We have a winner!!!
number 28 is… Heather Stockett!! Heather email me and we will set things up!! :)
I cannot thank all of you enough. I received the most amazing emails, FB messages, comments… you are all the most giving, lovely people!! It seems every time I choose to give I get so much more back… feels kinda like I am cheating!! I feel so blessed to be amongst a group like you. Thank you :)
I don’t normally use my blog to offer my opinion or go beyond the realm of sharing shoots and what they entail. Just the facts, ma’am… just the facts ;) A couple of things happened yesterday that got me thinking though. The kind of thinking that keeps you up til the wee hours and makes you really look at what you are doing.
I had a shoot yesterday with an amazing woman. She was there to ‘assist’ me (though I am not sure that is an accurate description when I was merely capturing all the amazingness she laid out in front of me). She is young, she had a thriving photography business, she has more talent in her pinky than I will ever have and she has chosen to use it all to help others. She could be keeping it all to herself: designing, creating, shooting amazing scenes, making a name for herself and catapulting to stardom… but she isn’t. Why? Well, she has decided to put her family first (Amen.) and she realizes the ego & energy & sacrifices it would take. So, she has decided that she will use her passion to create to help others fulfill their dreams. As she said “This is my time to help others, when I am ready to do it for myself, all this good will come back to me.” Ya know what though, I don’t even think she would care if it did. She is what is a truly and genuinely giving person (it isn’t a loan until you can give back… it is selfless).
She got me thinking. Thank you’s and giving shout outs to those that help you is all nice and well but if you aren’t using what is being giving you to make something bigger and help others… what is the point? There is only so much one person can store, only so far they can go… why keep it all to yourself? There is no legacy there… pay it forward, give it back… multiply it.
I don’t know exactly how this will play out or how I will do it right. I do know that I don’t want to die with my legacy being “She was a great photographer.” I want it to be the lives I touched, the differences in other peoples’ lives I made.
So I was thinking… maybe, instead of planning our acceptance speech and the list of people to thank, we should be trying to figure out how many people we can get up on the stage with us.
In light of trying to come up with some little small token this morning, I have decided to give away a spot at one of my workshops. Or, if you can’t make it to a workshop, a phone call-skype-session-coffee date- whatever! I definitely don’t have all the answer but I do have a few resources that might help one or two of you ;) You can see all the cities I am coming to here or if you want to stay in the comfort of you own home and chat, I’m totally down for that as well. Just leave me a comment or email or send me a FB message… tell me who you are, where you want to meet me and any ideas you have for giving back (there is this great blog but I’d love to hear your ideas as well!) I will throw everyone’s name in a hat and let you know by Friday (just in case you want in to Kansas City).
Let’s do it.
santa cruz | CA (ahh… blue skies and beach time right about now sounds pretty darn amazing)
megan russell: i have been a follower of your work for a long time and toyed with the idea of signing up for a mentor session, but as a mom of 5 haven't been able to make it. love your style lots and would love to learn from you! (03.26.2012 08:11pm)
kristine: i would love to meet and love your work. the way i give back is as a chapter director for flashes of hope. every image we take and provide to our familes is important and MEANS something. i want to be able to do more of this - and i hear you when you say you want to make a difference! (03.26.2012 08:17pm)
Gail Pomare: you know how much I love your work... but seriously I just wanna hang out wivchu! and I want it to be in NZ :) ... or Italia... or Big Sur.. or anywhere actually. (03.26.2012 08:19pm)
Nicole: I would love this opportunity to learn from you! I enjoy giving back...so much so that my husband keeps telling me to stop giving so much away. It's a part of me, though...I feel I've been blessed to be a blessing to others, and photography is something that I can share with others to make this a better world! (03.26.2012 08:41pm)
sara: Very well said Shannon! (03.26.2012 08:43pm)
Cara: Wonderful! Part of my focus this year is on giving back (in both organized and random ways... a impromptu session for a friend who could use a smile, joining an official charity, organizing my own series of mini sessions) I would love to be a part of one of your workshops... what an opportunity! (03.26.2012 08:47pm)
