All these interests, knacks, places in time… I really could have ended up being anything. I’ve worked in a mortage office, in a pre-school, as an armed security guard in a Federal building (yeah… I packed heat. haha- I know!) yet somehow all these things led me to here. There are days I doubt my choice… (basically any time I have to deal with the business end of things) but when I am sitting in my digital darkroom watching my ideas come to fruition… I know I am in the right place.
I had the absolute pleasure of going on a playdate with a musician last week (artists of any sort ignite a giddyness of possibility). Stephan (aka City Squirrel) will be releasing his latest album this month. Check him out & enjoy a sneak peek of our little shoot together…
lots ‘n lots of thank youuuuu’s to Darcie for coming out with me for the day!
portland | OR
This is the story of a music fan. A music fan that likes to look up lyrics & stories behind songs. And definitely notices the pictures. And this one time, while she was doing these things, she came across the photos of a certain artist and instantly she thought “I’m gonna take his picture some day.”
And guess what? After a couple of road trips.. and a few shows.. and a slightly-embarrassing-but-really-pretty-funny (& totally endearing) introduction… it happened :) (ps… it’s a good story if ya ever wanna do coffee)
And, lucky for that girl.. the story didn’t end there.
She got to go on tour with the band. She got to meet all kinds of amazing people and get a badge that said she could stalk legally takes lots ‘n lots of pictures ;)
And this is the result of said story…
(if you don’t already know Mr. Reeves and his amazing music I suggest you stop right here and go get it. Then come back & scroll through with the perfect soundtrack)
minneapolis | MN
iowa city | IA
lroah: Your creativity and talent just blows me away. Everytime. :) (10.23.2010 04:04am)
Stacia Lugo: speechless shannon. what an experience! I knew your next post would be worth the wait. :) (10.23.2010 04:06am)
Ph(oto)D(ude): roadieness. coffee. :) :) (10.23.2010 04:08am)
Jennifer Sparaco: coffee?? ok...I'm buying!!! Just so you know...there are people out there that kind feel the same way about you. One day I will say..."Shannon Sewell..yea...she taught me everything I know!" And people will be in awe...in fact...now that I think about it...a certain few already are! Congrats Shannon...not only are the images stunning...but you are an amazing storyteller as always! (10.23.2010 04:13am)
Jeannine: Love it! Love the colours! Love the uniqueness! Love Love Love! You are so inspirational! Thanks for sharing SS;) (10.23.2010 04:17am)
Kathy Carlisle: "And I cannot tell the way she feels away from me...like a layer to be shed...It is carved in stunning shapes and patterns on my soul...Carried like dreams to places my body could never go." Yes please...I would like to have tea and relive all our storied. I feel like I was on the trip with you. Thank you for sharing you heart...the images paint it beautifully! (10.23.2010 05:36am)
Rose: Love the fifth one so much! You are amazing and the photos are stunning! You captured so well the road-life and the behind the scenes stories. :) Impressive. (10.23.2010 11:26am)
gina: a whole range of delish!!!!! (10.23.2010 03:04pm)
Sarah Lane: Um, wow. Seriously. Wow. Lucky lucky girl with super duper talent. What a blessing to them to have you along for the ride! xox (10.23.2010 05:24pm)
zalaine: I always knew you were a rock star and this set in black and white should leave no doubt. There are two reasons we take photos - documentation and storytelling. You have united the two and with the coolness that only black and white can bring, boom...the fireworks begin. I heart you so Girl! (10.23.2010 05:24pm)
sara montour: love love love them! Especially since some come from my beloved MPLS homeland. <3 (10.23.2010 05:25pm)
