I don’t enjoy the business end of photography. I am a firm believe in treating people well and my business lives & dies by the hope that karma will treat me well in return. (or so I tell myself so I don’t have to do any of that pesky stuff) ;) What that means is that I don’t market, I don’t advertise and I don’t promote myself unsolicited. I also don’t have business cards. I think it’s been about 3 years since I ordered anything that resembled one ;) That being said a couple of my (very talented & sweet) friends have opened studios recently and asked that I give them some of those silly old things soooo… what the heck right? I really do enjoy playing & designing stuff like that so I was secretely kinda glad that I got ever-so-nicely pushed to just do it! Still no business cards but I am the proud owner of postcards now…
Painting has taken over our home. I adore that I have two little insanely creative beings filling our lives with these works of art (although I could do without the paint on the couch & duvet… eh um). It makes me smile from ear to ear that our home is filled with it. It just seemed appropriate that the splatters should make their way to my brand :)
I also had an extra outfit that we didn’t get to shoot in St. Mary’s from ZozoBugBaby. So what is a girl to do but grab an (insanely adorable) model and head outside…
wardrobe: ZozoBugBaby
portland | OR
I first met Hilary in New York for a mentoring session at the beginning of the year. It was an instant friendship. She is an amazingly kind soul and just an all around cool kid so when she asked if I was interested in coming out to do a workshop with her there was no hesitation- heck yes!!! The added bonus would be that I got to hang out with & get to know her partner in crime- Angela :) It was a perfect, relaxing girl trip… so good that we are already planning our next one for next August! ha :)
And, as if the workshop wasn’t already perfect (the women that came were such a pleasure and sooo my kinda people), Hilary was able to get us accommodations at the cutest inn… The Westover Inn was secluded, quiet, quaint & superb service- love it!
She also surprised me with personalized cupcakes (I can’t believe I only got this one crappy picture cause they were the coolest thing I’ve ever seen my images on!) from Flavour Cakes…
(yes- that is an edible picture) :)
Hilary brought in ADORABLE models and we got to outfit them in some of my very favorites (thank you so much ZozoBugBaby and Lisa’s Mini Mad Hattery for topping yourselves once again).
(if it was possible to pick your own eye color… dang- wouldn’t this be top choice?? sooo beautiful & the sweetet little girl to boot)
I also want to thank the generous vendors that provided give aways for us…
One Willow Presets by Jessica Paige
Photography Props by Lori Limburg
wardrobe: ZozoBugBaby & Lisa’s Mini Mad Hattery
st. mary’s | ONTARIO CANADA
Monica Wilkinson: These are so beautiful, Shannon. I agree, Hilary is the best!! I so wish it would have worked for me to attend. Maybe next time! (09.29.2011 10:56pm)
Nicola Toon: Just gorgeous, Shannon. I feel like such a lucky duck that I got to be part of it with you. Thanks again for everything! xoxo (09.30.2011 12:08am)
Hilary: So you are pretty damn awesome - even though you are afraid of spiders. These are just beautiful Shannon! Great big HUGS to you:) (09.30.2011 12:13am)
Jennifer beitchman: Gorge, as always. Love the outfits. Fabric chandeliers??? why didn't I think of that?!?!?! Might have to "borrow" that idea! (09.30.2011 12:56am)
Mandy Blake: Awesome Shannon! It was so great to meet you and spend time learning with you. You have inspired me beyond words. And thanks for finding the green crayon nub for me at the bottom of the cup. My restaurant art would not have been complete without it! ;) (09.30.2011 01:02am)
Ellie A.: SO happy to see a new post! They sure do make me smile. Its like a sweet sugar fairy tale each time you share. LOVE IT!! Each time I visit I am that more inspired. (09.30.2011 02:19am)
Phillipa: As usual, you rocked it. (09.30.2011 01:57pm)
Yvonne: Love everything about these! Styling, editing, compositions, etc... Just beautifully inspiring. (09.30.2011 03:12pm)
Britt M: Agreed on the eye color! Amazing! Beautiful work! (10.01.2011 05:13am)
Laura Drake Enberg: I love this whole shoot!! did Lisa's Mad Hattery do the fab plaid outifts and headband? I'm a sucker for plaid :D (10.02.2011 07:50pm)
Ange: Loved hanging with you Shannon. You're one talented photographer and one beautiful human being. Thanks for sharing with us so openly. Sooooo looking forward to next year! A xo PS. I am still waiting for my 8x10. Surely it is just stuck in the mail. (10.03.2011 12:31am)
Holly: LOVED our time together! Spending the day with you and a roomful of other inspired women was the best Monday I've had in a while. Can't wait to keep growing! (10.03.2011 12:34am)
Carla: Love your pictures!! Thank you for sharing. (10.03.2011 11:28pm)
Janee: Wowzers! I am pretty sure you amaze me more and more each day. Thanks for being so freaking talented and sharing your awesomeness with us...and what a great place to stay and those cupcakes are adorable...I 'd be a little sad to eat them. (10.08.2011 08:18am)
I just got back from my first trip to Ontario. I got to roam around a bit… started in Toronto where I hung out with Elizabeth and her adorable family (thank you so much for having me guys!!) Then I headed on to St. Mary’s to spend time with some of the most fabulous ladies I know (all that in the next blog post) ;)
Other than missing the convenience of turning to my iPhone for every need (dang international rates), I absolutely adored it. I learned that Canada has way better planes (USB ports, outlets & touch screen TV’s makes traveling très agréable). Speaking of… I also learned that the 4 years I spent in French class had virtually no lasting effect and that Canadians are very sweet people- except when they drive… got a defensive driving crash course downtown Toronto. No worries though- totally aced it :) Really though- beautiful country, city, people… the whole package.
