So after 11 years of marriage, three daughters, a mortgage and a mini van we make a decision that completely changes everything. We bring home a puppy!!!

A co-worker of my husband’s offers us one of the cutest little creatures you’ve ever seen.  My husband likes pets, my girls love all animals (hence the mini-farm we already have complete with bunnies, hamsters and a fish named Ben).  As for me I’m not that into them, of course we had dogs growing up but there was never any animal living in our house.  With the exception of a turtle named Fred that my highschool biology teacher gave me. So I give in and we go to visit the “puggies”.

Boy were they cute, the kids would have brought them all home if they could have. I decide that we need to think logically, pick the most docile one, the one that doesn’t bite and just lays around. So we decide on which one we want and name her Lily.  My logic was a flop I soon found out, the girls tell me daily that Lily tricked me.

So now we have this little pug that drives me crazy, I remind her daily the only reason she gets to stay is because she is so darn cute. LOL.  Right now she is 10 weeks old and growning like crazy. I will admit that she has brought many laughs into our household along with  countless “ohhh Lily” .

Without further ado…

I have such an appreciation for pet photographers now. Give me  wedding photography,  maternity portraits, newborn photos even a pair of two year olds would be easier to photograph than a puppy.  I took this particular image right before Lily’s bedtime, even with that on my side it was a challenge.  Pet photography?  That I will have to think about.

Hugs, Shannon

While we were in Tennessee for Christmas and New Years, my kids kept asking me what time it was “Tennessee time”. Explaining a time difference, even if it is only one hour, isn’t something that a five year can quite grasp.

If there was a family that ever needed a vacation it was mine. 2009 was a crazy and challenging year for us. I will say that we came out of it an even stronger family though. On our way to the cabin we were able to stay over with some family outside of Atlanta.  They were so welcoming and kind, it was really nice to spend time with them. Thank you to the Bradleys. What a blessing to not have to drive 10 hours straight to our destination with three kids.

Now my wonderful husband had been to the cabin several times, I’d seen the pics and heard the stories but little did I know what we were in for. He had explained what a small town it was in, I grew up in a small town so I thought I was okay with it. BUT, we’re talking  a post office, a filling station (where a 70 year old man still pumps your gas), a restaurant that offers “catfish and ribs” and a general store. You blink and you’ve missed it.  Now some of you might laugh, some might cringe ( I did at first) but I soon found out something very special about “Tennessee time”…

Something amazing happens when there isn’t all the busyness of the “daily grind”.   When you’re able to not be in a hurry, when by choice you have absolutely nothing on the agenda, life becomes so much more simple.  Christmas Eve we made ornaments to go on the tree, the kids loved it. Christmas Day, we took a drive through Standing Stone National Park and marveled over God’s amazing creations. That night we ate a delicious meal that no one had stressed and fussed over.  Life was good…

We made lots of good memories while we were there and I can guarantee you there will be many more over the years when we visit our little mountain cabin. 2010 is in full swing already but I’ve made a promise to myself that whenever I start to get caught up in our “fast paced” life, I’m going to remind myself of “Tennessee time”. Each moment we have really is a gift,  personally I plan on treasuring and using each one wisely.

So where are the photos? This is supposed to be a photography blog right?  I must admit while in Tennessee my camera didn’t see much action, here are a couple that I did capture. One of this gorgeous barn and the other of Dale Hollow Lake (can’t wait to go back in the summer).

So for those of you who do follow my blog (hi Miss Donna), the blog is going to be changing a little. I’ll be sharing more of the daily stuff that goes on in our lives and not just the photo stuff.   Look out!

Hugs, Shannon

So my first memory of the Mason Family is from over a decade ago. I walked into the church gymnasium to see an almost 2 year old Caleb hitting a baseball off of a Little Tykes batting toy like he was a professional baseball player.  Soon after Mikayla was born.   It was fun watching these two grow up, I remember talking with Tracy about all of their milestones and actually shedding a few tears over how fast they were growing up.  A few years ago they left our small town. The amazing thing about friendship, is that even if you’ve been apart for long periods of time you can still pick right back up like you’ve never been apart.

I was so excited when Tracy asked if I could take their photos over Thanksgiving break. It was great to spend a little time with them, and see what a wonderful family they still are.  Just wanted to share a few pics of  their super cute kids (sorry I should say young people). Love you Tracy, you sassy thing you…

Hugs, Shannon

Wow,  what a ride… Keeping up with three busy kids, the holidays and photo sessions this blog has a way of getting away from me.  First of all I hope that everyone had a wonderful and relaxing Thanksgiving.  Ours was filled with family and a ton of yummy food.

For one brief moment the night before Thanksgiving  I was left speechless. My recently turned five year old comes into the bathroom where I’m painting, yes painting (much cheaper than therapy and it makes me happy). Her  little face full of hope and adoration says to me, ” happy Easter tomorrow Mommy” and runs back to bed.  So either I’m really bad about explaining holidays or she’s hoping the Easter bunny is visiting rather than Tom the turkey. One way or the other I got many laughs off of that one little comment. 

Now let’s rewind to a few days earlier when I had the pleasure of photographing Erica and Sam’s wedding.  What a day… I woke up Sunday morning to the sound of raindrops, nothing out of the ordinary for Florida but on this day there was supposed to be a wedding and an outdoor wedding at that.  I couldn’t even bring myself to call the bride or her Mother who is one of my dearest friends.  God has a way of working things out, despite the rainy morning noontime brought the sunshine.  30 minutes before the ceremony was set to begin everything was set up again, this time outside. Sam and Erica were able to have their lakeside nuptials.

