Pretty sure this is my favorite session I’ve ever done. I was giddy as I was building the set… each layer of white undersea adventure just made me smile bigger & bigger. White is my absolute favorite ever so to be able to do something like this is soooo up my alley (I would probably decorate in complete white if I could somehow make it work. yep- I’ve even gone so far as to have a white family room couch. 2 kids and all.. totally worth it). Then these vintage swim caps… *sigh* I wanted to buy ALL of them- every style, every color. Too tooo cute (can we bring this style back- please?). Then let’s add to this amazingness that I got to wear my bikini as my shoot attire. Honestly couldn’t have told you during the shoot if I was at a pool party or a crazy-fun-cute photo session… that, my friends, is what you call work ;)
So what do you do when one of your fellow photographer friends has a beyond cute little girl? You steal her away for some studio time of course ;)
PhotoDude: thank you thank you!! jess had so much fun and she loves the pics :) :) and boy, that was one huge softbox in that studio... (07.29.2010 10:12pm)
shannon: the licorice one, where she's biting down so harshly: love it. --janice (07.29.2010 10:24pm)
Jennifer Guenther: I LOVE this!!! How creative and fun! Awesome job!! (07.30.2010 06:29am)
Laurie Terry: Absolutely darling images! Love LOVE love the cute variety and your fun backdrop design. (07.30.2010 07:01am)
Lesley: Oh my goodness, these are just adorable! You amaze me every single time! Question, is this in your house or do you rent a space? (07.30.2010 09:05am)
Darcie Elliott: That was such a fun session! I love it! Did you make that set yourself? What a creative shoot, I just love Jess, she is such a doll, you captured her spirit:) (07.30.2010 09:15am)
Jenifer Johnston: Oh my goodness. How adorable these turned out. THe descrption beforehand didn't do them justice. I am so excited to see the finished product. A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E. (07.30.2010 09:29am)
Susan Dodd: So wonderful!!! Great, great, great!! (07.30.2010 10:01am)
Sheryl: That is too fun!!! (07.30.2010 11:12am)
Heather Georger Round Rock, TX Photographer: The creativity in these is outstanding! Love the setup! (07.30.2010 03:15pm)
zalaine: On top of being beyond beautiful, she looks like a keeper to me! What energy and spunk she has and you, just take it one step farther. Love, love the blue. Uber cool, my friend! (07.30.2010 04:03pm)
kristin cook: A-DOR-A-BLE!!! What magazine should these be in??!! (07.30.2010 08:23pm)
Paige Butcher: Oh wow...you're awesome :) These are gorgeous! (07.30.2010 09:23pm)
Evie Perez: Seriously, girl you are fantastic!!!! I am loving this session. I love your creativity :) You must come to Atlanta :) (07.31.2010 04:54pm)
Chrissi Richards: Shannon, you are magical. great job. (07.31.2010 11:56pm)
Hannie: WOW!! You did it again!! These pictures are sooooo cute. You must have spend a complete day on putting together the background. It looks absolutely superb. (08.01.2010 05:09am)
AmyC: Wow! How do you always stay so inspired? It's always something fun, beautiful, heart warming....whatever it is you feel it. Love it all. (08.01.2010 10:02am)
wrecklessgirl: she is my dream daughter. (08.01.2010 11:56pm)
jennie gaskins: ADORABLE!!! (08.02.2010 02:13pm)
Angela Hubbard: LOVE (08.02.2010 10:46pm)
Jeana: So I love, love, love the candy shots (just the other day I was thinking of a photo shoot like this). I love your work! (08.02.2010 10:52pm)
Corey Sewell: Love, love, LOVE these! She is adorable and the background is too cute! (08.06.2010 06:06pm)
Yana K: I love the clean + colorful look to all your images! And the props are spot on perfect! Now I know where to come for inspiration:) (08.06.2010 11:18pm)
Becky: Out of this world!! These pics make me SMILE! (08.12.2010 02:59pm)
Andi Diamond: LOVE the creativity in these. So unique! Stunning! (09.02.2010 03:11am)
sarah wheeler: these are totally totally amazing! beatutiful work, thanks for making me smile :) (09.08.2010 10:33pm)
Knuckleheads/Hula Mula catalog shoot @ the PIR
portland | OREGON
Jeannine: Love it! It's like you went to a car show and picked some kids out of the crowd --love how the outfits coordinate with the cars! (07.14.2010 03:09pm)
AmyC: OMG!!! I've said it time and time again, but you ROCK! I'm always amazed and inspired by your work! (07.14.2010 04:35pm)
zalaine: Too cool for school! There was a big car show in Boise last weekend and I thought, I don't need to go...I was wrong, Great inspiration and what a great shoot with the kids. Outstanding, just outstanding! (07.14.2010 05:07pm)
