August was about travel.. new experiences.. miles upon miles with just four wheels to take me where I needed to go. It was a good month. A great month. A month that I would put on repeat in my iTunes for hours on end if i could.
I tried to breathe in each moment, travel light & SEE. My iPhone was my main camera…
with some polaroids thrown in for good measure…
(my Instaback is horribly temperamental but this trip is was absolute perfection except for the four images I took at the border of Area 51… hmmm… true story)
And, of course, there was some real camera time to be had. I stopped in Carlsbad to hang out with Renee. We had a quick 4 hours to talk, talk, talk & a mini-session (gotta do that)…
and MORE…
deserts | NEVADA
southern | CALIFORNIA
I had a perfect weekend last week… hung out with a fabulous group of girls (hosted by one of my fav’s… Stephanie). We talked about forging new business paths, feeding our inspiration, finding the guts to bushwhack our own paths in this awesome little photo journey. Oh yeah.. and we took some pictures too ;) Thank you ladies… can’t wait to see your images!
salt lake city | UTAH
Hillary: These pictures are so fun! I love the country theme, and especially the horses! (08.22.2010 06:34am)
Rianne: I like this photo's.. (08.22.2010 10:41am)
Sarah: Love these! And I love, love, love the lace top on the girl with the dark hair and turquoise head band! (08.22.2010 12:08pm)
Rose: Love these... :D So fresh and wonderful! The girls are amazing! Great job Alex!! :) (08.22.2010 06:19pm)
zalaine: Ohhhh...mames me want to run out and get a stampede full of red scarfs! Rocking the house, my friend, rocking the house. (08.23.2010 03:12pm)
Lesley: super super cute!! (08.23.2010 03:47pm)
jennie gaskins: SO fun!! LOVE the country/western theme!! (08.23.2010 04:51pm)
Laura: these turned out amazing!!! (08.23.2010 10:37pm)
Stephanie McBride: Shannon, these images are gorgeous. these black and whites are stunning. I'm still amazed by your creative talent and so humbled that you are willing to spend time teaching those who want to walk in your footsteps. you're the best :) loved seeing you again :) (08.25.2010 04:53am)
Jill: You are so inspiring. Your images are amazing!!! I love your style. It was so fun to watch you shoot and see a true master at work. Thanks for such a great day filled with lots of helpful info too. (08.25.2010 05:02pm)
R.Alvord: Love the pictures! I am glad that you enjoyed your visit. It was so great to meet you. I can't wait to move and implement all the things you taught! (08.25.2010 05:22pm)
Jennifer: Wowsers. Dang you're good at this! Love 'em. (08.26.2010 03:07am)
karen: These are beautiful...thanks so much for taking the time to answer every question and concern! You are amazingly talented and I learned so much from you ! I am totally coming to shoot with you in your home town sometime.....You rock :) (08.26.2010 07:15pm)
Janee: Geez...these are AWESOME! I love your style C: (08.28.2010 03:59am)
Becky: My goodness! These are so gorgeous! Looking at your pictures always make me just want to pick up my camera and run out and work at getting better. Such an inspiration!!! (08.29.2010 05:35pm)
Evie Perez: Ahh I am so jealous!!!!! Girl these are amazing!!! You are always blowing my socks off. I love your creativity. You go girl :) (08.31.2010 01:52am)
Dreamy Princess: Totally in love with this pics!!:D (09.03.2010 09:06am)
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 ;)
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)
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)
For the past couple of Christmas’ I have participated in ‘Giving is Awesome’. It’s as simple as people nominating other deserving people for a free photo session. You can only imagine the incredible letters I get… when I read these words this year, I knew I had found the family I wanted to photograph:
“…She treasures photos as art. She also now realizes the true value of a photo because her husband, also a soldier, was killed in Afghanistan at the end of August 2009. She has three children…all under 4. Two sons and their daughter was only 2 weeks old when her husband died…he was never able to hold her.
Her attitude through the whole process of finding her new normal has been amazing. She is an amazing example of a gold star wife. I know she has days where it is hard for her to catch her breath when she thinks of what life has handed her, but she has handled everything with such style and grace.
I know she would truly value the gift of art she could receive through this program. In no way would it replace John…or her photos or memories of him. But it would simply symbolize her new journey that she started with her children without her husband, John.”