October: I just love your work! I would love to spend a day with you. In fact, my next workshop is going to be a mentoring session with you whether my name gets chosen or not. I really want to come out possibly next summer as a vacation (if you are still doing mentoring sessions) and bring my 2 girls as models...then ship them off with dad when we are not using them. I am all about pay it forward. Karma is real...what goes around comes around. :D (03.26.2012 08:48pm)
Trisha Jimenez: I love this! You have inspired me to give away a free mentor session as well! Paying it forward :) (03.26.2012 09:09pm)
Elizabeth Wallberg: I was very touched by this post and it's affirming to hear that so many people are willing to share their time and talent. It would be such a treat to brainstorm with you and no doubt I would be a better photographer as a result. Thank you for the opportunity! (03.26.2012 09:09pm)
Anna: Absolutely loved the post :) and glad I came across your site :) You are an amazing talent and a wonderful woman! (03.26.2012 09:09pm)
kaylley williams: I would love to meet you not only because I love your work but because like you Ive been thinking of simple ways to give back to my commnity. With moving locations as often as I do I want to be able to touch lives at the locations I go to. Im Kaylley, a maternity, birth and newborn photographer. :) (03.26.2012 09:11pm)
Stacy Johnson: I've been photographing on the side for over a year but would love to learn more from you, your work is amazing! I would attend any of your workshops (as close to IN as possible :) I have, and plan on continuing giving back to the residents of Henryville, IN who were devastated by a tornado a few weeks ago. Thank you so much for doing this! (03.26.2012 09:14pm)
Kimberly: I would love to do a skype session with you! I love your work! I am a photog in Houston, TX, a mom of 4, and I've been in business 3 years. I would die if I won! (03.26.2012 09:14pm)
Lexie: Wow, you are super amazing. The world would be such a nicer place if there were more people who subscribed to this philosophy. I try-but don't always succeed. Thank you for the chance at an opportunity to learn from you! (03.26.2012 09:15pm)
Heather Stockett: What an awesome post! And I totally love your message. You're so right about "paying it forward". I love this image, too. The colors are hopeful, like that of a rainbow. I would love to spend a day with you! I'm in Mississippi, so I know that's not close by. You rock! (03.26.2012 09:18pm)
Ginny: I. LOVE. THIS! I can't agree more. (03.26.2012 09:25pm)
Kathy: Amen!! You are so inspiring and I think of you as far more than simply a photographer. I love being able to connect with women - photographers, entrepreneurs, mothers, etc and support them. My entirely life I've been blessed with incredibly strong women and being able to help support them and let them know how truly beautiful they are. Regardless of their size, shape, color, age....all women are beautiful. I would love to meet you for coffee, since we are both in Portland area! (03.26.2012 09:25pm)
Kari Nichols: Yay!!!! What a fabulous idea... would've never come up with that one myself ;) I would love to see you work and learn from you in your natural surroundings, your studio/town... I think it would be fun to do a girl's wknd at your studio, whenever it would work out for you!!! I'm currently reading a book called "Dying To Be Me".. (darn good read if ur looking for one)... but it's put my life into perspective for me. I also recently read "Start Something That Matters" by the creator of TOMS Shoes. Another fabulous read! Why am I telling you about the books??? Because I also am trying to figure a way to incorporate the giving into my business....because it IS truly what matters!!!! ♥ ur work girl! (03.26.2012 09:32pm)
Carrie: Shannon...I love your work and would love to take part in the Chicago workshop! I am a new photographer and as much as I love the strides I've taken since officially "launching" last spring, the one sad part is I no longer have the time I used to to volunteer at the local children's hospital. Now that I'm more steady on my feet, business-wise, I'm hoping to get back to giving my time -- if not as a patient care volunteer than as a photographer for events or for portraits for the families that are going through stressful times with a sick child. (03.26.2012 09:33pm)
Meg: I want to work with now I lay me down to sleep. It's very touching program. I also give away complimentary shoots frequently to give everyone an opportunity to have portraits. (03.26.2012 09:34pm)
