I couldn't agree with you more... thanks for the reminder today! (06.14.2011 09:51pm)
Jessica Oatman: Wonderful writing and the best point of view on life that I have read in awhile. I read your blog alot and I'm so sorry about your grandpa. My brother was killed in Afghanistan 22months ago. It's not his things I wanted but the photos that captured who we was. We were blessed with a photo session with him 10 days before he died... Priceless. Enjoy your photos! (06.22.2011 09:06pm)
jennie gaskins: AMAZING message Shannon!! I have also come to the conclusion I need to take more images of those I LOVE and not just whip out the camera for clients!! GREAT GREAT reminder!! THANK YOU!!! (07.13.2011 09:50pm)
My last stop on my whirlwind two-week tour: San Francisco (I think I forgot to tell the story of how a missed flight in NY turned a one week trip into two… ah- adventure) ;) Good excuse to go out for a drink…
SF, I have to say, turned it on for us… gorgeous weather, perfect company, more amazing designers & models. We got to be tourists for a day… the Wharf, Cliff House & a little shopping on Haight… followed by Jenny and Stephanie hosting a fabulous day in the country. Sara provided her gorgeous kiddos as models (seriously- she’s breeding models over there) ;) Not sure how I turned hanging out with a bunch of fabulous ladies for the day while talking about all the things I love into my job but you aren’t going to hear any complaining over here!
(plus one of my favorite Zozo pieces ever… a tee-pee!!)
and Jocelin won the Eden’s Bouquet give away!!! Stay tuned to my twitter/FB for more :)
wardrobe: Knuckleheads & Zozobugbaby
oakley | CA
wendy vonsosen: These turned out fabulous! That one of her in the hat is divine. It was so much fun spending the day with you and getting a little peek into your creative mind. You are truly inspiring and down-to-earth and generous. Thanks for sharing so much with us, Shannon! (05.14.2011 05:31am)
Stephanie: These are gorgeous! Thanks for spending the day with us:) We loved having you! (05.14.2011 05:34am)
Sara from L.A.: That's it. I'm starting the addition on the back of our house tomorrow! Where in the heck am I going to put all these stunning images? Thank you Shannon. I'm not joking when i say I feel like my birthday came twice this year! xoxo (05.14.2011 08:44am)
zalaine: Sometimes..ok,often, it is about the hair. Crazy good, my friend. (05.14.2011 01:50pm)
Kara Layfield: My dd says, "Those pictures are soooo good". My ds loves the mohawk! Very cool Shannon! (05.14.2011 05:01pm)
Misha: These are great Shannon. I am definitely going to be sending you samples in the near future. Totally inspired! (05.14.2011 06:21pm)
cindy: Love all...but especially the final image...WOW (05.16.2011 03:17am)
Rose: The textures, ah, the textures! :) Your photos never cease to drive me mad about trying my hand at organizing a shooting for kids! :) Love these so much, Shannon. (05.16.2011 06:24am)
Joan: These images are full of sun and life. Great work again, Shanon. (05.16.2011 08:12am)
jennifer sparaco: shannon without a doubt you are truly my favorite photographer. i've never been as inspired by any other photographer. i'd love the opportunity one day to shoot with you again! do you have inspirational mentorships? that's what i want. just to shoot with you from the start of a concept shoot until the end. i've said it before but your shiny mind inspires me! (05.16.2011 05:53pm)
elizabeth pellette: these are awesome.... (05.19.2011 03:17pm)
Lina: That first one is soooo sweet! Gorgeous work!! I’m always blown away by your talent! (05.25.2011 08:16pm)
I’m not much a girly-girl. I mean, you will find me in dresses all the time but not the frilly kind. I’m more the bohemian-maxi-dress-with-flip-flops and a cardigan type girl. I’m definitely more farmer’s market than four star restaurant. Matter of fact, I didn’t even wear heels at my wedding… or shoes for that matter. yep- I was barefoot under that long dress ;)
