Last fall, I photographed the Mashpee Pop Warner D Team on the same school field that I once competed on as a child. It proved to be a fun and nostalgic photo experience. Prior to heading back home to Mashpee, I reached out to two dear friends to discuss my project.  I knew I wanted to shoot portraits but, I also wanted to photograph their game. I had never shot action photography so I had a few technical questions. I knew the perfect person to call, one of the industries most talented action shooters, Rob Tringali. I’m convinced Rob, has a few extra camouflaged eyeballs on his head because he always captures stunning imagery both on/off the field. After talking with Rob, who gave me some great tips (“Don’t drop the lens”..thanks ROB!!!)  and affirmed that I did need the lens I had my eye on using. (Canon’s 300mm 2.8 L series lens)  I made my second call. Monte Isom, who is known for his stunning athlete portraiture and who also happens to be the first photographer I ever worked for in NYC. Hard to believe that was almost nine years ago.    Monte  hooked me up with the lens I needed as well as discuss my ideas for the portrait. Thanks guys!

It was a collaboration of all sorts, friends from two very different times of my life. With the help two childhood friends,  Chad Gingras and Kim Cuozzo the production went nice and smooth.  I built a “pop up studio” on the side lines of the football field and ran power by generator thanks to Leon Pinsonneault.  The “studio” which created a lot of curiosity on the side lines and my concerns of too much light bleeding through was fixed with heavy painters canvas. (Another perk of having a finish carpenter assisting you). We set up prior to the game so I could shoot the action and then the portraits after the game. Although I wanted the photographs to have a studio portrait feel I wanted them to be authentic as well, so I chose to photograph the kids after the game. Win or Lose, they played their hearts out. I want to thank Kim Cuozzo for all her help coordinating with the other parents, model releases  and ice cream bribery for good behavior. Thank you D Team, parents and all the Coaches for making the shoot a fun experience!

Here are a few images.

Best,

Shannon

Back in 2009  I shot some  behind the scene stills on a music video directed and produced by  Trevor Bittinger and  Brandon LaGanke.  The video was shot at my friends apartment who also happens to be a very talented designer, Jesse Hectic.  It was my first introduction to the band members of Jupiter One,  K Ishibashi, Zac Colwell, David Heilman and Pat Dougherty.

Tuesday night I attended a solo show of K’s (check out his new EP here), at the Living Room in Manhattan . The room was filled with friends and fans and the performance was kick ass. It was a treat to see k perform solo for it was a first for me. On my way out, David(Also a member of Jupiter One and Fancy Colors)  mentioned that Zac Colwell was playing at Glasslands with his other band, Chappo and invited me to join. We headed over the bridge to Brooklyn in time to watch the entire set, which was fantastic. Many of the faces at K’s show had resurfaced to watch Chappo perform as well.

It got me thinking about the artists in my life here in NYC. I am constantly being introduced to amazing creatives through my community of friends.  Whether it is a fellow photographer, designer, set builder, musician, sculptor…. It is an artist community like no other, a family.   We open our doors, lend a hand, share gear, whatever is needed  to help each other to create  and express their art.  I feel so fortunate to be supported and surrounded by so many amazing individuals. Thank you. Thank You. You are family and I am so grateful to be have all of you in my life.

Best,Shannon

2009 Throwback

Tuesday Night at The Living Room

Later that night… Chappo at Glasslands in Brooklyn.

It has been a very busy couple of weeks. Here is a test I did with little miss Tatiana. She amazes me with her grace, strength and spirit. She rules. Cheers, Shannon

I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend a beautiful fall afternoon. Within five minutes of meeting Alli, she  had me laughing hysterically. Ten minutes later, we were laughing, yelling and running around her backyard like two crazy kids.  I am so grateful that I can call this “working”.   Cheers, S

I thought I’d share a little locals insight for those of you that love to visit Cape Cod.  Here is a great little breakfast gem in South Dennis, MA.  When I head home, I love to meet friends for breakfast. A while back, a friend of mine introduced me to one of his favorite breakfast spots in home town.  (I have my town favorites, but I had never explored South Dennis for breakfast. This place is fantastic!  The Red Cottage is a cute little local spot that stays busy  year round… you can expect a wait on the weekends but you won’t be disappointed.  Here are few pictures I captured while waiting for our food. Cheers!