Sara Jane: Shannon!! Thanks for being inspiring.. I think I'll give away something today.. in hopes to inspire someone else to do them same.. You're amazing. Hands down one of my first blogs I check in the morning! Lots of love from Seattle! (03.26.2012 09:35pm)
BETHANY HEIN: Love this message! I am just now starting to give back. I am photographing 3 deserving seniors who otherwise could not afford to get their photos taken. Yesterday I just photographed a pageant. I think it's great to give back to the community in any way! I find that when I do sessions like these, I have the most fun! I hope other photographers will see this and be inspired to give back as well. I would love a skype session with you. Your work is so inspiring to me! (03.26.2012 09:38pm)
Dianne J.: This entry is so encouraging. I stumbled upon your blog via myfourhens. I've recently had the same thoughts too...where is all of this going if we are just doing it for ourselves? It's so exciting to see that there are others with the same mindset! Thank you for doing a giveaway. I would love to meet you in Chicago! I'm still trying to figure out a way to give on my end. I am a mother too and am realizing ore than ever how that takes first priority. (03.26.2012 09:49pm)
Katie: I would absolutely love a chance to learn from you. I would be available for Kansas City or Chicago but really I'd take anything you've got! I want to learn so much and there are not a lot of resources around my area. I give sessions to local auctions that support the school systems. It is a great way to give back to the community! (03.26.2012 09:49pm)
Christi: Ummm.... wow! Shannon... this is so sweet! Okay... so I guess I could write you and tell you how awesome you are or flatter you some other way.... but I'm pretty sure you're aware:) I would love to attend a workshop. I might need the lesson too. But I really know some people who need it much more than I do. I get emails pretty often asking for help from other beginning photographers. I think they would benefit from your expertise. It would give them the jump start that I had to slave for:) So.... if possible... I'd love to (given the chance and actually being selected to attend your workshop) give my spot to one of these struggling newbies. And one day.... when I am great and famous (haa) like you and Jose Villa;) I can give away seats to my workshops. I'm all about sharing the love! Glad to see I'm not alone!!!:) (and ps.... please don't post this comment, if you don't have too..... I don't want people to think I'm like brown nosing or something.) Thanks for being great. xx (03.26.2012 09:57pm)
sara f: Great post. Gets us all thinking. I'm not in photography for a business, but I want to be amazing for my family's benefit:) I love to help others grow in their photography and ultimately I'd like to offer newborn/family sessions for families in an assistance program. (03.26.2012 10:10pm)
Suzanne: I'm a Kindergarten teacher by day. Spending all day, every day sharing knowledge and wisdom, directing children to make good choices and giving advice, I find it very difficult to understand why people don't want to share what they have learned, in any field. I realize it's a competitive world out there, but why master something and acquire skills if you take them to your grave without sharing. I really appreciate the time and effort some photographers have taken to help me learn new skills and improve my talents. I would be honored to Skype (unless you're heading to Texas) and learn from you. (03.26.2012 10:21pm)
Dana Moran: Your work is absolutely lovely, what a great idea. Since I am california I would love a Skype session. I think a great idea would be to offer photoshoots to breast cancer patients with their families before they start chemo and lose their hair. (03.26.2012 10:30pm)
Aemee: Hi Shannon, I really loved reading this post. I am new to photography and would LOVE to meet you and learn from you. Two years ago when my kids turned 1 and 3, I decided to donate to a local domestic shelter. I had all my friends and family bring items that the shelter needed instead of gift's for my kids. Even though it makes me so sad to think of women and children being there, I hope that the toiletries and other items were somewhat helpful to them. This is something I would like to do again, as my kids are very fortunate and grateful for the things they do have. I would like to do something like this with my photography business one day. I loved reading everyone's comments! There are so many wonderful people out there :) (03.26.2012 10:39pm)
Aemee: *domestic violence shelter so sorry for the 2nd post, just wanted to fix my typo (03.26.2012 10:40pm)