I was born on a military base, I grew up with a parent in the Service, I married a military man… the military lifestyle is very familiar to me. I know the sacrifices… still- absolutely nothing prepares you for reading those words. John gave his life for our country. His LIFE. And there, to make their way without him, are Lisa and their three beautiful children. It only took a couple emails back & forth for me to see that every word written about her was true. She is an inspiration & example for us all…
“John’s a rock star and he’s my husband… He’s the foundation of this new path we’re traveling. I’m scared, but I know where we’re coming from is solid. I know he’s waiting for us on the other side… so for now, we just get through and try to laugh and smile as much as possible, knowing that the goodness of John lies behind us, in us, and before us…” The week we met was particularly a momentus one… it was homecoming for everyone that served with John in Afghanistan. As Lisa wrote: “This week everyone has their homecoming pictures and stories… everyone is beautiful for their husbands with their adorable children holding their welcome home signs… I long so very much to have my own pictures of us welcoming home John… because of what those pictures represent… the life that we are supposed to be having now…. We don’t get our welcome home pictures, but I am so glad that we will have special family pictures from this week. It seems fitting.”
I left that photo shoot feeling so blessed that she was brought into my life.. so blessed FOR my life…
I am so happy to be able to show you these photos…
this one cracks me up.. cause- yes… we all have those kinda days…
this makes my heart just melt… doesn’t matter if you’re wearing your best polka dot dress, get down in the grass & wrestle cause moments like this can never be replaced…
Jamie Sampson: The photos are beautiful. She is lovely. The kids are perfect. I cried as I read the post. (07.27.2010 03:50pm)
Natalie Clayshulte: These make my heart smile. What a beautiful family!! (07.27.2010 04:02pm)
AmyC: Oh my! You've done it again. I believe you outdo yourself every time :) What an amazing story of strength and courage. They are truly blessed to have such beautiful images to treasure for life! Images of their new normal, new family life. I don't even think I can pick a favorite, but that one of baby girl with the boys on either side...priceless....hilarious!!What a beautiful family. (07.27.2010 04:03pm)
Shauna: I'm in tears. What a beautiful lady, beautiful spirit, and even more beautiful attitude. God bless her and her family! Thank you for your gift to us!!! xo (07.27.2010 04:45pm)
Tina Wrona: Crying right now. Beautiful. Beautiful in every way. (07.27.2010 04:46pm)
Lesley: Oh my goodness, what fabulous portraits! I'm in love with her sitting by her dad's gear...just simply precious! (07.27.2010 04:54pm)
kristin cook: What a fabulous gift you were able to give them....such a blessing. *tears* (07.27.2010 04:57pm)
Heather Mann: completely beautiful. (07.27.2010 05:31pm)
Cari Enticknap: What a beautiful, heartbreaking, incredible story. She is an amazing woman, and they are a gorgeous family. As always, your images are stunning perfection. I can't pick a favorite. My heart and prayers go out to this lovely and strong family... (07.27.2010 05:45pm)
zalaine: OH Miss S, you have outdone yourself this time. From frolicking in the grass to Little Miss Sweet Thang with her daddy's gear. You have captured them perfectly and given them a stunningly, beautiful gift. Welcome Home John! (07.27.2010 05:51pm)
Jeannine: Amazing gift! Truely amazing photography as always. Prayers and blessings out to this family! (07.27.2010 06:11pm)
Shannon White: Wonderful!!! They are a beautiful family very deserving of images showing happiness and hope for the future. Though each soldier, cop & firefighter do what they do for a paycheck, they are aware it is at risk of losing their lives. I hope the day never comes that I lose my husband to some stupid individual with a gun at a traffic stop. Grace, happiness & love always triumph. (07.27.2010 06:16pm)
Kelly: Gorgeous Shannon...the words, the photos, the family and your gift. (07.27.2010 06:35pm)
Susan Dodd: Fabulous....just FABULOUS!!! (07.27.2010 06:48pm)
Josh Solar: Thanks for making me cry a second time today. You captured this session in a way that only you could...beautiful. And, if you're wondering, the first time I cried was watching Andrew Peterson's "Dancing in the Minefields" music video :) (07.27.2010 07:16pm)
wrecklessgirl: i've lost all my words, completely humbled. encouraged. (07.27.2010 07:25pm)
Michelle O: Shannon- You did a gorgeous job capturing Lisa and her crew! I absolutely love them and know Lisa will treasure them. Thank you for this gift you have given her...she will never forget! These photos are simply amazing. (07.27.2010 08:10pm)