These are a little preview for the newlyweds. 

~Hugs, Shannon

Well not really if you’re in Florida. Highs in the 80s don’t give many opportunities for mugs of hot apple cider or wearing cute knit caps.  Being a native Floridian, I wouldn’t have it any other way. We had a few chilly days and I had experienced enough cold weather.

So what makes it a little Autumnesque  here in the Sunshine state? Pumpkins, caramel apples, and football.

This weekend we’ll be having a “Kid Costume Party” at the studio in Downtown Starke, if all goes as planned there will be some caramel apples and plenty of treats for the kiddies.

As for the pumpkins, I want to share some pics from a couple of sessions.  I also want to send out a big thank you to my mother-in-law, Camille and my sister-in-law, Chasity for setting up an awesome pumpkin set. Thanks ladies!!!

We’ll be seeing lots of smiling faces this weekend. Then November is going to be full of Christmas photos, weddings, Thanksgiving and my baby’s birthday, so make sure you schedule your sessions as soon as possible.

Hugs, Shannon

The change in the weather here in Florida is a sign that the holidays are almost upon us.  So take out your trusty list…  The one thing I can definitely help you with is your family photos and Christmas cards. Just give me a call at 352.258.5207 or email me at info@shannonwphotography.com to schedule you appointment.

Hugs, Shannon

I will admit to waiting until Christmas Eve to finish shopping, LOL. Actually there have been a few times that I haven’t started until Christmas Eve (sssshhhh-don’t tell my secret).  

In years gone by one of the things I loved most about Christmas were the cards that would come in the mail. There was always something special about being a kid, running out to the mailbox and finding a red envelope inside.  One of my Uncles would create his own, then there were my Granny’s cards. She would send one to my parents, one to myself and then each of my siblings would get their own. The best ones were the ones she would fill with quarters.

My cards aren’t ready to go yet this year, but I have picked them out. Now I hope I can help you create yours too. Recently I found a designer who had some wonderful cards which I’ll be offering this year. They’re very colorful and fun, love them!!! For those of you who are more traditional I have some of those too.

Hugs, Shannon

So I’ve been on a bit of a hiatus, but that has come to an end. Back behind the camera again!!! And of course back at the computer again.

This has been a busy weekend, bridal shower, bovines (aka cows) and Miss MM’s almost birthday pictures. She made my day… See you girls on Saturday for the big shindig!!!

Hugs, Shannon

There’s something about the beach that is so calming to me. We took the girls to Neptune Beach last weekend with some friends. We had nothing but blues skies and some rough surf but it was amazing.  They had so much fun boogie boarding. Now they want to learn to surf.  The first morning we were there, my 7 year old and I walked the three blocks to the beach and watched the sun rise. Could definitely imagine our lives being like that every day.  Sunset that night was beautiful too…

A few days before I met the Williams family at Matanzas, near St. Augustine.   This was their son’s first beach vacation, he’s 7 months old, he wanted so badly to taste the sand and play in the water.   When he finally got his wish he was in heaven, coated in sand, hands splashing in the water the biggest smile on his face.  Being able to capture all the little things  is a really a special part of my job.

Be on the look out for my next beach session. You’ll be seeing two sisters, who know how to make a “SPLASH”…   Email me if you’re interested in your own beach session,  if I get  four or more emails I’d love to set up some mini-sessions. Perfect for Christmas cards!!

~HUGS

So a good friend of mine got on to  me today, Katie for not updating my blog. Yes I am a horrible blogger…

This month has been one heck of a ride. Being a photographer allows you to share in so many memorable moments with others that I feel like I should share with you some of my own… These times are what makes us human.

One month ago today, I got to to be there when one of my dearest friends gave birth to her first child.  A little boy, who is perfect in every way.  Being able to share that experience with them, was breath taking. I was in tears multiple times. Watching J.B. make his entrance into this world was one of those moments I wouldn’t trade anything for.

Of course I’ve already photographed him a couple of times since then.  J.B. loves his Aunt Shannon.

The next stop on the ride was a high school friend’s wedding.   At the last minute I got the okay to take a few photos at her special evening.  Her wedding was by far the “funnest” wedding I’ve ever been to.  Complete with the Muppets, children ringing bells, butterflies and fireworks. You had to be there.

Then I hit the downhill part of the ride.  My Granny passed away.  She fought  a good fight but went home to be with Jesus on August 3rd.  My heart broke that day.  She was more than just my grandmother, she was my friend.  Granny always listened to me, she cheered me on in everything I did and showed me the importance of hard work and believing in not only yourself but in others.  This is her high school graduation photo, she was 16.  I miss her more than words can say… 

The next chapter of the story starts in an ordinary fashion, 3 friends off to take photos at a benefit function for the American Cancer Society.  Thank God that friend and photographer, Jen Adams , has good reflexes.  For everyone who has ever said that car accidents happen quickly, they lied,  this one seemed to last for moments not seconds.  It left us a little beat up but in the end we still made it to the function that night.  Adrenaline is a beautiful thing.

Somewhere in the midst of all that Clay and I had our 11th anniversary.  I found a studio space to use, exciting stuff  is going to happen there.  Clay and the girls have started school this week.  Taking a deep breath now.  Let me add, with all that said “life is good”.

Coming up!!! End of summer beach sessions, Halloween photos and of course portraits for your Christmas cards. ~SEW