All that being said- there is something about putting a little girl in beautiful, fancy dresses that makes me smile. Maybe it’s the light in their eyes as they play ‘princess’, maybe it’s the way they go to their toes when they run in all the fluff or maybe it’s just how dressing up makes any girl (big or small) feel special in that moment. When I’m craving that feel I think Eden’s Bouquet. They take that inner little princess and deck her out in the most fabulous beauty you can imagine. When I found out one of my workshops was going to be held at a winery in the hills of Santa Cruz and that we had three adorable little girls as models and that we would have Coastside Couture styling our day (thank you Heidi!!)… I was beyond excited to get Eden’s Bouquet to wardrobe them all. Michelle and Heidi planned an amazing day with some of the most talented & fun ladies I’ve had the pleasure of hanging out with. The weather, the location… I felt like I was at a retreat all day. And the bonus? I got to photograph these little darlings…
wardrobe: Eden’s Bouquet
styling: Coastside Couture
location: Beauregard Vineyards
santa cruz | CA
sonya: wow. these are gorgeous. the girls are gorgeous! (05.11.2011 11:47pm)
Scarlette: BEAUTIFUL. Some of us are very much girlie girls and LOVE when you rock it all pretty. ;) (05.11.2011 11:50pm)
Kristin Cook: aaaagghhhhhh!!!!!!! These are to die for!!!! I need to jump inside your brain for a day....so creative! (05.12.2011 12:03am)
Kathy Carlisle: I want HER...You know the one:) I am going to shrink her and put her into my pocket where I can carry her beauty around with me all day:) These are breathtaking and I want to cry for the parents out of sheer joy. These will be treasured for generations...they must!!! I almost want to blow the one of miss thang with her hands on her chin and showcase her beauty in my house...now I'm just sounding weird, huh:) lol You images always move me, but the beauty in this shoot in inspiring. K (05.12.2011 12:10am)
October: OMGOSH...that top little girl has the most amazing eyes!!!! Her daddy needs to keep a shotgun close as she grows up! SO beautiful...all 3 of them! (05.12.2011 01:05am)
Kelsey Gerhard: Wow! What beauties... turquoise-ish eyes? To die for. Lovely, lovely shots. And beautiful long dresses, indeed. (05.12.2011 01:15am)
Tara S.: wow, shannon! your pictures always blow me away, but i think these might be my favorite!! totally gorgeous. the beautiful girls, the styling, the trees, the light. perfection. you are so good at what you do. i am dying with anticipation for you to take our pictures :) (05.12.2011 03:15am)
jocelyn: hey lady, wow these are SO beauitful!! thanks for sharing. you're so very inspiring. cheers to your awesomeness!! (05.12.2011 03:56am)
Renee Waters: Amazing with a capitol A!!!! I drool on Eden's bouquet, I feel the same way about classic girl! These photos are breathtaking! (05.12.2011 03:58am)
remi lai: Beautiful indeed! amazing eyes, excellent capture; cute and lovely!! (05.12.2011 04:31am)
Alicia Thursotn: WOW... that's all! (05.12.2011 04:40am)
Tami: Those blue eyes are ta die for! (05.12.2011 04:59am)
Jocelin: So absolutely lovely! (05.12.2011 06:18am)
Karissa: the dress are beautiful, the girls are perfect, the hair is awesome, the pictures are AMAZING and the location is so natural and rustic!!!!!! (05.12.2011 06:25am)
Rose: Ok, I need you to mentor me! :D I want to learn how you manage to take these jaw-dropping mind-blowing photos. I will play princess too, if needed! :) Simply wonderful, Shannon. You make me craving for photographing people/kids more and more every day. (05.12.2011 06:28am)