Kara Layfield: Such an amazing experience. Beautiful! (10.23.2010 06:12pm)
jules: I think I'd be so excited to do this that I would probably pee my pants! ha! awesome dream and awesome experience! love that you live big! (10.23.2010 07:53pm)
AmyC: OMG! You blow me away! EVERY. TIME. These rock!! (10.23.2010 08:00pm)
Jenni Wise: Hey good for you Shannon! I love his music! That's awesome!!!! (10.24.2010 02:47am)
Sarah: Awesome shots! You never cease to amaze! (10.24.2010 12:21pm)
amy: Bad ass...I bet he is PUMPED!! All I can think about while looking at these is the movie "Almost Famous". Bravo once again! (10.24.2010 05:25pm)
Leigha: wow. awesome Shannon! (10.24.2010 07:48pm)
zalaine: I think a more accurate statement would be a rock star, following a rock star. You tell his Story in the most beautiful way. Rock on, Girl...rock on... (10.25.2010 12:19am)
stephanie mcbride: shannon...i've never seen anything like this shoot. good heavens. you shoot through your head. my goodness. excellence. (10.25.2010 03:41am)
elizabeth pellette: Ohhh Man these are so awesome .. I love each and everyone of them (10.25.2010 01:28pm)
stacy t: you rocked the house!!! (10.25.2010 03:43pm)
jamie: This is seriously amazing! It's not just photography, it's a story. One of the best stories I have seen. You really amaze me. Seriously, in awe. (10.25.2010 09:22pm)
Julie Parker: These are so cool! I really love the one of him on his belly! I wanted to thank you for the workshop! I learned a lot and it was SO great to meet you! (10.26.2010 03:26am)
Jennifer: Spugh-sphah, spu- speachless. Love these!!!!!!! (10.26.2010 04:40am)
Kristi: Awesome!! Your photos are always so amazing :) (10.26.2010 05:06am)
marci yochum: That girl...she's a rock star herself!! (10.27.2010 11:10am)
Jamie Siever: These are amazing. I love them! Fun, soulful, inspiring work, Shannon. Love it! (10.27.2010 04:52pm)
stacy t: you were in NYC??? next time you're in, drinks are on me!!! (11.01.2010 07:53pm)
Music. It takes me up. down. in. out. Brings smiles… tears. My days-memories-thoughts.. they all have soundtracks. And there are artists that stop me in my tracks. Their lyrics & sounds are so vivid and full of emotion that I can actually feel their story in my heart. Amy Seeley would be one of those artists. I’ve watched her perform countless times. Sat with her over drinks.. laughed & cried over life. And still.. when I hear her music come out of my speakers, I am in awe. So when I opened my mailbox the other day and there was a beautiful little package with a handwritten note and wrapped up in a lovely bow, my heart skipped a beat. Her latest ‘eight belles’ were there. In all their loveliness.. and, lucky you, all you have to do is click here & they can be yours ;) Enjoy…
josh solar: Thanks for that link! I've been waiting for the new disc to come out :) (12.21.2008 11:03pm)
Jenny: Thanks Shannon, this sweet music is perfect right now as I watch the snow fall and enjoy my cup of tea...looks like she is in Salem in January. Thanks for sharing! (12.22.2008 09:43am)
rachel brooke: I just bought it! Thanks for introducing me to her, I already love her voice and lyrics. (12.23.2008 08:23pm)
+brittany: amy seeley rocks my socks. this cd will be a christmas present to myself. :) (12.23.2008 09:11pm)
stephanie mcbride: i remember her from a previous post of yours. i think i will check out her music, thanks for the info! she looks lovely :) (12.27.2008 03:59am)
Okay… I am getting SO spoiled with my mentoring sessions. I seriously get the coolest people ever coming to me and I get to make a new friend, hang out all day playing, chatting.. I feel like it is cheating ;) I mean, I shouldn’t have this much fun working right?? Paula came all the way down from Canada (check her out here) and we totally hit it off. I’m trying to convince her she needs to come back to Portland (so much more shopping to do dear!) or maybe I will just have to venture up North..
