I have tons of different interests, passions, directions I like to take things… this last week has been an accumulation of A LOT of them! I am not sure if I am creatively bursting or creatively spent… I can tell you that being able to see so many visions become reality is a pretty great feeling (whether it’s pure high or pure exhaustion). If you’ve ever chatted with me or been to one of my workshops you know I am BIG on opening up your world to everything that interests you. I don’t believe in not doing something just because you haven’t done it before or because it isn’t ‘you’. I say if it seems interesting- dive in! The worst that can happen is that you learn something new to can incorporate in your life. Best thing that can happen? You find what you were born to do.
Doing the type of photography I do means I spend a lot of time with clothing designers, fashion blogs, graphic design… all of them inspire me and weave themselves into my work. I found myself being more and more drawn to these things so when Julie (Ms. ZozoBugBaby herself) and I kept bringing up how fun it would be to create a place where we could put all our ideas and interests, it became pretty apparent this was something that had to be done. Over the next few months Dreamer Journal began to take shape. There were a lot of sleepless nights, a lot of mistakes, a lot of re-do’s and start overs but, in the end, we did it. We created the place that we had dreamed of. It is with much pride & happiness (okay, there were some tears and curse words too) I share with you our second (woo-hoo) issue… the Spring issue of Dreamer Journal :)
clothing: Lisa’s Mini Mad Hattery
hair & make-up: Madeline Roosevelt
styling & photography: me
portland | OR
This is the second shoot of my mentoring day with Kristen and Kristi. Leading up to our day, Kristen and I were texting quite a bit back & forth… one night she was showing me her new website background. She was doing this amazing watercolor inspired color splash. I am a sucker for watercolor (see here) and Ritchie Rags had already sent me an amazing outfit so I was already on the ‘keeping it simple’ train of thought sooo… we grabbed some paint, some seamless, a couple of paintbrushes and went to town!
wardrobe: Ritchie Rags
accessories: Lisa’s Mini Mad Hattery
portland | OR
jeramie ritchie: You know I am over the moon!!!! Everything is complete perfection!!!!!!! Thank you a million!!!!!! (02.10.2012 06:32pm)
Kara Layfield: LOVE these!! Such a cute little model! (02.10.2012 08:27pm)
Julie: I cannot EVEN explain how much I LOOOOOOVE this shoot! I MUST. HAVE. this outfit! (02.10.2012 09:55pm)
Randy Rouse - Executive Producer of [FRAMED]: Shannon, these shots are fantastic. I've loved your style ever since we filmed you last year. It all just works! Hope to see you again. (02.10.2012 10:57pm)
niccolew: You know how much I love these! (02.10.2012 11:09pm)
Roxana: These are really cute, love no. 6. And the "glasses"! Wow, those are such a wonderful touch! (02.12.2012 06:15pm)
I am an idea collector. I store them everywhere… my computer, my phone, post-its, binders, notebooks. I can’t remember the last time a day went by that I didn’t jot something down somewhere. Needless to say, I have a backlog of things that I would love to accomplish, do, shoot… most days I am just looking for the excuse (and time) to jump in. So when Kristen texted and asked about flying out and doing a couple of concept shoots together I was all over it.
We did two sets during our day. The first set was something that I had just been waiting for the time to do and the second was inspired by Kristen herself (I’ll show off that one in the next post) ;)
I have always been a fan of The Doors. Their music reminds me of my childhood (my mom was a fan)… I’ve always been drawn to musicians/poets (if I could pick a talent it would definitely be songwriter. amazing songwriter.) So when I happened upon their documentary on Netflix, I dug right in and the wheels started turning. I find Jim Morrison completely mesmerizing. He is beautiful… the way he speaks, moves his body… and there is something about an artistic genius that completely owns it that I find fascinating. I just kept thinking what a fantastic photographic subject he would be. So… what’s a girl to do but decide I would try to whip up my own little (more tame & lovable) Doors inspired shoot. I called up my friend that has both a daughter that knows how to channel her inner rock star and a mean talent with the sewing machine (why did everyone around me get that gene but I got skipped??) to collaborate with. We threw in some glitter (thank you Kristen) and some guitar (thank you Kristi) and had some fun in the studio…