Lesley: The girl's eyes in the first photo are simply breathtaking! Once again, adore the photos! (05.12.2011 06:47am)
amber: Shannon, these girls are gorgeous (along with their dresses)!!! I have a couple of little girls who dress up every chance they get & I love that about them. Your photography is so inspirational!! Thanks for sharing! (05.12.2011 10:16am)
Marci: Shannon Sewell and eden's bouquet...perfect duo. (05.12.2011 10:53am)
zalaine: How cute are they? Those eyes, those dresses, those trees. FABulous Miss S! (05.12.2011 12:11pm)
ali hohn: These are all beautiful images. :) Those girls, the styling, the clothes, the photography everything. Beautiful! (05.12.2011 01:05pm)
Iris: When I saw the first image, I gasped. They are all treasures, but the light and sparkle in those blue eyes is sheer magic. Love Love Love. (05.12.2011 01:36pm)
beth: WOW! WOW! WOW! Absolutely stunning! (05.12.2011 01:43pm)
jess: I am so completely in love with this session (05.12.2011 03:03pm)
tamara: Gorgeous!! Wow and more wow (05.12.2011 04:51pm)
Amy Hall: LOVE the Kirk Cobain quote! He was genius..I went to Seattle and cried like a baby at his memorial..........anyhoo...love this shoot....so creative as usual and that afro/blue eyed beauty is stunning! LOVE IT! Good work lady! (05.12.2011 04:57pm)
Amy Hall: I meant KURT not KIRK! My bad! (05.12.2011 04:59pm)
krista: OH MY GOSH! BEAUTIFUL! (05.12.2011 07:24pm)
Jennifer O. Romeo and Mae: All of those girls are so unbelievably gorgeous! So wish I had a little girl to dress up. (05.12.2011 07:48pm)
Michelle: THANK YOU again Shannon for a perfect workshop. It was such a pleasure to meet you, learn from you and watch you work. Your images are perfection! (05.12.2011 08:55pm)
Heather F: I LOVE the first one as well and my 4yr old said "she is BOOTIFUL" lol I also adore the second to the last image, WOW! I agree with that Kathy person and I dont think she is weird about wanting these images LOL Eden's Bouquet has everything I want for my lil girl I so heart the vintage look....now if I could just get my money tree to produce LOL (05.12.2011 10:18pm)
Heather F: is there a chance to win one of these dresses? If so, COUNT ME IN! lol My girl would look oh so cute in these, she loves dresses! (05.12.2011 10:21pm)
Gail Pomare: loved spending the day with you in our little piece of redwood paradise herein Nor Cal. you really set the bar so very high... super amazing. love them to the moon and back and back and back again and again and again. xox (05.12.2011 11:28pm)
Jen: That first shot takes my breath away. (05.13.2011 12:12am)
Heloisa: You are so talented. I feel so lucky to have some gorgeous photos taken by you. (05.13.2011 02:00am)
Sara from L.A.: this is freaking incredible. (05.13.2011 04:07am)
Regan Conroy: THESE DRESSES ARE BEAUTIFUL. i would love one of these :) this photo shoot looks incredible. Hope I win :) (05.13.2011 10:22am)
gina: alright, the 1st and 7th image....no words! (05.14.2011 04:45am)
Stephanie: Holy smokes batman! These are amazing! (05.14.2011 05:36am)
KELLI TRONTEL: SERIOUSLY?!?!??! Best shoot ever. This is on the TOP of my list.....ya, I have a Shannon Sewell list :) Fabulous job. xoxo (05.14.2011 06:22pm)
TJ Aneca: Okay......that little girl is to die for!! The hair and those amazing eyes! These are absolutely stunning Shannon! (05.14.2011 06:30pm)
vanessa warren: ok. stop. juuuuust stop. i can NOT get past that little blue-eyed girl. i simply can not HANDLE her beauty. INCREDIBLE image. her momma needs to blow that puppy UP! incredible shoot, girl. xx (05.15.2011 04:59am)
kelli taylor: That first one is straight up amazing! (05.15.2011 05:20am)
cindy: there's so much beauty captured here...oh, where do i even begin?!?!!? these children are insanely striking. i just stared at this post about 10 times..... (05.16.2011 03:16am)
