Hi, I'm Shannon.

How did I get here?

Before I was a photographer, I was an artist. In fact, I have been scribbling on stuff for as long as I can remember. In addition to photography, I love to paint, draw, doodle, create digital art, and fiber art. (I have this Instagram account full of my doodles and other artistic endeavors)

Over the years, photography has become one of my most beloved mediums. I started taking photographs in high school. I used a point and shoot camera, and I had no idea what I was doing. I knew nothing about depth of field or exposure triangles or how to get a sharp focus...

I was just obsessed with capturing a feeling, an experience... An imprint of one instant in time, that you can never get back. 

In college, I studied art and learned how to use a camera. Like, actually use a camera. I shot with a Nikon SLR and processed and developed my own film. After college, I became a little discouraged with my stagnancy and lack of access to photography darkroom. I went to grad school to become an instructional designer, because I felt the pressure of obtaining a steady salary, and set it all aside. 

Like any creative journey, there are peaks and valleys, twists and turns. For nearly ten years of my life I created almost nothing. Isn’t that nuts? I just thought, well if this isn't going to be my career, then I have failed as an artist. I didn’t see the value of creating for creating sake. I didn’t feel like an artist. I didn’t identify as an artist. I didn’t feel good enough. Whenever I thought about creating, I felt like an impostor. 

I couldn’t tell you exactly what re-ignited that creative spark again. But I think a part of it was having my own children. Wanting to set an example for them. Wanting them to see me living a life that fully engaged, illuminated and fulfilled me. Slowly and cautiously I started dipping my toes back into the mediums that used to consume me. One thing I have learned from this journey is that art is a practice, and it is self care. It is something I must prioritize and make space for in my life. Whatever it was that brought art back to me, I am so grateful to the universe that it happened.

Thank you for visiting!