A little snippet from my first day…
toronto | ON CANADA
Elizabeth Fulton: I cannot stop looking at these photos Shannon! We love them so much! (09.29.2011 11:52am)
Amy C: These are adorable!! Great color! (09.29.2011 01:41pm)
zalaine: Sounds like you had a great time. What sweet memories you have made for these guys! Cute as can be. Heard that the US is 26th in the world in interent speed. Romainia is ahead of us, crazy. (09.29.2011 03:27pm)
Dina: Ahhh...I can't believe you were so close to where I live and I somehow missed out! Bummed that I let this opportunity slip through my fingers. Beautiful images, as always, always! (09.29.2011 04:08pm)
The Detailed Life: I only just heard of you recently... glad I found another nearby photographer's blog to follow. lovely work. (09.29.2011 08:25pm)
Hilary: I am thinking a family shoot is in order next August for us! Wow. Wow. Wow. Fantastic!!!!! (09.30.2011 01:35am)
First week of school and I am one lonely mama. The upside would be that bills are all paid, taxes are done, editing and laundry are all caught up… and we are only on day two- haha :) September is bittersweet… back to school (booo…) but I do have some really fun shoots that I am doing for some amazing companies and magazines this month that I hope I can share sooner than later! (yay!!)
Today I am just popping in to let you know who won the Ritchie Rags & Maya’s Curls give aways :)
Congratulations Krystal Westendorf (you won an outfit!!) and Nikki (you won the headband!!)… just email me your address guys and I will get them right out to you! Thank you to everyone for playing. I love that I work with such talented companies that are giving as well and let me share their goodness with you all :)
And just because I couldn’t resist sharing… the images from this shoot are going to be given as gifts but they are letting me show a couple just cause I have to show a little guy this freakin’ cute…
vancouver | WA
kristina: Oh Shannon! You did it again. We are in love with the pictures of our brown eyed boy. He had a great time flirting with YOU! Best of luck to your kiddos this year in school. (09.02.2011 07:03am)
Kara Layfield: Oh my goodness he's handsome! Love his big bright eyes! (09.02.2011 01:46pm)
janice: Cute. Cute. Cute. He's a darling one!! I Hate back to school as well!! Mine don't return until Tuesday, though. (09.02.2011 02:54pm)
Heather F: That is the cutest boy EVA! Great work as usual and I am so jealous of you all being able to layer up already. I am wanting to do the same with my girl for her 5yr old pics but its still triple digits here UGH (09.03.2011 04:37pm)
Jennifer Sparaco: Can't imagine a much better gift than a handsome little guy captured by Shannon Sewell. They will be a best gift ever I'm sure! Amazing as always Shannon! (09.04.2011 03:12am)
elizabeth pellette: these images are just brilliant (09.04.2011 02:23pm)
janee: What a little stud!! (09.05.2011 04:41am)
zalaine: There may be no better time than Fall to take the most fabulous photos. Hats, sweaters, there is just Something comforting about the whole process. Hope you can enjoy your days and when those little ones hit the front door after a long day from school, you are so ready for them! (09.05.2011 07:59am)
Kate Craft: Be still my heart!! these are fantastic!!! (09.08.2011 10:57pm)
Kelly: What a little heart breaker! I ADORE that first shot! (09.09.2011 02:36am)
Catalina: I just discover your blog and work...SO beautiful! inspiring, astonish! your photos are just GREAT! love the outfits and how you give the pictures this dreamy texture. I stayed in Vancouver 8 years and loved it!. Miss it. I were living in Vancouver many years I miss Vancouver (09.19.2011 05:25pm)
elizabeth pellette: I dont like back to school either.. I agree on the Boo.. but the images are lovely and awesome for you for being all caught up .. I am way behind. (09.20.2011 12:36pm)
Jim: The black & white was a great call with these. Very striking! (09.20.2011 01:40pm)
zalaine: How cute are these! With a little tweak, you could have your Christmas cards done!. FAB as usually, Miss S! (09.30.2011 08:54pm)
Kelli Taylor: LOVE it!!! I'm going to use your theory too so I don't have to do as much of that icky promoting myself! ;) (10.01.2011 12:53am)
ali wood: SHANNON you are so incredibly talented and creative and a super mom! Where did this adorable headband come from?? Also are you coming to Dallas or near before Christmas??? :))) (10.01.2011 02:00pm)
Jenn: So amazing! Do you do classes, or have you ever thought about teaching them? I would love to take a class with you on photography! (10.01.2011 02:12pm)
Iris Rocha: I love how you put your heart and soul into everything you do. Your gift is outstanding, and even more of a blessing that your children have it too. I love the postcards, simple, artsy, you! (10.03.2011 12:57pm)
Phillipa: I love this look. Your creativity is never-ending. (10.03.2011 09:53pm)
Kara Layfield: ADORABLE!! Love the new watermark!! (10.04.2011 01:56pm)
Trudy: it's really pretty! and the little girl is insanely adorable - I want her =) (10.05.2011 03:57am)
Ellie A.: Oh just amazing. Still hoping maybe you'll be going to the PhotoExpo in NY maybe I can bump into you & take a pic w/one of my fav. Photographers (WOW totally sounding like a groupie right there Ha... ) (10.06.2011 05:44pm)
Rose: Beautiful, beautiful and artistic! You are amazing! (10.11.2011 01:12pm)