sandi: Such gorgeous girls! Love this shoot! You are amazing! (05.16.2011 03:58pm)
jen springer: are you kidding me??? you are amazing! that first photo is the best i've ever seen! i think i say that every time i look at your blog! you're awesome shannon! (05.23.2011 09:20pm)
marjolaine: How Gor- gouse!! (06.03.2011 10:48pm)
Rebekah Lyn: oh my goodness! these kids are adorable!!! So in love with the last image! (06.06.2011 10:05pm)
sarah wheeler: oh shannon, these are stunning! and what gorgeous girls!! (06.16.2011 07:05pm)
Nancy Ramella: Wow I knew my grandaughter was beautiful and you have truly captured that beauty. Your work is outstanding with all your work....you are doing what you were gifted to do for sure....thanks (06.24.2011 02:18pm)
Janee: Oh my gosh..these are so adorable...love them. BEAUTIFUL! (07.04.2011 05:06am)
Well said – Living a wonderful Life » Lily&Rose Design Studio: [...] shannonsewell.com Share this: [...] (03.23.2012 02:39am)
I am a west coast girl- the attitude, the vibe… the Pacific Ocean runs through my veins. I love to travel but I don’t feel at home unless I’m here. That said- my travels have final found a city that if I had to move to the east coast, I found my place. Boston, MA. It is charming, it’s friendly, I could sink into a laid back mode… and that Boston accent doesn’t hurt either ;)
It was a jam-packed visit- I got the chance to hang out with Renee & photograph two of the cutest little girls, photograph one of my favorite families and meet a new family that I can’t wait to photograph again. I also got to hang out with Kiki (The Measure Designs) and Jen (The Trendy Tot) for a night at Cheers. (Yep- those are two Trendy Tot originals on the girls below… check the end of the post for a GIVE AWAY!)
Boston charmed me… I can’t wait to return ;)
And a couple of family sneak peeks… ;)
Now for the GIVE AWAY!!! Do you want the adorable dresses in the first session? All you have to do is @reply me on Twitter or Facebook or comment here and tell me which one you want… I’ll pick a winner Thursday!
wardrobe: The Trendy Tot
boston | MA
lroah: Rocked this. I don't know how, but you get better and better, my dear. :) (05.11.2011 03:18am)
Lisa: I don't care about the dresses. Gah...you are amazing! (05.11.2011 04:06am)
Wendy: Love the one with the horse! Gorgeous shoot! (05.11.2011 04:19am)
Tara S.: I love the parisian newsprint dress. Great photos as always! (05.11.2011 04:29am)
joan: Shanon, your imagination have no limits!!. Great work. (05.11.2011 09:12am)
Kelli H.: the newsprint dress is adorable. I know a few little girls that would love it! Love your work! (05.11.2011 12:28pm)
Nicole Fairweather: I LOVE the newsprint dress!! Of course, you are an inspiration!! (05.11.2011 01:22pm)
anita: awww. your post makes me nostalgic as i lived in boston for 8 yrs. we dream of moving back there sometime too! love the newsprint dress (as well as that first shot on the right with it!!) (05.11.2011 01:50pm)
Sara from L.A.: Love the western vibe of the horse dress. I can see her running around with a petticoat under and a pair of boots... great shots. (05.11.2011 03:50pm)
Sara from L.A.: P.S. I have a picture of me from college days doing the splits in the snow in front of the Cheers bar in Boston. Good times. (05.11.2011 03:58pm)
Jess: I love love love love the newspaper print dress. Did I say I love it? ;-) (05.11.2011 04:04pm)
Lisa P: Wonderful photos. I really like the newsprint dress. So fun! (05.11.2011 04:30pm)
Renee Waters: Brilliant as always Shannon...... you make such simple little things marvelous! Now if I were to chose a dress I would say the Paris one but if it were up to Rori she would say the horse one. Her new latest favorite song to sing is "All the pretty little horses and it would look super cute with her red cowgirl rain boots!! :) (05.11.2011 07:50pm)