We got a cute little model to play with for the shoot section of our day.. dressed her up, made her do crazy things & we ended up with this… ;)
Ellie: Thank you Shannon. They turned out so good! :) Your such an awesome friend and photographer! :) Your amazing! :)) (11.19.2008 06:49am)
Carin: WOW! Your stylizing is amazing...the emotion in personality you bring out of people is phenomenal! I could learn SOOOOO much from you! (11.19.2008 07:12am)
Paula: YOU ROCKED IT.....in those rainy day shoes;~) I had the most amazing time and learned so much. If anyone is thinking of doing a mentoring session with Shannon JUST DO IT! Can't wait until our paths cross again. Paula (11.19.2008 07:50am)
sarah rhoads: this is so totally cute Shan! I love the one mid way through the set where she is flinging her hair. ugh. to die for. (11.19.2008 08:25am)
Kate Lee: Ellie is the cutest election girl. the black and white picture where her hair is spinning is my favorite. i like the striped hair pieces. :) (11.19.2008 09:26am)
Sara Montour: So great! And I totally agree with Sarah, the B&W hair-flipping one is awesome! (11.19.2008 09:27am)
Christopher: love all the pics. Elle is a beautiful young lady and your photos have some fun personality in them. :-) (11.19.2008 10:14am)
cindy: are you for real? the boom box is completely rad and made this already kick butt shoot that much better! i was craving a new shannon shoot today....thanks for the eye candy! (11.19.2008 10:49am)
Kara: This is my first time to your blog, and, um, I {heart} your work and your style! LOVE it! You are the newest addition to my "Photographers Blogs I Love" list on my blog! :) Thanks for inspiring! (11.19.2008 12:03pm)
stephanie mcbride: Gosh, where have i been.....you have some fabulous stuff going on. wow. this was a great session! loved every single one. and those kiddos down below, you never cease to amaze me. always an inspiration. (11.19.2008 12:05pm)
rachel brooke: These shots are very funky and fun. Her hair rocks! (11.19.2008 01:26pm)
Reed: Oh my god ellie I'm speechless this is just amazing! you are frick'n stunning! (11.19.2008 01:41pm)
Lauren Patterson: Ellie you look GORGEOUS! You could be a model. Your so cute, i miss you! <3 (11.19.2008 03:48pm)
Alli Gates: wow, these pictues are amazing. Your a outstanding photographer. Ellie's my best friend and has always been really good in front of the camera :) oh! and she is always talking about how great you are :) hope to meet you soon. (11.19.2008 05:14pm)
Kathy Carlisle: I am in awe. That's just fun to say about a friend. I am in awe of your talent....You have a HUGE Talent;) I just called Vogue and showed then this shoot and they want to hire you for life. They said that you should never do another shoot unless you stylize, conceptualize, and then the world shall recognize! Just as killer as I thought it would be....that bike is really too much! Skank on you Skankster! (11.19.2008 06:03pm)
michelle: Wow, love these. (11.20.2008 07:20am)
elizabeth: Love these Shannon.. just fantastic (11.20.2008 11:52am)
Jenifer Johnston: Oh my gosh. How cool are these. Awesome, awesome, awesome! (11.20.2008 12:32pm)
Deedra Everett: Absolutely beautiful pictures of my little sis-in-law! She's so grown up now! (11.20.2008 08:40pm)
Vicki: Ellie you are absolutely the cutest thing I have ever seen!!!! And the artistic work in the pics is stunning. Shannon does such beautiful work, and you look to be having so much fun!! (11.20.2008 11:21pm)
Willow: g.f.- i love to look at your images and be inspired. stop. (no, dont stop like that, stop as in a telegram, kicking it old skool like some of those colors, love it!!!!) its amazing that i know you and love you and get to enjoy you :) from afar right now but i will be in your bubble soon! the order stack is getting smaller by the day! :) fave is centered hair flip-emotion-love those colors in her funky do... W (11.21.2008 02:53am)
Kelly and Shawn: OMG Ellie you are so flipin hot in those pics. I am lovin the hair. Rock out little sis we love ya and miss you :) (11.24.2008 08:08pm)
Shannon Sewell the blog » Blog Archive » ‘too blind to see, but in the end you know it’s gonna be me’: [...] known this young man for a few years now and, I gotta say, I pretty much adore he and his sister in front of my camera. They let me do whatever I want.. dress ‘em, pose ‘em, even [...] (05.25.2009 04:57pm)
hmmm… another one of my favorite artists. And me? I get to photograph them. Sometimes I feel like I must be tricking someone, fooling them… I mean, I get to not only meet these phenomenal people, but photograph them as well? How did I get so lucky?? I was visiting Jason the other night and he was talking about what he puts into his music- the soul, the heart, the feelings, every bit of himself he can and then more… and you feel it. In their presence, these musicians just give off a vibe of inspiration, heart, passion… everything the world needs more of. Being given the opportunity to try and capture that on film, well I don’t think I could ask for more.