Ria Green: Shannon, I am a huge fan!! I don't think you realise how much you already give... Thank you for being such an inspiration! I just want to say that this is awesome and I totally feel the same! I think someone out there will be very fortunate to spend time with you and I hold thumbs for that person!! (03.26.2012 10:56pm)
Alesa Larsen: Awesome! It would be amazing to take one of your workshops. (03.26.2012 10:58pm)
Britt McNamee: Shannon, you also give so freely of yourself...do not slight yourself - you are already much more than *just* a great photographer. I can't take a picture to save my life, and only have my old iphone as a camera, so a mentoring session would be wasted on me (and therefore I don't care to be included in the drawing), but I just wanted you to know you are appreciated. (03.26.2012 10:59pm)
chanda howald: Would LOVE to participate and give back! I love photographing children, in candid moments especially, and can usually get one even if it does require some creative instructing to get that look. I love anything vintage style,presets and action sets are so amazing! Nature, abstract, you name it I love it. And it's so awesome to share with someone how a little editing can make a bad picture into something truly amazing. Mostly, I love capturing precious moments and preserve them into memories. (03.26.2012 11:05pm)
kasandra: i'm already getting to see you in gatlinburg, tn ... so yay me! but had to say how much i love this post ... if we all gave just a little back, think of all that could be accomplished ... a little can really go a long way! (03.26.2012 11:08pm)
Alicia Quintanar: Shannon, I've had the same thoughts before that you've posted here. I went to college, got a very expensive education and learned from the best. Of course I'm not doing anything related to my field of study, but I love it. I love the opportunity I have as a military spouse to create memories for familes who spend countless days apart. I'm volunteer with my husband's battalion and am always trying to do what I can for the military community. But it's not enough. Merely having those thoughts is selfish. I keep them to myself. I want to give back in the way I know how to. With pictures. There are organizations that offer free sessions for families preparing for deployments, enduring deployments, and celbrating reunions. What more can there be? I think a lot. I think we can communicate the important of these photos better and I think we can pass on simply knowledge so that moms and wives can capture their every day lives in a way that will provide timeless piece of history for their families. A living biography. Can we help document the lives of some of this country's most selfless souls? (03.26.2012 11:09pm)
Jennifer: Thank you, what a beautiful post. Back in 1991 I graduated from Hallmark Institute of Photography. Since then I have had to boys...one with special needs/autism. He has brought many different paths that I have taken and my photography was put on the back burner. This past year he is doing better and I have been trying to get back involved but am struggling in confidence. I would love to photograph people and children with disabilities as I do for my son. Everyone deserves to have a beautiful picture of themselves or their loved ones without fear or judgement. (03.26.2012 11:32pm)
kelly tonks: I've admired your work for a while, I've been in portfolio building for a w h i l e and I'm having a grand opening this Spring. I am close to getting my style ans I wold love some over all help with that and general advice has I open at bigger prices. I would love a Skype type consult if I am lucky enough to be plucked from the hat. I've given back by hiring local highschool photography students come with me on shoots. I've lent them gear and help learn basic concepts. They I have given backby having the local high school photography students work with me on shoots. I help explain concepts for their class ans teach them what I'm doin g during a shoot. I (03.26.2012 11:32pm)
Tania: Great post! I'm not a pro photog but am slowly working towards becoming successful (just enough to help support my family, that's what I count as successful), and having time also to do shoots for girls (and boys) suffering low self-esteem/bullying. Because they don't truly believe their beauty or worth. (03.26.2012 11:51pm)
Kimberli Moffitt-Tsui: What a beautiful plan, Shannon. I gave a family session and all of the edited images to the family of one of my daughter's classmates. The mom had been diagnosed with breast cancer last year, and had been through so much since. I just found out about another mom of 4 young ones diagnosed with Leukemia. I will do the same for her family. It's great to provide beautiful images to our clients, but these families hit with difficult times cherish the memories even more. Thank you for the chance to win a workshop spot with you, but thank you even more for having a caring, giving heart. (03.26.2012 11:55pm)