Alicia: GORGEOUS!!!! My niece would die for the horse print dress:) Love the origami flowers/stars on the wall! (05.11.2011 08:05pm)
Regan Conroy: Ahh! You are so unbelievable, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE either dress. Since I am young I want all the props I can get especially from someone so amazing like you . Hope I win!!!!!!!!!!!!! (05.11.2011 08:21pm)
amy hall: ME ME ME!!!!! Aubrey would rock the shizzle out of either of those two lovely pieces..plus it's a win-win for all parties involved! You know I can sell Ice to and Eskimo dude! I will spread the S Sewell love as well as drop the designers names to all my peeps! Do the right thing Shannon, DO IT! love-Ahall (05.11.2011 09:47pm)
Colette Hopkins: LOVE the newsprint dress!! But I would love it more if it was on my little redheaded girl :) (05.12.2011 04:08am)
jocelyn: love em all... the dresses. but your work is just unreal. love love luuvv it! (05.12.2011 04:22am)
Nataly Harris: Delightful session, as always..........and I would LOVE the newsprint dress! (05.12.2011 06:33am)
MICHELLE a: yes please .... would love any of them. Images are amazing as usual :) (05.12.2011 11:38am)
Lori Jones: Love the newsprint dress! The horse dress is delightful also! Love that you featured both indoor and outdoor shots - great variety. (05.12.2011 04:39pm)
Sarah Lane: I love that newsprint dress!! WOW! (05.12.2011 05:38pm)
KJWatson: Wow! Great photos! Black white print with red sleeves. (05.14.2011 07:59pm)
Carrie: your photos are lovely. (05.14.2011 10:08pm)
Lacey B: I am in love with The Trendy Tot! My daughter has a few things of Jen's... but she would look so adorable in the Paris dress with the red sleeves! Also, Shannon your work is fantastic!! (05.14.2011 10:44pm)
Bren: I would like to win the Parisian newsprint dress! (05.15.2011 02:26am)
Inbal: Beautiful photos! Hard to choose a dress as they are both stunning... I'll choose the horse dress. (05.15.2011 02:53am)
Trace: Awesome photos! I love the dress that has the Eiffel Tower on it. Red, white, black=Fabulous!!! (05.15.2011 11:34am)
London Bailey: Love, Love, Love the Mademoiselle Paris Short Sleeve Peasant Dress! Your blog and Trendy Tots are fabulous. Amazing photo shoots w/adorable little fashionistas... Well done. (05.15.2011 08:07pm)
Alina Ryn: Shannon! Always a pleasure seeing your work. I love that you add boys to your work, which I dont see a lot. I love all the dresses! If I had to pick one, (shameless plug; its Izabela's bday in a few days) and I can just see her at her bday party looking like a true doll in the outfit second up from the bottom. Love. (05.19.2011 10:13pm)
Lady Like Embellished Shannon Sewell Shoot: [...] dear friend, Shannon Sewell, posted more pictures on her amazing blog of a gorgeous shoot that she photographed & styled [...] (06.04.2011 01:45pm)
Post Title One « Angel: [...] dear friend, Shannon Sewell, posted more pictures on her amazing blog of a gorgeous shoot that she photographed & styled [...] (06.29.2011 06:24pm)
remi lai: Cute, Fun,Creative background!! LOVE the boy's colors and the whole pilot theme! And I loooove that red yarn ball seat!!!!!! Really good/interesting/uncommon composition on the 8th and last row (boy with close-up face to right of frame). Always love your color/toning. Love that magazine/catalog "finish" !! Keep it coming! I appreciate your work and all your efforts. It shows. :D Happy Memorial Day! (05.29.2011 11:31pm)
Josh: Oh. Heck yes. Ava would look pretty rad in that outfit :) Love you Shannon! (05.29.2011 11:32pm)
Stephanie Moore {Tucson AZ Photographer}: Oh I love these. And it just so happens that 6 is my daughters size, woohoo!!! Adorable pictures Shannon! (05.29.2011 11:32pm)
ali: Love love love this!! (05.29.2011 11:33pm)