Yuka photo art: I love these photographs....sooo cute! (07.14.2010 07:06pm)
julieB: Just so so so soooooooo cooooool! Really! Gosh I'd love to pick your brain but you live way to far. I'm such a fan! (07.14.2010 09:12pm)
Jenny: i love these! that one boy looks like a little Corey Feldman! (07.15.2010 09:04pm)
Rose: This is sooooo amazing! Love all the photos, and the kids are such cuties! Their outfits are amazing and their personalities are bubbling! (07.15.2010 11:19pm)
ray: cutest thing I've seen in a long time! (07.16.2010 07:22am)
gina g: i wanted to drop the F-bomb but seeing as this a toddler post i'll resist. and just say, This is BANANAS!!!!!!!!!!!! =D xx (07.17.2010 03:36am)
Becky: oh wow! These are fantastic! Love all the colors! That little girl sitting in the No Respect van is beyond cute!! (07.19.2010 05:06am)
Kara Layfield: Super cute Shannon!! Very cool clothes!! (07.19.2010 08:01am)
ajja: i adore the look on the two boys faces in the red car....and that huge ol' gash on the elbow of the boy just gives it so much character! cool. (07.19.2010 09:36am)
ryan: cute kids and awesome cars (07.19.2010 09:57pm)
elizabeth pellette: oooo love these.. so great Shannon.. (07.21.2010 06:04am)
Kelly: Super cute as always - I adore that wagon shot. (07.21.2010 06:58pm)
Another playdate for me! Sunny, Erin and I did the coffee shop thing, then the shoot thing and, of course, the lots ‘n lots of talk, talk, talk thing. They are two women after my own heart- navigating the family/photography thing. We are all in that ‘mom with camera’ category.. pushing ahead.. making a name & feeding our creative spirits.. I love that we have this. I love that I get to form friendships with women like this. Love it all…
Shauna: So funky and adorable!!! The details are wonderful as just what we expect from you!!! =) (07.03.2010 07:24am)
elizabeth pellette: love these especially the ones with the trunk and mirror.. awesomeness Shannon (07.03.2010 07:56am)
Erin: I wanna be in the cool kids' club :( I'm across the river in Vantucky (I shoot mostly newborn babies) and I don't know a single other photographer. Stumbled across your blog. You are an inspiration. -E (07.03.2010 04:27pm)
Erin: Wait, you're in Vancouver too? Oh em gee. I wanna be you when I grow up. :) (07.03.2010 05:07pm)
Tami: The lipstick heart on the mirror is my favorite! (07.04.2010 11:50am)
lesley: *sigh...j'adore! (07.04.2010 12:49pm)
Rose: Looove the ones in the mirror. So beautiful. Beautiful play-date. And cute boots. ;) (07.05.2010 03:26am)
Sunny: Love the shots you got. I am FINALLY getting to import mine right now. Yeah. A whole week later. Just ADORE the BW with her leaning back in the chair. Thanks for a super fun day and....YOU, my friend, are a great listener. :) (07.05.2010 02:42pm)
Kate Craft: beautiful as always ....love your work (07.05.2010 10:11pm)
Vickey Weiss: cute as can be! (07.06.2010 11:43am)
jennie gaskins: LOVE the little details...furry balloon strings, red lipstick on mirror, the change up from pink shoes to army boots and gloves!! VERY NICE!!! (07.07.2010 04:48am)
Whitley Pollet: Wow Shannon!!! I love these!!! I feel like I say that everytime I leave you a comment, but it is true every time!! (07.07.2010 01:33pm)
brittany mitchell: hey , shannon u did awsome on thes pics and who ever this model is she is beautiful lol great job !!!!!!!!!!;) (07.07.2010 09:13pm)
Carrie: You never cease to amaze me!! I guess I will just have to fly over to you and try and soak up some of your awesomeness!! (07.08.2010 01:30am)
Laura Morita-Yeun: LOVE those mirror ones. I just love your styling and creativity. Gorgeous! (07.08.2010 07:10pm)
Kara Layfield: Love your use of props, creative angles and perspective!! Looks like a fun shoot!!! (07.13.2010 07:16am)
Corey Sewell: Love the colors and the different props. So much fun! (07.13.2010 03:47pm)
Jenny: so cute! i might crash your 'coffee talk' next time! ha! no really, i'm not so far away anymore, would love to see you! (07.15.2010 09:02pm)
So something that not a whole lot of people know is that I actually went to school to become a teacher. I thought it would be the most fun a person could possibly have at work… giggles, playing, teaching eager little minds. Yep… Then I actually got a job that involved being a teacher for 4 & 5 year olds. Umm… yeah. In case you weren’t aware- children that age aren’t always the most eager participants in anything that doesn’t involve their own plans. There was lots of corralling, lots of ‘we don’t do that here’ & lots (‘n lots ‘n lots) of snotty noses.