![Kristi](http://www.kristimccordphotography.com/%3C!--%20Facebook%20Badge%20START%20--%3E%3Ca%20href=%22https://www.facebook.com/kristi.l.mccord%22%20target=%22_TOP%22%20style=%22font-family:%20"lucida%20grande",tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif;%20font-size:%2011px;%20font-variant:%20normal;%20font-style:%20normal;%20font-weight:%20normal;%20color:%20#3B5998;%20text-decoration:%20none;%22%20title=%22Kristi%20Little%20McCord%22%3EKristi%20Little%20McCord%3C/a%3E%3Cbr/%3E%3Ca%20href=%22https://www.facebook.com/kristi.l.mccord%22%20target=%22_TOP%22%20title=%22Kristi%20Little%20McCord%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22https://badge.facebook.com/badge/1556486680.3468.1024099009.png%22%20style=%22border:%200px;%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cbr/%3E%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.facebook.com/badges/%22%20target=%22_TOP%22%20style=%22font-family:%20"lucida%20grande",tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif;%20font-size:%2011px;%20font-variant:%20normal;%20font-style:%20normal;%20font-weight:%20normal;%20color:%20#3B5998;%20text-decoration:%20none;%22%20title=%22Make%20your%20own%20badge!%22%3ECreate%20Your%20Badge%3C/a%3E%3C!--%20Facebook%20Badge%20END%20--%3E){kind=link}
portland | OR
zalaine: Dear Miss Rock Star, you so, do rock. Love, love, love this one, Miss S! (02.09.2012 04:02am)
Roxana: I'm a huge fan of The Doors myself, and these photos are an amazingly cute tribute! :) She is definitely a rockstar! :D Especially in the ones with the microphone. (02.09.2012 07:28am)
Juliet Carey: YOU AMAZE ME!!!!!!!!!!! ALL.THE.TIME :) SO AWESOME! XOXO! (02.09.2012 04:54pm)
viv: awesome shoot....love the doors and jim morrison...I am an idea collector as well, ideas are jotted on napkins, post-its, phone, moleskine etc......so it was getting out of hand so I started using evernote to keep them all in one place, a total sanity saver. (02.10.2012 02:30pm)
I met Kristen last year at my workshop in Virginia. We totally hit it off. Not only is she a fabulous photographer (the girl’s use of color makes me drool), she is a total inspiration. She is young but has already managed to create an amazing business, develop beautiful style and have it all together before most of us have even graduated college. She texted me recently and asked about coming out to do a couple of shoots together. Just a day in the studio of styling, playing and shooting (can’t really think of a better way to spend a day). She convinced her friend, Kristi, to come too (yay!!) and we just had a fun girls day of doing what we do best!
Before we get into all that fun though… Kristen jumped in front of my camera for a bit (I do have to mention the girl is a ROCKSTAR.. It was freeeeezing outside and she played it like a total pro). Totally intimidating to shoot another photographer but when you have a subject like this, hard to go wrong ;)
portland | OR
Kristin Cook: So jealous I wasn't there to play with you all!!! Kristen looks like a rock star...so fun! (02.08.2012 04:48am)
shauna: LOVE these! The location looks familiar?!!!! :) (02.08.2012 06:56am)
Kara Layfield: Oh my goodness she's cute! Love her wardrobe...and her posing is perfect! Yes, looks like a fun day was had by all. (02.08.2012 02:19pm)
zalaine: Easier or harder to photograph a photographer? Thought I knew the answer, now...not so sure. She is a doll! (02.08.2012 06:37pm)
Susanne: FABULOUS!!! These are GREAT!! If I get to spend another day with you, I'm definitely bringing a friend : ) how FUN! (02.08.2012 11:16pm)
Laura Brett: Love Kristen and she is a total rockstar, just like you! :) Sounds like fun. (02.08.2012 11:45pm)
Shasta Johnson: Oh.My.Goodness!!!! I absolutely LOVE these!!!! Every last one. I met Kristen at a workshop in June and you're right...she has it all together, has a great sense of COLOR and is a rockstar!!! The photographer and the subject are beyond amazing!!!!! (02.08.2012 11:58pm)
Kristi: Shannon, these are all fantastic!! You are awesome! You can't tell from the photos that it was 40° and very windy. Kristen is definitely a ROCKSTAR! (02.09.2012 12:23am)
Sherry Rawdon: Shannon, Great job of photos of Kristen. Absolutely love them, having a hard time picking a fav!! Kristen is beautiful and also beautiful inside, since I am grandmother, I want too say how proud I am of her. Thank you for the really good photos, glad you girls had fun!!! WoW!!! Love It (02.09.2012 01:14am)
kristen reed: BEAUTIFUL. LOVELY. FUN. PERFECT. (02.09.2012 01:18am)
Roxana: How come you always photograph rockstars? :) These are so beautiful! Wow! (02.09.2012 07:34am)
Kristen Elizabeth Dunn: Ya'll are all too sweet! Shannon is AMAZING! Never pictured myself as a "rockstar"! haha! She made it fun even in 40 degree weather! :) I normally don't like my picture that much but these turned out great! Thank you so much Shannon! Cant wait to see you again sometime! (02.09.2012 04:57pm)
I absolutely adore these two together… friends since before they could walk or talk. And, as they liked to keep reminding me, they are ‘pros’ at this (another thing they’ve been doing before they could walk or talk) so they make my job very easy.