andrea: Oh these are just devine! Such beautiful children and the outfits are soooo cute. I would love that little outfit for a session I am doing for some friends who lost everything in the queensland floods. (05.29.2011 11:53pm)
Alina: Each time I scroll through these photos, they seem to become more and more amazing. The knucklehead clothing line makes me yearn for a boy in a tremendous way! The clothesline on the girl is just as awesome. However the pictures are what makes it all pop. The roller skates are stellar! Love it all Shannon! (05.29.2011 11:59pm)
Alina: And of course I would love the outfit as my youngest is a perfect little size 6! (05.30.2011 12:00am)
shannen: I would love them! Perfect for my little one who feels not so little anymore. I love the pics! (05.30.2011 12:01am)
jen carver: okay..you seem to top yourself every shoot..I love this..love the colors ..love love! and yes, would love anything from the measure!! (05.30.2011 12:23am)
Nancy K: Lovely pics and awesome giveaway... count me in! (05.30.2011 02:00am)
Jennifer Beitchman: Me me me. I want to win. LOVE that backdrop! :-) (05.30.2011 02:51am)
Lisa: You are amazing! You are on my bucket list.....I need to meet you so you can mentor me. I need a workshop.taught by you. Dang these are brilliant! (05.30.2011 03:22am)
Caroljean: Yes, these are awesome shots and my daughter wears a size 6. She looks great in yellow too! Those wings are the cutest too! :) (05.30.2011 03:34am)
Britt McNamee: I have to stop reading your blog posts - you have repeatedly brought me to tears...and not just when you have taken breathtaking pictures of my children! Thank you, Shannon, for being the amazing person you are! (05.30.2011 04:02am)
Lori Jones: The entire shoot is darling! Love the colors and how it all flows. The angel outfit is adorable and my girl wears a 6. (05.30.2011 04:06am)
Nataly Harris: Perfect images once again! Plus, the outfits are perfect :) Would love to win (one of daughters is a size 6!) (05.30.2011 04:35am)
Ashley Madsen: Oh my goodess that outfit is adorable. Love the red pouf too! (05.30.2011 04:45am)
christineb: oh my!! so adorable. love the colors. (05.30.2011 04:50am)
cyndi henry: LOVE these!! That background is amazing and the kids are adorable. My little one also is a size 6, she would love that outfit as would her mommy :) (05.30.2011 05:43am)
Rose: Hehe, look at him laughing... Such a sweetie! :) Love the outfits and the colors, such joyful session. It sure looks like you had a great time shooting these. (05.30.2011 07:05am)
joan: Nice work, Shannon. Extraordinary lighting, nice background and two fantastic models!!. (05.30.2011 09:29am)
Iris: Love the theme, colour combos and the beautiful backdrop! Another work of art :) The outfit you are giving away is super cute too! Great post to start a Monday morning with. (05.30.2011 01:20pm)
Shelly: I love your blog, it is such an inspiration. Would love the outfit for my daughter (she actually looks a lot like the the little guy in this shoot) (05.30.2011 01:55pm)
Jennifer O. RomeoandMae: Oh man, these are too dang cute! The little boy is killing me in that outfit! (05.30.2011 02:00pm)
Amy C: Oh these are just adorable images! As are the models! (05.30.2011 02:20pm)
Veronika / Lalomino: Wow. Amazing photos! I had to show them to my husband, who's just learning to use our new camera. There's some inspiration for him!! :) xx Veronika (05.30.2011 03:05pm)
Mary Cobb: I love the colors! (05.30.2011 03:07pm)
beth: ♥♥♥♥♥♥! (05.30.2011 03:08pm)
Leigha Graf: would love to win! (05.30.2011 03:11pm)
Megan Bryant: LOVE these! So neat! And the outfit would be awesome for a themed shoot... (05.30.2011 03:21pm)
Tina: Beautiful images! I would lave a chance to win that outfit! My 6 year old would ROCK it ;) (05.30.2011 03:32pm)