Cortney: I love your blog. Actually, love your work. I love that your a mom, a teacher, a photographer, and yet still find a way to stay inspired to give to others. Thanks for sharing! Sometimes I think the internet sucks with the business we are in. Constant one uping eachother, forming clicks, making forums about the latest new techinque or workshop. HOLDING FREAKIN' CC FORUMS TO HELP YOU "GET BETTER". IT's nice to talk about giving back. I have forgotten what that means, I am just trying to keep up with the rest of this crowd. I miss being real. (03.27.2012 12:09am)
Mariann: Being 37 1/2 weeks pregnant (but who's keeping track?) with our 3rd, it's not possible for me to travel anytime soon. I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to do a skype mentoring! I love photography but I'm not a master of anything...expect maybe changing diapers and conversing with toddlers. But that's okay. It's pretty important stuff. (03.27.2012 12:36am)
Nicole Lubin: Great thoughts! Me Me, pick Me!!! (03.27.2012 12:52am)
brittany meng: I feel like I have been in a creative rut and would love to be uplifted and inspired from learning from you. I loved what that site had to say about leaving messages of hope on people facebooks or blogs. It is something so simple and takes so little effort but goes a long way. I know when I am feeling down, a nice note makes everything a little better. Thank you (03.27.2012 01:38am)
Lexi B: You are great to promote this kind of thinking! There are so many people in need! I am just a hobbyist, amateur, whatchamacallme. My main passion is capturing my own family's life. I would like to possibly come to Chicago. Perhaps with the knowledge I gain, I can give back by photographing a family with someone who is terminally ill or even someone's beloved family pet. I am a dog lover, and pets are with us for such a short time, yet are valuable family members nonetheless. (03.27.2012 03:18am)
Kelsey: I am ALWAYS inspired by people who give openly and effortlessly! It is one thing that you really can't get enough of. And it is so sweet of you to do your own giving! I would love a workshop spot! Sadly I'm in the PNW but I would love to someday join one of your mentoring group sessions! (03.27.2012 04:10am)
mary pantier: i love blog posts like this. i've struggled with giving into the creative gypsy in myself because i'm afraid that i would lose touch my family and lose sight of why i became INTENTIONALLY UNEMPLOYED. the why is this: i want every moment. i want it to sing in my cells, to soak in my memories, to breathe new life into every step i see my children take, both physical and emotional. so i want to be the best moment catcher, that's all. i shoot other families about 1x/month, and i want them to see their souls bared in these beautiful moments on "film". and i need help with that. i'm afraid to go there, and i need someone to hold my hand a little bit. or give me a good shove - whichever works best. :) (03.27.2012 04:32am)
Aubry Ramsey: WOW! I agree completely with your train of thought and I respect you for acting on it. I would be honored to learn from you. I am in the Houston area and would do what ever is easiest for you to allow me to pick your brain. :-) (03.27.2012 04:54am)
Steven: Hey Shannon, lovely post, just wanted to say I've learned a lot from your images and your blog as well as your episode on Framed Show. Much as I would love to attend one of your workshops I live in England so it's not too practical! Just wanted to say thanks for the inspiration. Cheers. (03.27.2012 09:27am)
Colette Horter: What a great idea and an awesome opportunity thanks! I have an IT background so I'm currently helping other togs with their websites/blog sites. :-) helping makes me happy and I do believe that it comes back to you! (03.27.2012 11:17am)
Kara Layfield: Shannon you have such an amazing heart... (03.27.2012 01:26pm)
David Clumpner: Would love to chat with you from Japan via Skype. I am doing a photo project this year of the important people on the tiny island (<500 people) where I live and I'm sure I could use some SS inspiration for spicing up my shoots. (03.27.2012 01:26pm)
Samantha K: What a wonderful opportunity! Something I'm hoping to get back into is working with animal rescues. I'd like to connect with at least one rescue to take photos of their adoptable pets for them because I firmly believe having a decent photo of an animal can cause people to give them a second glance. (03.27.2012 02:26pm)
dbaker: I think your work is giving back and inspiring. I would love to skype, workshop, or just have a chat with you. (03.27.2012 02:37pm)
