If you have followed me for a while you’ve probably noticed that I have given up newborns (just sold all of my ‘props’ last week- yay!), Seniors & families for the most part. I can count on my fingers how many of these I do in a year. So when you see me shoot one of these genres you know that they are a pretty irresistible :) I flew out to Dallas last week to photograph this Senior. This girl was such a doll… she is going off to college in LA next year to pursue her acting career. If her ability to nail the fake laugh is any indication of how well she’ll do, you’ll be seeing this girl on the big screen in no time ;) A little added bonus was that she also hired my amazing friend & stylist Vanessa (Butterfly SpArks) to come style. You know it’s a good day when I get to hang out with my girl.
styling: Butterfly SpArks
dallas | TX
On a side note I was interviewed by The Bloom Forum today! You can see a little sneak peek of the interview here or if you want to be a part of the forum and read the whole thing you can jump over to The Bloom Forum !!
Thanks for asking me!! :)
I would consider my business very specialized. 90%+ of my work is kids in the 4-10 bracket. And I absolutely adore it… I love the challenge, I love the silliness, I love the play, I love the unexpectedness, I really do just love that age group. Every once in a while though I get to shoot the older set and, I have to say, having a subject that does exactly what you ask for as long as you ask it is pretty darn amazing! On my most recent visit to Dallas I got to hang out with a small group and shoot these two lovely models. I came home thinking that perhaps my speciality should add a few years ;)
dallas | TX
Josh Mitchell: So awesome! (06.28.2011 12:09am)
Kara Layfield: Models in the making! Um yes...please add a few more years....these are fantastic! (06.28.2011 12:44am)
Kelsey Gerhard: These are "tastic!" as my 3 yr old would say. I LOVE the colors. And it's funny as I've shot a few teens lately and you pretty much just typed exactly what I've been thinking! (06.28.2011 01:11am)
Sara from L.A.: I get absolutely giddy when I see that you have posted something new. Always fresh. Always new. Never the same. Always inspiring. Love stopping to see what you've come up with next. xo P.S. based on your advice from the Oakley workshop, my 85mm f1.2 comes tomorrow and I can't wait to practice, practice, practice! (06.28.2011 03:22am)
kristin cook: I love how you can take the simplest of things and make them so spectacular!!! (06.28.2011 03:47am)
Heather F: YAY been waiting on these :) Awesome as always. What I love tho is how no one seems to be sweating, how in the world did you pull that off? LOL Still 90 degrees here last time I checked at 10pm ugh! LOVE LOVE the 2nd close up of her where her hair is back and he looks so GQ in his shades :) (06.28.2011 04:04am)
theresa: i love your vision. my girl hasnt stopped talking about how much fun she had and she LOVES the photos...as do i! it was a pleasure meeting you and i hope we run into each other again. :) (06.28.2011 05:12am)
Jen S: Thanks for a really fun workshop and sharing your talents with us. These images are beautiful and I loved getting to see the same session ... through your lens. Until we meet again ... keep rockin' your shoots!! (06.28.2011 01:15pm)
Diana Hall: These are so awesome, LOVE them! Thank you for rocking our day, we had a blast!! ;) (06.28.2011 01:46pm)
kim danley: yay!!!!... they look awesome... got to edit some of mine... thanks for a great day!!!! (06.28.2011 04:15pm)
zalaine: Coolness does seem to fit you, very nicely. There is Something right before they have their senior photos taking, where they WANT to be see in adult eyes, that being grown up is light years away but still moving in that direction. Cool changes and looks different as we pass throught the seasons of life but this innocence is only available for a few years. Great work Miss S! (06.28.2011 04:19pm)
Amy C: Holy cow these are awesome!! Stunning models, stunning images. I'm going to have to get a thesaurus so I can come up with other words when I comment!! LOL!!! (06.29.2011 02:01am)
Rose: Wow, these are great. These kids are just gorgeous. And yes, you should expand with a few more years... :) Can't say just ow much I love your work and it might be the reason I fantasize lately about organizing a shooting for kids. :D (06.29.2011 06:36am)
Lesley: Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!! I always love what you come up with, it's so freaking inspiring!! :) If only I knew more people to photograph I'd be outside right now! :) (06.29.2011 04:24pm)
Joan: Incredible!, so inspirational, thanks. (06.30.2011 09:50am)
Rachel: I agree with your sentiments - it's nice to have subjects who stand still!! :) (07.01.2011 04:39am)
wrecklessgirl: wowsa, beautiful!!! plus, if chris & sarah rhoads had a little girl .... hmmmm .... (07.05.2011 10:19am)
If you have kids under 5 you need to look up the inspiration for my post title… Tom T. Hall (Country Songs for Children) is where it’s at. My clearest memory of being a 3 yr old is standing at the door between the restaurant and the lounge where my step-dad played. If I was peaking through the door he would sing me ‘I Care’… to this day it brings tears to my eyes to hear it. It was one of the first albums that I bought when I had my own kids. Tom is just plain old kid lovey goodness- trust me on this one :) Anyway, Barn Dance (the song the post title came from) kept playing through my head this whole shoot. I got the chance to head over to Pomeroy Farm to play for a bit with these two little amazing girls. (If you’re looking for a family outing, you need to check it out. 1920 working farm that they have kept true to the era… lovely). We petted some goats & an adorable baby calf… talked to the chickens… & pretended we were farm girls for the afternoon :)
Sidenote: if you are in Dallas or know someone in Dallas, read the bottom of this post. I have a little give away for someone!!