Tamara Motschenbacher: Love your photography! It's fresh and new from anything I've seen in a long time. The colors are bright against the b/w backdrop. I'm pretty new at trying to get into photographing children, and I spend hours looking at pictures on the web, flickr, etc, and these have left a huge impression on me. Thank you for the inspiration. (05.30.2011 03:38pm)
Rebecca: Oh how I love every shot in this series...My daughter is just now in size 6 and we would LOVE to have this outift! Beautiful, beautiful work =) (05.30.2011 03:57pm)
launa: you are totally my hero! these are so awesome! can't wait to meet you in person someday, sorry it won't be atlanta this year!! :( just fabulous!! (05.30.2011 04:08pm)
amy: Love, love, love these photos and the Measure:) (05.30.2011 05:10pm)
Michele Q: LOVE the Measure! and LOVE your photography! (05.30.2011 06:03pm)
jen: My daughters 7&5 would both fit into this..love the measure & your work!! Happy summer Shannon!! (05.30.2011 07:20pm)
Keiran: What heavenly photos Shannon - you and Kiki make my heart soar! :) (05.30.2011 09:47pm)
Chrissi Richards: oh my gosh!! and those freckles! (05.30.2011 09:53pm)
zalaine: Dude, those goggles are to die for. I would wear them for at least a week straight! The background is crazy good! Will dig out my scarf so I will be ready! FAB as always Miss S! (05.30.2011 10:04pm)
KimsCraftyApple: LOVE LOVE these outfits! I'm a HUGE fan of the Measure and love it when my girls sport her clothes! Thanks for hosting this giveaway :) (05.30.2011 10:14pm)
corinne: oh am in LOVE with those amazing little knickerboxer pants, they are perfect for the winter months that are now setting in here in Australia!!! Love the shoot, looks like a great deal of fun!!! (05.31.2011 01:08am)
Alicia Thurston: I love, love, love this shoot. The kids are adorable and I adore the Measure outift, keeping my fingers crossed. :) (05.31.2011 02:21am)
Erin S: These images are A.W.E.S.O.M.E!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! wow, so crisp and clear. And I love love love the backgroun!!! I would be more than happy to win some boy clothes too ;) (05.31.2011 02:34am)
Karen: Wonderful! So creative! (05.31.2011 03:48am)
Sue Benson: Thanks for a chance to win Shannon! Gorgeous photos and very cute giveaway outfit! Sue Benson (05.31.2011 01:53pm)
janet pliszka: You never fail to make me smile!!! Thank you! And yes, love the outfit!!! (05.31.2011 08:02pm)
Michelle Schmalz: oh please oh please oh plllllleeeaaasssse. (05.31.2011 08:20pm)
Tasha Price: I absolutely love those wings:) (05.31.2011 09:49pm)
Esther: I've recently discovered your blog and your work, and I wait for every new post with anxiety!! Keep on, Shannon! :) (05.31.2011 10:34pm)
Becky: Oh my goodness! Those curls! Cutest little pilot ever!! GREAT shoot Shannon! You're the best! (06.02.2011 03:02am)
Heather F: Lovely images as always! I love how the lil girl just lit up when the roller skates were put on her feet :) Hey I dont tweet but noticed at the top of the blog did you say you are Dallas bound? YAY! (06.02.2011 04:36am)
Corey: These are so fun! I especially love the little pilot and his airplane! (06.02.2011 07:01pm)
Shannon Sewell Mentorship :: Spokane, WA children’s photographer » Jess Renee Photography Website: [...] To see Shannon’s post and amazing images from the day, click here. [...] (06.02.2011 08:35pm)
Khannie: Oh, how creative, fun and beautiful. Just discovered your blog and love it! May I ask where you got the aviation hat/glasses for the boy? My 2 years old son would love it as he adores all things plane. Thanks so much! (06.08.2011 07:24pm)
sarah wheeler: oh my goodness, how cute are these?! (06.16.2011 07:03pm)
Shannon Sewell Mentorship :: Spokane, WA children’s photographer » Jess Renee Photography Blog: [...] To see Shannon’s post and amazing images from the day, click here. [...] (05.31.2012 10:01am)