Tiffany: I spent my summers in Santa Cruz and am not in MN, so far away. I saw this photo and the memories of riding these crazy rikity carriages in the sky came flooding back. This is beautiful! I will now begin exploring the rest of your work. (03.27.2012 04:53pm)
laurel: Shannon, Shannon, Shannon... you are an inspiration. Keep doing your thing girl :) . (03.27.2012 05:59pm)
Susanne: I love this!!! : ) (03.27.2012 07:39pm)
Andrea Child: Shannon, I would love to throw the name of a dear friend of mine, Alee Richards. Sometimes as a mother in the "trenches" what you for your family goes unnoticed and at times unappreciated. She really puts her whole heart into motherhood and does not think of herself. She really has a wonderful gift to create beautiful things and I think this workshop would really be a special treat to her. Thank you for giving Shannon. (03.27.2012 08:01pm)
frances: I follow your blog and look to it for inspiration both from the photos and your style. I'm a photo enthusiast, mom of two, amateur photographer at some of their school events, when I get lucky. I love your photos, and I hope that one day I will be able to take part in one of your mentoring sessions. For now let me say, that you have found a great idea and way to give back! (03.28.2012 01:58am)
Shauna: A beautiful post Shannon.....I'm so thankful to know you!!!! You don't need to put my name in a hat, seriously! I just want you to know I admire and respect you in every way!!! Best to YOU! (03.28.2012 02:43am)
Tracey: I think I just heard a God whisper-Today I had a bride tell me she has been diagnosed with terminal cancer her wedding is in October. She is 34 years old. I actually stopped today and prayed for God to tell me what to do. She booked me last September. I asked myself- Do I donate her profit to Gilda Club in her name? do I do her wedding for gratis? do I do a fund raiser? and so I just prayed "help me know what the right thing to do is"...Sat down here before going to bed and thought "let me see what Shannon is up to"... WOW got my answer--thanks for the God whisper Shannon- - Continued success in your journey. (03.28.2012 03:35am)
Misty: What a wonderful opportunity for one lucky person! Love your work. (03.28.2012 02:05pm)
Heidi Lawson: This would be a dream come true :). I would LOVE to come play in your studio with you ... I'm just up the road in Seattle, so I could make a day trip! As for making a difference? I spend every day hoping I am doing just that ~ particularly with my 5 kiddos. I'm trying to say yes more often. To play ponies. To volunteer at school. To listen. Some days I succeed. Some days ... not so much. I have also made a firm commitment to put them first and my photography second. To edit while they sleep or are away at school. Because nothing makes me feel so lousy as hearing them tell me I only have time for my camera! (03.28.2012 10:15pm)
Jennifer Morrison: Wow- a free mentoring session is such an amazing idea!! You are going to hugely impact one lucky person's life and career!! I always tell my children that no matter what stage of life we are in or how much money we have we need to give of ourselves what we can!! One little thing can change the entire course of someone else's life. It is such a huge blessing to be able to give away your time and talent to others.....I used to give away a GRAD session once a year to a student graduating who I knew couldn't afford descent Grad Photos. The student was always so gratefull which was nice but the feeling you get when you are able to help someone out is truly such an amazing feeling!! And when the end of my life comes I would rather be remembered for my generosity and love for mankind than to hear the words "She was a lovely and talented Photographer!!" By the way I Love your work - you have such an amazing eye for photographing children!! I would so love to one day be able to come to one of your courses. Keep up the great work and thanks for taking the time to make a difference in one lucky person's life!!!! (03.28.2012 10:36pm)
Tenley Clark: This would be AMAZING to win! I have been dying to attend one of your workshops and would love to go to Chicago! An idea I've been wanting to do to give back is to go to a children's hospital and photograph the terminal children. Unfortunately i cant stop whats happening to them but I want to ensure that those families have beautiful portraits of their children that will stay with them forever. (03.28.2012 11:24pm)
kortnee kasten: Just emailed you because I thought it might be too long here, but seriously this is incredible! Thank you for the opportunity & thank you for sharing!! (03.29.2012 03:30am)