Brees Knight: How heartbreakingly beautiful. My thoughts and prayers are with them as they continue their journey. Beautiful job as always. (07.27.2010 08:52pm)
Dina: Some of the most beautiful pictures I have seen on your blog...ever! This post has furthered inspired me to act on the desire to have my children write friends/acquaintances of ours that are in the military and impress on them the sacrifices that are being made for their freedom. This mother is STUNNING and the love she shared with her husband will forever be etched in the beautiful faces of those adorable children. The tears started when I saw the baby with her daddy's boots! A deserving family, indeed! (07.27.2010 08:54pm)
Alexa: you could not have chosen a better family to capture. beautiful photos. (07.27.2010 09:28pm)
stephanie mcbride: truly touched my heart. (07.27.2010 10:48pm)
Kathy Carlisle: I am filled with gratitude tonight. I am grateful that I know and love and amazing person like you and that you are able to share your heart with the world. I know that you have gone deeper than touching this family's life, you have become a part of it. You were chosen to tell this story and John is so looking down, gleaming with proud and full heart. Priceless shots...well, done...perfectly done:) K (07.27.2010 11:42pm)
Roxana: Just melted my heart! You are an amazing woman and an amazing photographer. This family story is heart-breaking and spirit-lifting in the same time. I wish them all the good in the world! The photos are to be treasured forever. They are a beautiful family. (07.28.2010 12:06am)
stephanie: I actually just asked my husband, whose father passed when he was only 19 and his best friends dad who just died earlier this year, how you actually learn to smile again. This woman has such an amazing attitude--it blows my mind. Beautiful photographs. The shots of his daughter with his gear just pulls at my heart.... (07.28.2010 03:37am)
ajja: that little girl will so treasure those pics of her with his helmet and shoes. wow. (07.28.2010 06:07am)
Vickey Weiss: tears in my eyes ... what a strong and beautiful family. The first photo of the baby girl with her daddy's helmet and boots takes my breath away. You are such a treasure Ms. Shannon... thanks for sharing your precious gift with this amazing family. (07.28.2010 08:14am)
Shona: What a beautiful woman on the inside and out ~ The images of her little girl took my breath away. Beautiful tribute Shannon! (07.28.2010 08:33am)
elizabeth pellette: Oh Shannon.. what a gift for this family.. Thank You to John and his Comrades who lost their lives keeping us all safe.. and to Johns Family.. I have no words.. other than Thank you so much and God Bless you all.. Your family is gorgeous. and I am certain that John is always with you and watching out for you all. Much love The Pellette Family (07.28.2010 08:48am)
kylie: Wow Shannon! I just photographed a homecoming ceremony from Afghanistan earlier this month and Lisa looks familiar. Do you know when the men came home? Could just be a coincidence. I have never had so much emotion during a shoot as I did during the homecoming. Overcome with emotion for everyone who serves and supports those who serve. Amazing photos. (07.28.2010 09:01am)
Ginette: Amazing! You don't usually write a lot in your blog posts, so I knew when I saw all those words I'd better read it, because it must be important. I was crying by the end. Not for her loss as much as for her spirit, in hope that we may all have that kind of joy and faith. You captured them in a perfect way! I love each and every shot, but the first one radiates joy, and I love that the most. (07.28.2010 09:33am)
Evie Perez: Wow!!! I am left speechless after reading this post. My husband is leaving for Afghanistan soon and I can't imagine going through this with small children. I salute this family. Thank you John for serving. You captured this family in a beautiful way. I love this session. I love the way you captured the mom getting down and dirty while playing with her children!!! Great job :) (07.28.2010 03:40pm)
Brittany Stover: Speechless.....tearful, but speechless. (07.28.2010 05:33pm)
ryan: wow, i am completely moved by this post. words are pathetically inadequate to express my sorrow and my appreciation to all the soldiers and their families who serve our country and in many cases make the supreme sacrifice. thank you john, thank you lisa, thank you shannon. (07.28.2010 09:23pm)
Carrie: Fabulous and fun! The image of the 3 kids had me cracking up too!! (07.29.2010 04:59am)
The It List :: Hot Shots Hand-Picked by Lara Casey, Vol. 4 | Wedding Trends, Tips, Dresses, Flowers and More: [...] of sugar in this shot and, technically, it’s not from a wedding, but it’s hilarious and the rest of this post will make you weep. Shannon Sewell is [...] (07.29.2010 12:02pm)