The dresses are from The Measure. Perfect for a little run in the field and- as always, gorgeous heirloom quality pieces that get ‘oohs’ and ‘awws’ every time I show them off.
wardrobe: The Measure Designs
portland | OR
Kelsey: Just lovely. (01.31.2012 10:05pm)
Scarlette: I knew E. liked that dress... these girls are gorgeous just like their moms. :) Seriously- beautiful images of beautiful (and tall) girls. (01.31.2012 10:22pm)
jeramie ritchie: ummm...WOW! These girls are breathtaking. Beautiful setting, perfect photos, and the dresses pop against the landscape. Perfect! (02.01.2012 01:53am)
Kari: The girls will absolutely treasure the images when they are older! Beauties ♥ (02.01.2012 03:23am)
sara: what a treasure for these besties to look back on one day. (02.01.2012 05:06am)
Janice: Yes. You know I think E is gorgeous, but it's nice to see J on here again. They are two beauties! Love the dresses, once again!!! Oh, and, as usual: you outdid yourself. (02.01.2012 05:23am)
zalaine: Those dresses, those colors and those girls. Perfection, Miss S! (02.01.2012 06:54pm)
Kathy Carlisle: I just lost my breath!!! I know that they are our...but somehow I am just able to see them as separates from us and they took my breath away. I will try for the rest of my life to continue to tell you just how grateful I am for the pictures you have captured of my little ones...but I am pretty sure that I will never be able to get across just how grateful I am that you are in my life:) Love you for all that you are and all that you do. Thank you! K PS...Jalena killed me with the "I have a headache" shot:) (02.02.2012 12:53am)
cindy: Can you say mini-me?!?!?!?! Breathtakingly beautiful just like their mamas. Stunning photos that tell a story of friendship. They're so comfortable around each other and they each have their own amazing unique beauty. LOVE!!!!!! (02.02.2012 02:39am)
Juliet Carey: Shannon and Kiki...OMG...these are gorgeous shots and dresses...OH MY! LOVE LOVE LOVE! (02.02.2012 03:50am)
Rachelle Codd: Lovely!! I admire your work and your models...I share your blog with my daughters (7,8 & 15...and a 6 week old too) and we use your ideas for inspiration when I shoot them:) Thanks for sharing Shannon!! And simply adore their entire outfit! Love the dresses from The Measure. (02.02.2012 08:01pm)
amy: Shannon and Kathy 2.0 lovely! (02.03.2012 03:42am)
Corey: Beautiful! They are going to love to look back on these one day! (02.03.2012 01:18pm)
Caroljean Strawn: Lovely, unique! (02.04.2012 03:19pm)
Roxana: They are both adorable, and their friendship is magic! :) Love the colors of their outfits, amazing pieces of art! (02.05.2012 11:06am)
Kelsey: I absolutely love your shoots with children! They are so enchanted, whimsical and creative. They embody the essence of childhood so well, in ways that I have not seen done by other photographers! They make me smile! (02.08.2012 05:24am)
Helen: Looking at your work is an enjoyment! Other people may capture outter beauty, you capture both inner and outter beauty. You have an amazing spirit!!! Keep on shinning, Shannon!!! (02.15.2012 06:57pm)
Catherine Rondeau: Hello Shannon. First of all, let me congratulate you on your fabulous work. So beautiful! And inspiring! I am writing you in hope you will agree to share some of your knowledge about light. I’m making a return to photography (I mainly used to do documentary type work) and have little studio experience. Your images are incredibly lightened. Would you be so kind as to explain what kind of lighting equipment you work with? For instance the January 29th shoot with all the little girls. I’m guessing you have a very large window in your studio. And reflectors? Do you also use flashes & softboxes? What kind? How many? I am trying to make some informed decisions about purchasing lighting equipment and I am at a total loss. Despite research & visits to the camera store, I’m more confused than ever... I would be most grateful for some practical advice from someone achieving the kind of work I would one day hope to get close to achieving... If easier & faster for you to respond to my questions by phone, maybe I could call you, for a quick chat, at a convenient time for you? Many thanks in advance. Catherine (02.17.2012 12:59am)
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Kara Layfield: These girls are dolls!! Looks like such a fun shoot! LOVE the clothes. (03.07.2012 01:58pm)
sara: Wow... you can already see the kind of ladies these two beauties are going to grown into. Gorgeous expressions and perspective. LOVE Shannon! (03.07.2012 02:02pm)
Becky: the sweetness in these images just jumps off the screen!! I was so anxiously awaiting the new issue, can't wait to dive in!! (03.07.2012 03:36pm)
shannon @ Lifelong Impressions: Love it! (03.07.2012 03:37pm)
jeramie ritchie: Shannon..you are AMAZING! YOU inspire me!!! I love how you follow your interests and look at the insanely fabulous results...over and over! The issue is fantastic...and your shoot is adorable. Perfection! (03.07.2012 09:12pm)
Tiona Fuller: Your shoots look like they are so much fun! I love all of the styling...and of course - the images!! (03.13.2012 06:57pm)