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
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)
Took another little jaunt back to DFW & photographed Ms. Jane Aldridge again. I absolutely love photographing her & her family…
a) they come packaged in AMAZING styling (1/2 my job: done.)
2) the camera adores them
& mostly… they are sweet, talented, salt of the earth people that I truly enjoy hanging out with.
thank you so much to Jane & Judy for having me back & letting me play… (gotta check out their links- inspiring, extraordinary stylists/designers/talents)
and our images from the day …
dallas | TEXAS
Hannie: These are - as allways - absolutely gorgeous!! Love the light, love the colors, love the sparks, love the sun flare. (06.11.2010 01:43pm)
kristin cook: aaaghhhhhhh.. I lOVE these!!! The colors are so rich and beautiful!!! (06.11.2010 02:59pm)
Lroah: Good god Shannon! These are amazing. She is so gorgeous. (06.11.2010 04:42pm)
Shauna: SPECTACULAR!!! So dramatic and beautiful! (06.11.2010 06:31pm)
zalaine: You two are amazing.... (06.11.2010 06:49pm)
Chrissi Richards: Shannon, someday, when I'm as pretty as her, I'd love to have you photograph me! :) Beautiful job. (06.11.2010 10:10pm)
Sarah: Amazing work! Love it. (06.12.2010 12:22am)
gina g: i think she might be the sweetest thing ive ever seen. so beautiful, shannon. welldone. (06.12.2010 08:54am)
Tj: What a stunning girl! LOVE the red hair! My fav is the last one. AMAZING! (06.12.2010 09:24am)
Becky: WOW! Gorgeous! Love that first series of 4 the ones on that grey couch! (06.12.2010 09:41am)
stephanie mcbride: sheesh....how do you not covet what she's got goin' on? well done, well done to both of you :) (06.12.2010 10:13pm)
Jackie Jean: these are all wonderful! (06.13.2010 09:44am)
Rose: She's adorable. Wow! And the outfits? Total knock-out! I'm in awe. God you do amazing photos. Not take, you make! Stunning! (06.13.2010 11:23am)
lesley: Hahaha, all I did the first time was stare at her hair and think "I want her hair!!" Then I went back and thought..."I luv Shannon, she's amazing!" Then "I want her hair!". :) (06.14.2010 11:48am)
stacey: I thoroughly enjoyed seeing this set! This was a bit of a different look for you and I loved all of it! Nice work! (06.14.2010 07:42pm)
Tori Piercy: GORGEOUS!!! And what a beautiful girl! (06.14.2010 10:14pm)
Christine Pobke: absolutely gorgeous, shannon! :) you're right - the camera DOES love them! :) beautiful! (06.14.2010 11:05pm)
Dina: goodness gracious, great balls of fire red! this gal is beautiful...love the styling, love the poses, love the light! I've been following you forever now and am still hoping you make it out closer to me for that mentoring session I've been dreaming of for so long! keep bringing the beauty and the inspiration! (06.15.2010 07:09am)
wrecklessgirl: i just have one word: MAGICAL. i keep coming back to look at these--over & over. magical light, magical girl, magical colours, magical location, magical feel! (06.15.2010 09:57am)
Paige Butcher: These are so unbelievably gorgeous. There aren't even words... (06.15.2010 10:11am)
Cari Enticknap: These are stunning. The lighting is perfection. The shoes are too die for. What an amazing gal - and you two together are magic.... (06.15.2010 07:46pm)
Carrie: Stunning! The styling and photography is just divine! (06.16.2010 02:25am)
oneshotbeyond: her hair...and all the shoes + boots. WOWZER!!! :-) Brilliant shots... (06.16.2010 06:53am)
Kara Layfield: Amazing Photography & Styling!! You totally knocked these out of the park Shannon!! (06.16.2010 07:58am)
ryan: you're right...great styling and beautiful girl, but don't sell yourself short...your photos rock. (06.18.2010 04:35pm)
Jennifer Sparaco: Stunning, amazing, wonderful, gorgeous, inspirational....wow....you just keep on bringing us the good stuff Shannon!! Thank you again and again for your inspiration! (06.21.2010 08:31am)
Whitley Pollet: Love these Shannon!!! The styling is amazing and I agree, the camera does love them! :) (06.21.2010 01:56pm)
Clarice: Gorgeous images. Love the lighting and styling. (06.21.2010 09:36pm)
elizabeth pellette: these are wonderful Shannon. (06.22.2010 12:39pm)
jennifer: hands down. feet down. down down down...YOU are my favorite photographer ever. Love what you do. (06.22.2010 08:56pm)
Michelle: Wow..these are stunning! What a beautiful girl with such porcelain skin! I love the location...as always, they are amazing. And, the one with the sparkles...my favorite. I mean, what girl doesn't like something sparkly?!? (06.24.2010 12:46pm)
Kristin Laughlin: Loved how these turned out! Beautiful Shannon! XOXO (07.01.2010 09:55am)
christina: I just found your site through jane's blog and I am blown away by your photography. You have such a great eye for capturing one's beauty and character through the lens. I have to tell everyone about you and hopefully I can hire you someday!! May I ask what kind of camera did you use for jane's shoot? (07.07.2010 12:26am)
Abra Michelle: WOW! These are amazing. What a truly gorgeous girl with an amazingly fearless sense of style that kicks butt! (07.27.2010 07:06pm)
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)