yacolt | WA
Okay Dallas folks… here it is: I’m giving away a free spot to my Dallas workshop next week. It is an all day get together on June 22nd in Fort Worth TX. You know how they say when life gives you lemons you should make lemonade? Well… this girl is ready for a huge pitcher of it ;) I’ve had one of those weeks… things have been coming from all sides- everyone needs everything right now, things are falling thru, money is going out faster than it is coming in- that kinda week ;) And well… I am a firm believer in we get what we put out… so I am thinking someone is telling me it is time for me to give back a bit. I have been very fortunate year and I definitely needed this week to remind me that paying it forward it what truly makes the world go round. Sooo… do you know someone that is constantly giving? Someone that deserves to have a day for themselves? Someone that never thinks about taking time or money for their own needs? I want to hear about it! Email me at shannon@shannonsewell.com and tell me about them. I would love to tell someone on Sunday that they are joining us Wednesday for a day of fun, conversation, passion talk, shooting & play :) I know this is short notice so please get your thinking caps on fast & throw me a quick email! I’d like to choose someone on Sunday, June 19th…
Michelle Ocampo: Love that you are doing this. What a fabulous opportunity! Hope all goes well in Dallas! (06.17.2011 05:02am)
Rose: These remind me so bad about me and my best friend when we were their age. Such a sweet reminder that is. :) And your projects and ideas are amazing. Very touched with your words, we should all count our blessings and thank God and families for every single moment we are given. (06.17.2011 06:29am)
Robyn: These images are just so beautiful. Wish I was even remotely close tp Dallas so I could go to your workshop. Sydney, Australia is a bit far away to travel to you :) Hope it goes well. (06.17.2011 10:48am)
Kara Layfield: Gorgeous session...your dd is just so lovely! That piggy tail shot is killing me!! Wish I lived closer to Dallas for sure! (06.17.2011 12:54pm)
Kristin Cook: Love these! I felt like I was taken back in time a bit :) So sad I will miss you next week!!! ...next time. (06.17.2011 01:44pm)
Marci Yochum: wow..you never cease to amaze me. Love it! (06.17.2011 02:11pm)
Kathy Carlisle: This is me sobbing! I can't get it together:( They are so old...so beautiful..so amazing. I feel so blessed that you did this shoot that is going to be treasured FOREVER. I am really having a moment here and I don't think I am going to be able to snap my fingers to get out of it. Thank you for capturing our girls with so much love and adoration. You are absolutely amazing and I love you!!! (06.17.2011 06:15pm)
Becky: You are such a lovely person! Talented beyond measure and kind beyond mesaure too!! (06.17.2011 06:51pm)
zalaine: Your genius goes beyond color to my favorite, b&w. What a way to capture what is so natural. The girls are beyond fab, and you, my friend are just too cha cha! Thanks for sharing, a new SS post makes me smile BIG! (06.17.2011 07:52pm)
Gina P.: Canno't wait to see what you pull out of your hat for Fort Worth. I live in cow town....and would love to come to one of your workshops! Such an inspiration you are Shannon :) (06.17.2011 08:22pm)
Mandy: I lived in the friendly DFW metropolis three years ago and made many dear friends, so it was difficult to single one friend out, but I have thought of just the girl for you, as long as she could bring her recently born infant with her. She is the mother of four children, two busy boys, one vivacious daughter, and her newborn son. She is just a ray of sunshine wherever she goes and is always giving, lifting, serving. She definitely doesn't take much time for herself, and is so deserving of a gesture like this. Her Name is Chris and she lives in N. Rich land Hills not far from Fort Worth...hope you select her for this rare treat! (06.18.2011 01:55am)