Needless to say, I lasted 3 weeks at that job & I admitted defeat. I am no match against 18 three-and-a-half foot tall humans- LOL. Fast forward a few years and I discover photography. Children’s photography. And I think to myself… ‘well, that works! I mean all those psych & human development classes will give me a leg up here :)’ I have to say… it has. I have loved it. In the last couple of years though I have started mentoring. And I feel like I have found my calling. I get to teach & share with people that want to be there AND I still get to play (yep- pure play.. no lesson plans, no itineraries, just fun) with kids.
Why am I telling you this story? Cause I am still basking in the high from today. Another day, another fabulous new photographer friend & another shoot with a beyond cute kiddo. And I am feeling that everything happens for a reason and that my paths have led me to just the place I am supposed to be.
LJ and I hung out today (I wish I was half as smart/prepared as she is starting her business) talked shop & did a little bit of this…
thank you so much guys… it was fabulous :)
portland | OREGON
gina g: shut up, shut up, shut up shut up .... SHUT.UP. =) I mean this is the most wonderful of ways ... this is what i was repeating to myself as i scrolled down and these gorgeous, adorable photographs began to reveal themselves. what a gift you have... I'm so glad you're not teaching snotty nose kids! xoox #inspired (06.27.2010 09:13am)
Amy C: Best of both worlds! These are beautiful!! (06.27.2010 05:35pm)
Chrissi Richards: so good. really so good. (06.27.2010 08:13pm)
lesley: oh my gosh Shannon, seriously?!! These are just simply awesome, and those cats! Again, amazing! Umm...when can I mentor with you?! :D Seriously... (06.27.2010 10:18pm)
Misty: That picture of the kitten on the top right is killing me. SO DANG CUTE! Love the whole shoot! Amazing as usual! (06.27.2010 11:21pm)
Sunny: HEY! The yarn balls turned out GREAT! :) Love it! See ya in the AM. And FYI....I got my teaching degree too! K-8 from WSU. GO COUGS! HA! (06.27.2010 11:48pm)
Rose: Magnificent! Love the tones, the light... amazing. And the kittens? Totally love. Wonderful session. Soooo cute and girlie! (06.28.2010 02:23am)
Tj: Beautiful work Shannon. (06.28.2010 07:40am)
amy: Dude, my cat Paris wanted me to tell you that those are her babies she never had! I am in awe of this shoot, what a talent you are! LOVE IT!!! Seriously, where are those kittens from, I want to add to my persian brood! (06.28.2010 08:11am)
Vickey Weiss: so purrrrdy! (06.28.2010 08:37am)
stacyZ: wow just gorgeous! Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous!!!! (06.28.2010 09:58am)
Dina: love tracing the path your life has taken...you are certainly utilizing all your God given gifts here, girl! :) so, where are you traveling to soon to offer these mentoring sessions?? near me, asap?! (06.28.2010 10:30am)
Corey Sewell: These are gorgeous and so much fun! Love the colors and the "theme"! (06.28.2010 11:59am)
Gail Zeak: OMG, Shannon, I love these! Incredible! Those kittens are so adorable and so is the model! (06.28.2010 04:06pm)
Kelly: in awe as usual - just love how you style your shoots Shannon! (06.28.2010 06:51pm)
Jeana: THESE ARE GORGEOUS!!! I love the concept and everything about them. You are amazing! (06.28.2010 08:27pm)
kyla: If my photography could marry yours - I would DEFINITELY marry yours! That was NOT meant to be creepy. I just simply ADORE every post and would DIE from sheer happiness to be mentored by you! I have my fingers crossed for someday! (06.28.2010 09:30pm)
PhotoDude: me wanna play. (06.28.2010 11:51pm)
stephanie mcbride: seriously stop it. blown' away again:) (06.29.2010 02:24am)
zalaine: Oh my! Turquoise, white and black...what a combo. The textures just jump out at your. These two lovelies are adorable and you just make thme shine, like always. Beautifully done and summer inspiring... (06.29.2010 03:56am)
julie brazeau: omg,omg,omg.sooo cool! You are the coolest! (06.29.2010 10:35am)