And Valeri. She is beauty (obviously on the outside ; ) but on the inside it overflows. Her music pulls at my heart. I could listen to her on repeat for days. I got about 5 minutes to steal her away at her last show to grab a couple of headshots. Just enought to tide me over until we can do a full shoot ;) Click her link, buy her music, feel it, enjoy…
kristin cook: These are great shots! I feel like I know her personality just through your pictures. Super!!! (07.18.2008 07:02pm)
Kathy Carlisle: I knew you were going to get your hands on that killer tattoo! These are just beautiful of Valeri and you captured her beautiful spirit perfectly. I love the third shot that really grabs her eye color (that is like no other that I have ever seen). I can't wait to see what you guys come up with for a full shoot one day. K (07.18.2008 08:37pm)
wrecklessgirl: um, (and here's the part where i don't even talk about the blog post, but mention something in our personal lives like how you've texted me at least a few times in the last week or two and i haven't gotten back to you, and i'm so so sorry. that sucks. why would i not? i dunno, there was just stuff going on or i was at the movies, or driving, etc. but i miss you like crazy and i hope you forgive me) dude, the last shot just blows me away. gorgeous. she's such a perty girl, and i love her new perty birdie tattoo. :) gorgeous shots. (07.18.2008 11:03pm)
stephanie mcbride: wow!!!! those eyes, those colors, that smile, can't wait to check her out! (07.19.2008 07:29am)
Jamie Sampson: really beautiful, you can really feel who she is through these photos. You always capture who a person really is on the inside and out. You are amazingly talented! I am impressed yet again! (07.19.2008 07:56am)
cindy cieluch: love them all...but the last set is my fave. :) the angle against that green wall is perfecto too. (07.19.2008 09:27pm)
elizabeth: awesome.. she is gorgeous.. wonderful images (07.24.2008 05:39pm)
zalaine: This are all uber cool but the flare...There is just Something about lens flare that makes my heart skip a beat. You, my friend, remind me that we all have the music inside but only a select few, know ho to get it out. FABulous... (11.02.2010 11:04pm)
Kelly: Love the depth of these shots - they're cool, sharp but you can get kind of lost in them at the same time. (11.04.2010 12:42am)
Jennifer Sparaco: love Shannon....you and the images too! So glad whatever life decisions you have made brought you to this point in your life. What a darker world it would be without your creative eye! (11.05.2010 06:26pm)
Becky: LOVE your B&W conversions! Drrroooool. (11.08.2010 05:11pm)
Susan Dodd: Cool. Nicely, smoothly cool. Love these! (11.09.2010 06:18pm)
stacy t: you rock the casbah sister!!! (11.10.2010 10:33pm)
Kara Layfield: Love!! I can always just sit and look over and over your work...they always get me thinking. :) (11.15.2010 09:27pm)
Kate Craft: These are so cool. I love your black and whites! (11.17.2010 09:36pm)