vanessa warren: a] sooo sorry you've had a rough week. b] all will be better soon when you're here in DALLAS hanging out with ME. c] this shoot is KILLER. love it so very much. beautiful girls ... beautiful images. xo (06.18.2011 03:22am)
Nancy k: Amazing pics, as usual! Your b&w tones are always stunning!!! (06.18.2011 04:57am)
elizabeth pellette: LOVE love love these Shannon.. wow.. so cool where does one find old milk bottles? (06.19.2011 10:25pm)
kristin eldridge photography: love this post! I grew up in Montana, so I have a soft spot for farms. Too bad I'm doing my job in the heart of LA...no farms to shoot at! Your black and white contrast is perfection! (06.20.2011 01:26am)
Trudy: so lovely, Shannon -all of them! I'm particularly in love with the wide angle view of the little girl, standing in the doorway of the hay loft...beautiful! And the pig's tail =) (06.20.2011 03:58am)
Paige Anderson: It's amazing, even the farm animals pose for you!!! =) (06.20.2011 05:29pm)
Kara Wieler: Oh my gosh! Could this be more perfect?!?!? LOVE! (06.21.2011 03:02am)
Lesley: Hope things have turned around for you! Love the editing on these photos as well, perfect for the location! :) (06.21.2011 11:28am)
Joan: Amazing, Shanon. We love you. (06.21.2011 05:15pm)
Heather F: Beautiful work as always! I cant wait to see what you come up with during your Ft Worth shoot, looks like a missed a giveaway...bummer. I would have loved to see you work your magic in person...your shots in full sun are killing me...I need the know how on those LOL (06.22.2011 01:13am)
stacey: Love these gorgeous photos of such beautiful girls and a lovely location! I am always so inspired by your work Shannon! I would love to know where to find the clothing shown in this shoot as my two girls are just about grown out of the "boutique" clothing sizes that are available. (06.22.2011 10:40pm)
Jennifer Sparaco: You kill me!!! Everytime...you just knock me right over! (06.24.2011 08:02pm)
Renee Waters: I love this set!! :) I really adore the milk bubble pictures!! (06.26.2011 08:47pm)
Jennifer Beitchman: Love this whole shoot and love that the whole post is in b/w! Such moodiness! (06.27.2011 04:21pm)
Shayna Shipley: I love this series in all B&W. awesomeness. (06.28.2011 12:42am)
cindy: Kathy: I can only imagine how much you cried when you saw these. Shannon: Pure magic. K+S: You're raising such BEAUTIFUL little ladies - WOW!!!!!!!!! (06.30.2011 06:02am)
Alicia Crispell: I love love love your work! (07.14.2011 09:30pm)
Janee: I really need to check your blog daily..I have missed a ton. And wow..that is so crazy cool that you did this..way to go :) (08.16.2011 11:10pm)
evelyn: how cute! love it :) (08.20.2011 07:11pm)
I just returned from Atlanta. I am feeling so happy and content in how things have become. I received the kindest, most heartfelt emails on my way home and it left me feeling, once again, that my mentoring sessions end up being just as much of a learning experience for me as the people I am there to ‘teach’. I am thankful for humble nature, passion, eagerness to learn/play/love and people that reach out to me so that I can experience it all. Yep- inspired :)
I wanted to share a bit of things that inspire me: My new & favorite song of the morning. This video reminds me of me & my processes & how I spend times with my kids & how I create… a beautiful example of where the stir inside can start.