Ok… So I have some pretty awesome friends and lately. many of them have been celebrating life with marriage, anniversaries and having children. I think it is pretty rad.  I have  have known Josh and Carly for over six years and I’m so happy to have captured them in some amazing points in their life.  Not to sound sappy…but I learn so much from them and I’m grateful to have them in my life. Who knew such an amazing friendship would stem from a plan to meet a stranger (Josh at the time) for bagels and a cartoon session. Josh and Carly are by far, the most wholesome, sincere, kind, loving and also happen to be the funniest couple I know.  (super rad parents to0.)

Just thought I’d walk down memory lane and share some pictures we made over the course of our friendship and their marriage. Congrats guys, I love you! (And June too..he is the best dance partner ever!!)  I hope June finds humor in our humor when he gets older!

TAKING IT BACK TO 2009 ……

Josh is also a super duper photographer.. check out his work!  Happy Anniversary guys!

Love, Shannon

Ok.. so it has been months since I’ve done a post. I am so guilty!!! Last weekend,  I went home (Cape Cod)  for the holiday and went for a hike in the Dunes in Provincetown with a couple of friends in the blazing sun. That is normal right?  Well.. according to all others out there and us.. it was. I thought it would be fun to document the gorgeous landscapes with the others appreciating Cape Cod’s National Seashore.  Cheers!

Cape Cod National Seashore

Cape Cod National Seashore

Cape Cod National Seashore

Cape Cod National Seashore

Cape Cod National Seashore

Cape Cod National Seashore

Cape Cod National Seashore

Cape Cod National Seashore

Ted Perry is not just a musician but, a brilliant man of many talents and skills. Ted and Jack, his Australian Cattle-Dog spent the last few years living in a small farming community in South Dartmouth, MA.  This unique Norwegian pre-fabricated kit home from the late 70′s is an odd choice for New England climate but full of character. Ted spent much of his time here focused writing and playing his music.  If I was to describe his music, I’d say it  is a mix of “traditional” and “roots” style music influenced by folk. If that makes any sense? If not, you will have to hear him perform.  I visited Ted several times  here and thought it would be a great place to shoot. The light is so soft, and rich with color in pockets of the house.  I love watching the light shift throughout the rooms over the course of a day. Ted recently decided to move on from the area and asked if I would come and document a small sliver of his life at home.  My reply, was short and simple, “When can I visit?”

What a treat! A sunny winter day full of beautiful songs, shutter clicks, laughter and memorable conversation.  Cheers!

It is a great feeling when a client requests an additional shoot several weeks after your first collaboration.  On the phone, I am calm and professional yet inside my inner child is yelling, “Yay! They love it and they want more! Woohoo!”  I also love when the talent leaves skipping and buzzing with excitement because they had a great time.  What is better than a great shoot where everyone  is having a fun time?  In my humble opinion….NOTHING.  We had another fun day this week, shooting some lifestyle photographs for Tuff Cookie.  Tatianna, our model was a champ! It was freezing out, yet she was ran around like it was a beautiful summer day. Thank you Dasha & Chad for your help on such a chilly day!

A few weeks ago I shot a test with two Boston based talents, Christine C. Morse(Hair/Makeup  Artist) of Ennis Inc. and Julie Paquette (Stylist) of TEAM. It was snowing in the morning but our awesome talent from Model Club Inc. showed no fear.  We had a full crew of kids and they were FANTASTIC!   A outdoors shoot mid winter and everyone was  full of  positive energy and not a single complaint! (Not only were they professional but super sweet and fun)  A huge THANK YOU to all who participated  and their parents for braving the cold winter day with us. Here a few of my favorite shots from the day.

*Extra special thank you to Tim Legros (Art Director/Designer)  and Chad Gingras (Carpenter/Set Builder) for assisting me! Neither are photographers by trade yet, they were super gracious to assist and helpful with the entire production!

Cheers!