Hillary: Love these pictures. The colors are soooo incredible and the kitten is just too cute! (06.29.2010 12:55pm)
janice: stunning. i think this is my favorite shoot of your's to date. i know!! that's a lot for me to say, since i've followed you since the very beginning AND since i am your biggest fan...but, i love set and the girl and the color. i must say - the color is superb....thanks for being amazing, shannon. you bring a smile to my face and a bit of art into my life on a regular basis... --janice (06.29.2010 05:46pm)
jennifer: well by golly you've done it again...steller photos. love 'em. (06.30.2010 06:03am)
Jenny: i know this is probably getting REAL old but you are amazing! um, the kitten? stinkin cute! i still want to do a shoot with you but am CHICKEN! :-) (06.30.2010 08:29am)
Tami: Wow, I had to look like three times to figure out if those kittens were real...I am kinda slow sometimes. They are so cute, great concept with the yarn. I used to have cats when I was a kid, and now we just have a dog, but this has got me thinking :) PS I didn't know you went to school to become a teacher but it makes sense. You are great at sharing your knowledge with others. (06.30.2010 10:12am)
cindy: Since your titles for your blog posting are song lyrics, here are mine for you: “There are many things that I would like to say to you but I don't know how.” I also like this line: “I love you like a fat kid loves cake.” (06.30.2010 10:56am)
elizabeth pellette: Oh Shannon.. these are incredible.. wow.. and we just got a kitten like that recently.. whoohooo (07.03.2010 07:58am)
oneshotbeyond: happiness is THIS shoot! (07.05.2010 10:00pm)
christina: gorgeous photos and I'm gushing over how adorable those kittens are! (07.07.2010 12:28am)
Kara Layfield: Seriously amazing!! Inspiring and creative!! Shannon....I think you have found your calling!!! Doesn't it feel good to find your place in this big ole world! (07.13.2010 07:19am)
Angela Hubbard: stunning .. as per usual (08.02.2010 10:44pm)
Jennifer Leigh: Beyond CUTE! Your sets are always amazing. (08.02.2010 10:44pm)
Jeana: Amazing. I love everything about these images! You are inspiring!!! I (08.02.2010 10:51pm)
Tracy Brusseau: Shannon~fabulous, adorable and brilliantly creative...so much fun! (08.02.2010 11:10pm)
Anna: AhhhhhhhHHHH! Shannon. Shannon! There aren't words. :) (08.02.2010 11:36pm)
kristin cook: I am so impressed w/ your set building and styling of your shoots :) Those swim caps are fab. Love the close up w/ her in the big glasses. So cute. (08.03.2010 06:03am)
AmyC: Sigh.....Absolutely adorable :) (08.03.2010 06:09am)
Susan Dodd: Ok, lets see. I'm running out of adjectives. So, I'll just say WOW!! Love them all, but really, the one in the green tube...looking down on her...perfect! (08.03.2010 06:35am)
donya: You create absolutely perfect images. I love it. Seriously. So much talent! (08.03.2010 07:34am)
Paige Butcher: Love these! Makes me want to be a kid again :) (08.03.2010 07:54am)
Dana :): you, my friend, have an overflowing imagination. These last two shoots are so awesome. You put so much of yourself into your work. It is soooooo worth it. and, I am in tears after reading your giving is awesome post. wow. giving is awesome. (08.03.2010 08:08am)
zalaine: Oh, these are just too cha cha! Light, airy, girly and summery. That purple cap, I would wear out and about. It is totally FABULOUS! Another hit out of the park, my friend. Love, love it! (08.03.2010 12:00pm)
Lesley: Oh my gosh, again Shannon! I'm running out of words to describe you and your work! Just simply lovely and I love the lighting of the studio shots! (08.03.2010 12:56pm)
Bunn Salarzon: I haven't visited in a while -- I'm loving these images! Great concept, Shannon! (08.03.2010 01:31pm)
gina g: singing* "my name is shannon and i know what i got!!!" uh uh uh !! =D these are fantastic ! (08.03.2010 02:14pm)
Hannie: Absolutely fantastic! Love the one with the sunglasses. It's really high fashion! You did it again, you have inspired me. Thank you for your magnificant images. You amaze me with every blog you post. (08.03.2010 02:33pm)