or maybe I’m just in love with the sound ;)
I want to give a huge thank you to Laura. She opened up her studio & hosted a fabulous day for all of us in Atlanta. And thank you to all of you that came… I can’t wait to see where your paths take you and when they cross mine again :)
And, of course, our amazing models for the day…
These adorable tops are a woman’s line from my fave ZozoBugBaby. A woman of many talents :)
And you can’t go wrong with Knuckleheads & Hula Mula for some stylin’ kiddos :)
atlanta | GA
Trudy: just beautiful, Shannon - your creativity is amazing! I had such a great time with you and the other ladies!! =) (06.07.2011 05:52pm)
Leslie: These are beautiful!! Thanks for sharing! I love seeing something from start to finish!! Thanks for sharing! (06.07.2011 05:59pm)
Heather: They are beautiful images Shannon! I had an amazing day with you and all the ladies! (06.07.2011 06:12pm)
Caroljean: Omg....had to listen to that song twice...inspiring, just like your process...need more of that creative spirit with my little one. So glad to have met you and come to your workshop...."when the stars are the only things we share." The images above masterfully exhibit your vision for the shoot...."I've got a plan, I've got an atlas in my hands." (06.07.2011 06:19pm)
Paige Anderson: I am so happy to say that I was a part of this workshop!! I'm so inspired and can't wait to start my new adventure!! Thank you!! (06.07.2011 06:34pm)
MARIA: I agree this song it is you!!!! The images are breathtaking. Thank you for sharing all Shannon Sewell is for all of us. I had a blast watching you work and how you turn things from beautiful to gorgeous in one instant. Loved meeting you and the rest of the group :) Thanks again. (06.07.2011 08:37pm)
Shayna Shipley: These are wonderful Shannon! Thank you for sharing your talents with us! I will never forget that day! :) I look forward to seeing you again! (06.07.2011 10:26pm)
Corey: Love these - especially the ones of my girls! It is really cool seeing them through your eyes. Thanks again! (06.08.2011 03:23pm)
Kara Layfield: Very cool!! Thanks for sharing the video. (06.08.2011 04:45pm)
janice: beautiful!! so, is she selling the woman's tops? i don't see them on the website... (06.09.2011 08:14am)
Janice: just found 'em...thanks... (06.09.2011 08:16am)
joan: Amazing use of natural lighting, Shanon!!. Great work. (06.09.2011 05:02pm)
Susanne: You are such an inspiration, Shannon!!! (06.10.2011 02:26pm)
Rose: I'm in love with the blues and the pinks and the black&white and the sweet faces and your amazing work. Cannot even ... Well, your creativity should be praised, I totally agree with the others. I bow my head! You rock!! (06.11.2011 07:49am)
zalaine: summer - I have a vision of what it should be, carefully scripted from childhood. You captured it perfectly and the balloons and ribbons - pure genius, my friend. Stunning b&w too. I heart you, Miss S! (06.11.2011 05:21pm)
Becky: You are such an inspiration Shannon! Your work inspires me to be more brave and try out the ideas that grow in my imagination!! (06.14.2011 02:22pm)
Laura: I so LOVED having you come out to share your knowledge with us. Words cannot express the benefits that I walked away with at the end of that workshop. I'm already putting your advice to good use and can't wait to show you what's in store!!! :) Thank you so much for taking the time to teach us!! (06.16.2011 03:02am)
davina: Shannon, you are so beautiful. The way you see life, your creative heart, your inspiring spirit, your thoughtful motherhood, and sweet love for life makes me smile and so wish that I could spend more time with your lovely self. (06.16.2011 07:28pm)
Shelby Finkelstein: Shannon, Just peeking at your blog to see what your up to. It always inspires me and makes me want to reach higher if you know what I mean. I love that song. Does remind me of you and especially our workshop session at the beach in St. Augustine. That might be my new favorite song.....Thank you for the inspiration! -Shelby (06.18.2011 02:01pm)
SunnyD: Beautiful. Just beautiful. The light you found in these photos is absolutely amazing. (06.19.2011 12:17am)
Rose: Love the American rebel photos! :) Wonderful teens, the hope they bring to the world is amazing. Congratulations on the interview, your work should be featured more often! (06.30.2011 08:38am)
Joan: She looks like a R&R star!!. Great work!!. Congrats for the interview, Shanon ;) (06.30.2011 09:48am)
Deyla Huss Photography: I love her rockin style and you did a beautiful job capturing her! Ill go check out your interview, congrats Shannon! (06.30.2011 03:19pm)
zalaine: She is a doll! So free spirited... You, on the other hand, are 2 cool 4 school!!! (06.30.2011 04:04pm)
Kathy Carlisle: I'm loving all this teen awesomeness lately. Have I told you lately how amazing I think you are? Well, there you have it...and I will be saying this for the 1 millionth time when we are 100 together. You amaze me my friend. Not just the pictures and your huge talent...it's who you are that amazes me. You heart, your love, YOU! (06.30.2011 06:59pm)
josh: Bout time you get some work done...geez :) Lovely pics, by the way! (07.01.2011 03:01am)
Shayna Shipley: Yay!!!! :) So cool, great interview. I love Bloom! (07.01.2011 10:34pm)
ali wood: LOVE LOVE LOVE! These turned out so fabulous and she is just shining with her big smile! Gorgeous work! You captured her personality so well! (07.05.2011 01:18am)