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

The 631st is a National Guard group based out of Camp Blanding. I was asked to come out to the base and take a group photo, sure thing, no problem. Another photographer and myself arrived to find 200 military women and men in full fatigues ready for their photo debut at 10 am. Let’s just say this was my largest group shot to date. Don’t forget that this is Florida, it was hooootttt and the sun was beating down on us.  It was an interesting experience, but good.

I have to mention that my dear husband, Clay was my assistant for the day. He was amazing. This was his first time helping me on an actual shoot.  We can actually work together, my Mom would be so proud…

In all seriousness this was a moving experience for me. No matter what your opinion might be of our government’s choices we all have to agree on how much we appreciate what these men and women do for our country. I had the pleasure of meeting the Doyons, one of many wonderful families. The father is in the National Guard, one of his son’s is in the Army and another in the Marines. What a contribution and a sacrifice they make for each of us. 

I told this sweet little girl that she and her Grandpa were going to be on my blog and I’m not one to break a promise. Please remember our military and their families in your prayers. ~Shannon

Driving to St. Augustine for this adventure, I just kept hoping that the rain would hold off and the wind would subside.  The rain did stay away however the wind did not let up. But with Miss “M” and her mommy, Holly I knew this was going to be fun. I got to the condo, one of the first things I saw was the little princess wearing her patriotic bikini, smiling and having the best time with both her Grandmas.  We had done pictures just a couple of months before and I knew that along with those gorgeous blue eyes  was a smile that would melt your heart.

So off we went to the beach. The moment Miss “M” touched the sand I remembered what a 9 month old was all about… Wonder and exploration! Boy did she ever explore:  the sand, the water even the  grass on the dunes. She might not be crawling but I’m positive she investigated everything that was within her grasp.   With my youngest being 4 and having outgrown that stage it was a lot of fun to share that experience with this mommy and daughter. Holly joked that we would have a ton of pictures of the top of Miss “M”s head, she was right… Each stage of a child’s life is so precious, documenting those times for my children and for others makes it all worthwhile.

Hugs, Shannon

Raye and Casey are such a sweet couple and their baby boy is a doll. After taking their maternity photos they asked me to photograph their baby.  When I got to their house Raye was sipping a cup of coffee (decaf) , it was so quiet and peaceful. A big change from the wild life we have at our house with three rambunctious girls :). It’s hard to believe that they’ve only been parents for 6 weeks,  they are so relaxed and just enjoying their little man.  As for little “A” at 6 weeks old he has a smile that makes everyone around him smile. 

Raye and Casey, I hope you like this little peek. Good luck with your move, can’t wait to see the new place. Hugs, Shannon

This is one amazing couple, love them… I’ve known Justin for over 10 years, he and Kate are wonderful. Between his humor and Kate’s “reset face” they kept me and each other laughing. 

Kate and Justin just celebrated their 5th Anniversary and they needed some beach pictures. Kate and I had scheduled and rescheduled and hoped for no rain and we finally got our wish. Instead of rain though we had the heat. The hottest day of the year so far and there we were on St. George Street in St. Augustine. It is so funny to see the way tourists react to what looks like paparazzi, snapping pictures of a cute couple. Too much fun…

Hope you like this sneak peak!

Time to say goodnight.

So we’ve been having our share of challenges at the Whitaker house,  both with our housing situation and with the business. We had renters who took off, crazy schedules, an unexpected move and all the other day to day things that make life interesting. 

We are now Starke residents again,  the move is almost complete, just the office to finish moving.  Then the dreaded task of unpacking,  anyone want to help?  I do need someone to remind me, if and when we move again to hire movers. :) 

Now for the business… Things are great, I’ve been working with a couple of amazing photographers recently and of course taking lots of pictures on my own. All reasons why I haven’t been posting very often.  As for changes, be on the lookout because there are about to be some. One of which is going to be a website facelift and a couple other surprises that I’m just not ready to divulge yet.  I’m just about ready to begin another blog contest, you’ll never guess the theme.  Hopefully I’ll be caught up enough to announce it tonight. 

Now I need to go unpack,  and hopefully find my shoebox.  A girl cannot survive with only two pair of flip flops.. HUGS!