Marina: Beautiful and amazing! Thank you to our wonderful military and thier families for the sacrificies given. To John's family may God continue to bless you. Sharon, thank you for this posts. I am deeply moved and speechless. (07.29.2010 12:54pm)
The It List :: Hot Shots Hand-Picked by Lara Casey, Vol. 4 | Wedding Photography In Leeds: [...] of sugar in this shot and, technically, it’s not from a wedding, but it’s hilarious and the rest of this post will make you weep. Shannon Sewell is [...] (07.29.2010 03:40pm)
The It List :: Hot Shots Hand-Picked by Lara Casey, Vol. 4 | Wedding Photographers In London: [...] of sugar in this shot and, technically, it’s not from a wedding, but it’s hilarious and the rest of this post will make you weep. Shannon Sewell is [...] (07.29.2010 09:34pm)
Kara Layfield: You did a good thing Momma!!! You have touched their lives forever. Amazing Shannon!! (08.02.2010 11:50am)
jennie gaskins: simply AMAZING!!! I want to do a "Give Away" like this!!! (08.02.2010 02:11pm)
Kirsten Leah: Oh wow--I don't know how you did this but they are so blessed because of you. I would have lost it as soon as daddy's gear came out (and as a photographer, blurry vision is a bad sitch!). Beautiful family. (08.02.2010 07:34pm)
Angela Hubbard: love (08.02.2010 10:47pm)
Jessica Oatman: this just tears my heart out. I know all too well the loss from this war. I lost my brother the same time she lost her husband. You did an amazing job, but you did an even greater thing by recognizing what these families go through. Military families suffer everyday because of the war. Thanks for giving her this gift and thanks for writing about it on your blog. God Bless!!! Jessica Dumont-Oatman and Family. Sister to fallen soldier SGT Paul E Dumont Jr. 8/19/09 (08.08.2010 01:24am)
kimbrali: oh my. what a strong and beautiful woman with an amazing outlook on life. her family is beautiful and you did an incredible job photographing them all. i dont know of anyone who could have done it better. (08.09.2010 02:12am)
caitlin: Absoltuely perfect. (08.09.2010 12:40pm)
Diane Slape: Shannon, this is wonderful and they are beautiful!!! God Bless Them and you for catching a moment in time for them. You are truly an artist! (08.09.2010 01:37pm)
Richard G. Ng: My youngest son, Andrew, just graduated from West Point as John did nine years ago. Like John's parents, I belong to the NorCal chapter of a club for parents of current cadets and past graduates of West Point. I also happen to be the author/editor/publisher of our chapter's quarterly newsletter which goes out to approx. 400 member families. May I save and publish your first photo of Lisa and the kids in the Summer 2010 issue I plan to send out in the next week or so? (08.15.2010 03:29am)
MADISON WI NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER: [...] Looking Forward…. This is a link to Shannon Swell’s site. The images are nothing less than AMAZING. [...] (08.20.2010 05:20am)
Rose: The photos are amazing! Just love the freshness in them. :) Travelling is such a great thing to do! Loved the polaroids from area 51! They rock! :D (08.31.2010 07:16am)
AmyC: Wow! I'm jealous of your travels ;) The photos are perfection as always :) (08.31.2010 01:36pm)
Stacia Lugo: Again Shannon....stunning. (08.31.2010 03:49pm)
Kathy Carlisle: I'll bet your heart is so full right now! Emmy and Drew look so much older to me...I guess it has been THAT long:( I hope you guys are all filled up with adventures going into the new school year. It's going to be a good one:) (08.31.2010 04:46pm)
Kathy Carlisle: PLus..I'm trippin out about the Area 51 shots. I know Drew was on Cloud 9 in that whole experience;) (08.31.2010 04:47pm)
Lauren Dvorscak: Great post! The area 51 instants make me curious!! Love you mini-session photos, as always. Please tell me where the girls' clothing is from. Chasing Fireflies? Thanks for sharing the stories and your wonderful images. (08.31.2010 06:10pm)
melanie mauer: i spy some pinkberry!! yum! (08.31.2010 07:07pm)
zalaine: Bang. Wow. Loving the desert vibe! Absolutely happy to live vicariously thru you - you make it look so easy. Hope September is as good as August was! (08.31.2010 11:39pm)
angela hubbard: so divine! (09.01.2010 06:17am)
Kara Layfield: I really enjoyed seeing all your "vacation" pictures. You live such a fun life! :) (09.01.2010 07:54pm)
Shona: wow! That one image of your daughter made me gasp! The rest are amazing too :) (09.02.2010 03:11am)
Kate Craft: I simply adore your work. (09.03.2010 11:04pm)
oneshotbeyond: well done as always! You are the queen of themed shoots!!! (09.07.2010 06:22pm)
stephanie McBride: are you kidding me, that black and white of your daughter!!! the hair and the eye... ohmy! (09.07.2010 07:18pm)