Chrissi Richards: I'm now just a state away from Tennessee (in Little Rock, Arkansas), so that would be a great get-away. As a member of a military spouses group (photographers and otherwise), I have been inspired at the Unconditional Giving I see in this community. I would love to come-up with brain-storm some ideas to contribute in new ways. Little Rock also has some deep history (Little Rock 9) and I would love to add to the change for good that is happening here. Thanks for the chance! :) (03.29.2012 04:24am)
Pam Burke: I could not see the cities when I clicked on the link but I would love to meet you and learn from you, whether it be in person or via Skype. I am a late bloomer and have started my business to escape from my 8-5 job. I also would like to leave the world a bit better. My family has experienced so much loss and we have regrets of not taking more photos together before death claimed my brother and nephew in a car accident. If there is anything I can do as a photographer to encourage people to take the time to capture those moments, then I feel as if I have done well. Thanks for the opportunity! (03.30.2012 12:58am)
K_Grace: Great post and I would love to learn from your awesomeness!!! (03.30.2012 02:36am)
Natalie: great post Shannon. Can't wait to meet you tomorrow :) (03.30.2012 01:43pm)
Janine: I really,really need this mentoring and I am just crossing my fingers that I get chosen. I am an aspiring children/family photographer and still a bit clueless about a bunch of important things. I came across your website last week and of all the photographer's I've seen, yours is the one I fell in love with. I live in Los Angeles though but I think that's okay right? Thanks for doing this. I visited your blog just in time. (04.02.2012 10:37pm)
Jess: Shannon you will not pass as the "she was a great photographer" you are already way more than that. That's why I LOVE you so much. (04.05.2012 07:46pm)
sarah oconnor: Wow, what an awesome thing to do. I am in Kansas City and would love to come to the workshop if my name is drawn. I've been wanting to start giving away a free session every year to a family that has a terminally ill relative so that they can have one last good family photo at a place that they are comfortable like their home or favorite spot. You have inspired me to get on the ball already! (05.22.2012 08:21pm)
I’ve been playing with the new clothing line a bit and I thought it would be fun to show you all the ideas I have for wearing the Lace Shift with Flare Dress (my favorite piece of the day). I would say this is our most versatile piece. It comes with a Flare Dress in your color choice (or choices if you add a second Flare) but it goes way beyond… I love that you can take any tank or dress from her closet and completely change the color scheme and look… you can dress it up (like we did in our Wander photo shoot) or dress it down for every day. Now… to figure out how to make it fit me… ;)
AND… If you purchase it (or any other Wander piece) by March 25th, you can use coupon code “laceshift15″) for 15% off your purchase!!
jeramie ritchie: I LOVE your new line! It fits this age group perfectly!! Well done! OH...and naturally the photography is spot on!!!! Way to go on everything and big congrats on a splendid job!!!!! (03.22.2012 03:28pm)
Kathy: Oh, LOVE the lace! So much fun and girly without being over the top! (03.26.2012 09:26pm)
A lovely day with one of my favorite little models… we headed out for a few minutes to do product shot for Maya’s Curls (& to play at the playground of course) ;)
The Marah Flower Clip
The Rainbow Ruffles Flower Clip
hair: Michelle Elliott
hair accessories: Maya’s Curls
vancouver | WA
Quick note: This is the last day to get the early registration price on the Gatlinburg TN workshop. Sign up here!!
I was contacted a while back by a new publication, The Fort, to do a feature for their magazine. The premise… “An imaginative and adventurous photography magazine showcasing boys in their element”. How fun is that? Their goal is to show you that photographing boys is an amazing experience filled with imagination and adventure. I couldn’t agree more…
They asked me to share some of my favorite boy images and a little bit of the why & how behind my shoots with the little men. The issue just premiered… take a peak :)
If you don’t see the issue of The Fort below, refresh your page!
Jacob Venard: Awesome and fun! Hope this publication is still around when my 5 month old boy Leighton is a little older. (03.15.2012 08:16pm)
Laura: Shannon, thank you for being in this issue, we loved featuring your work!! Thanks so much for helping us promote The Fort! You ROCK!!! :) (03.15.2012 08:39pm)
Heather Stockett: Oh. My. WORD!!!!! That's me!!! (03.30.2012 02:45pm)
Kathy: Congratulations Heather! I hope you have so much fun with the amazingness that is Shannon! (03.30.2012 06:28pm)
Kari Nichols: Congrats Heather!!! What a learning experience it will be ♥ Here's to a fabulous workshop weekend for you... CHEERS!!!! (03.31.2012 01:15am)