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)
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)
I spent last weekend in Salt Lake City with 8 fabulous women doing a little photography workshop. I always feel so inspired coming out of these… they were all moms/wives… juggling all these ‘jobs’ that we women have. Just trying to figure out how to fit one more in. The passion they had for photography, the ways they incorporate it, build on it, use it to capture this time in their lives, allow their creativity to flourish… it makes me smile, inspires me, makes me want to be better at the photographer/mother/woman that I am. Thank you ladies…
and (of course) a few images from our play date:
salt lake city | UTAH
stephanie mcbride: Shannon Sewell!!!We can't say enough good about you as well, we learn from the best:) mother. friend. photographer. you are an inspiration in every way. I can't tell you how fun it is to see Ash and Brooke on YOUR blog..... scream. scream some more. What a treat. (05.21.2010 03:27pm)
jen: LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. Talk about an inspiration! You've refreshed my desire to be creative and actually be in control of my shoots. I loved all your ideas! You've opened my eyes to "designing" a Photoshoot. Thanks for the experience and Im serious about a retreat weekends at Shauna's "Lodge" lol * I love the bubbles and the peek-a-boo and the second to last:) (05.21.2010 03:32pm)
Jenny Weston: It was so great to meet you at the workshop. THANK YOU for sharing your amazing talent with us. I LOVE how your images turned out from that day So fun! And thank you for inspiring US!!! (05.21.2010 04:21pm)
Shauna: AWESOME!!!! I love them, but of course I love EVERYTHING you do! You are simply the best at your art! Thank you for a wonderful weekend!!! (05.21.2010 04:47pm)
Tamara Lalanne: these are GREAT!! Looks like fun (05.21.2010 07:20pm)
Chrissi Richards: Fantastic. The girls looked beautiful, strong, confident. I love how you bring out the beauty in the young girls, yet still letting them look their age. (05.21.2010 09:58pm)
Rose: The play-date looks amazing. The girls are so beautiful and love the style you chose for the photo. Beautiful photos. Your work and words always inspire me. :) Thank you! (05.22.2010 01:17am)
Angela Hubbard: you never cease to amaze! (05.22.2010 08:57am)
Jeanette LeBlanc: Just when I think I couldn't love you more...you go and throw Ani in there. I am SO having you photograph me (& my family) one day. I have a dreadful horror of being in front of the lens instead of behind it, but you - I would totally trust. (05.22.2010 10:21am)
julieB: Simply fantastic! You are truly my idol!Thank you for giving me so much inspiration. xx (05.22.2010 02:15pm)
stephanie mcbride: this her daughter with her friend brooke and reagan. we love this shoot thanx lots (05.22.2010 05:13pm)
Sunny D Wright: I am very excited to work with you. June is just not coming fast enough. Sweet shots and concepts....as always. (05.22.2010 11:06pm)
Tj: I just love that even with bright sun your images look fabulous!! Nice. (05.23.2010 09:37am)
laurel: I love.... every single one. :) (05.25.2010 05:45am)
Whitley Pollet: These are so great Shannon! The models are gorgeous! :) (05.25.2010 06:28am)
Kristin laughlin: Amazing as always...No one can style like you do! Looking forward to seeing you next week! (05.25.2010 11:05am)
Kara Layfield: Wow...what fun!! I bet you all had a blast!! Shooting in full sun.....Shannon's not scared! (05.25.2010 11:08am)
Carrie: Looks like a very fun playdate! Love the clarity and personality! (05.26.2010 03:21am)
Cari Enticknap: Sounds like you had a great time! I love these images - so natural and full of feeling. And freckles. Man do I love freckles! How do you get so lucky with the adorably freckled models all the time??!! Love them! (05.26.2010 10:21pm)
Laura Morita-Yeun: Those closeups are way too awesome. These are gorgeous! (05.28.2010 08:13pm)
sarah wheeler: oh shannon, these are gorgeous! (06.01.2010 07:09am)
KELLI TRONTELL: Are you kidding me?!?!? I LOVE these images......once again, FABULOUS job! You totally inspire me- thank you! My heart is also happy that this was a product of collaboration! Now, I just need to book my flight to your part of map! Soon! Very soon! Keep doing what you're doing....its working. I love it! (06.01.2010 11:01pm)
Corey Sewell: Gorgeous work, Shannon! I always love the style of your shoots. (06.03.2010 04:55pm)
Tori Piercy: So much FUN! I always love looking at your work! Love your creativity! (06.03.2010 05:27pm)
Sara: ..."I am a poster girl with no poster..." Shannon, these made me come out of lurking...just a mama here-but theses a FANTASTIC! (06.04.2010 05:03am)
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)