Kristie: From head to toe, these are fabulous!! You are so crazy talented!! (08.03.2010 02:53pm)
stephanie: These are friggin' phenominal. No other way to say it than that ;-) (08.03.2010 03:01pm)
Christine Pobke: what a CLEVER CLEVER SHOOT!!!!!!!! shannon, i'm totally with you - this is one of my FAVES! LOVES IT! :) (08.03.2010 07:37pm)
Kelly Beane: Oh this shoot is totally 100% fabulous! Genius work as usual Shannon! (08.03.2010 08:35pm)
Jeannine: Love the shots by the pool! The towel one is my fav! (08.03.2010 09:42pm)
Corey Sewell: These are too cute! The vintage caps make me smile. (08.06.2010 05:58pm)
Jenifer Johnston: ummm love it. love it some more. and love it some more. and p.s. the new blog is awwwdorable. so glad to see it finished after watching you work on it for so long. (0; (08.06.2010 10:32pm)
Natan: Wooooow!!!! Amazing!!! (08.06.2010 11:37pm)
lroah: Stunning. :) (08.07.2010 05:44am)
stephanie mcbride: ASTOUNDING!!!!!! i agree. bring it all back. and too love white. i have two white couches. unfortunately with four kids and the mud in oregon... i had to retire them to the basement ...sigh. love everything you do Shannon. BRILLIANT! (08.07.2010 03:00pm)
Sunny: So fun. Love the indoor twist. This is sooo much like what I had in my head. I'm glad someone has the motivation to actually pull off their ideas! :) These turned out perfectly!!! (08.08.2010 05:58am)
julie brazeau: omg omg omg...you are soooo my idol! so, so, so my idol! (08.08.2010 11:27pm)
Debra: Thanks so much for taking the time to post a comment. I just found your website today and fell completely in love with it. Your work is completely inspirational and utterly original. (08.09.2010 03:35am)
cindy: what what!?!?!? FUN in the SUN. i want these shiny happy people photos hanging up in my house. (08.09.2010 04:51am)
Chrissi Richards: Shannon, you never disappoint. love. (08.09.2010 09:53pm)
Kara Layfield: Love the look of your blog...so perfectly you!! These are insane Shannon!! I love everything about them!! Did you really put your camera underwater??!!! (08.11.2010 06:36pm)
elizabeth pellette: Ohhh Love these .... each and every one (08.11.2010 11:48pm)
Becky: Oh my goodnes!! CUTENESS! LOVE that second last shot and the ones on the beach towels and ALL the rest!! (08.12.2010 02:57pm)
Stacia: Brilliant. (08.12.2010 10:24pm)
Shona: How did I miss this - love it!!! (08.14.2010 01:30am)
Sirma Imada: I love it!! so beautiful and expressive..you're so talented shannon :) (08.14.2010 12:59pm)
Rachelle Combs: Where sis you get the hats from they are soooo cute :) -Rachelle (08.14.2010 09:01pm)
Mary Hambleton: Thank you for the beautiful picture of my beautiful granddaughter -- Baylee:) (08.15.2010 05:03am)
Charity Ashworth: Absolutely adorable! This is truly amazing! Good Job, Lady! (08.16.2010 05:57am)
Carrie: I love how you say "building the set" like it is no big deal! Geez, I wish I could build something half as good as this, but then I would require all that creativity and talent you have tucked away inside you!! The images are just as amazing! Oh, and where is your bikini pic?? (08.16.2010 09:29am)
Kara Wieler: Oh my gosh! These are absolutely adorable and SO much fun! Your creativity knows no bounds. I'm in awe! (08.17.2010 03:39am)
Alesa: I love how you captured their innocence and youth. Looks like it was so much fun. Beautiful Pictures!! (08.23.2010 03:16am)
jackie: AAAAHHHHH! These are SO fun! I just love em'!!! (08.24.2010 05:39am)
jen springer: omigosh i am giddy just LOOKING at these!! sooooo darn cute! love the bubbles. you are tooooo good! (08.27.2010 04:32am)
Hillary: These look like something one would see in American Girl Magazine (one of my faves as a child). Your pictures are beautiful and inspirational. Love them! :) (08.28.2010 11:31pm)
dreamy Princess: the girls seemed have a lot of fun! (09.03.2010 09:21am)
sarah wheeler: what a fantastic session shannon, i love these! you are fabulous my dear ;) (09.08.2010 10:30pm)