Farewell blogspot, you've been kind :)

If you follow this blog, first off "thank you"... it means so much to me that people enjoy my work and don't get annoyed by my words! I am so appreciative of any and all support that is shown my way as everyone knows... you don't get anywhere alone. The people who stand behind you matter more than anything. More than ego. More than money. Anything... I adore you guys and hope to have you along for the next chapter in the story that is Shannon Grant Photography. :)

That being said, we're branching off and will be focusing on 2 separate brands. Weddings and Boudoir. If you click on the banner, you will arrive at the corresponding blog:



There will be photos, inspiration galore, interviews, tips, trends - you name it... With each focused on one brand, it'll be easier on your eyes and more cohesive to read.

Thank you again for being readers... I'll miss this little blog but it's time to move on :)

xoxo
~Shannon~

Shannon Grant Weddings
Boudoir Amour

Rockin' Bridal Shoot

Let it be known... I like to play. Dressing other people up, taking their photos, frolicking about town + getting weird looks from strangers. I love it. My neighbors all probably think I'm wacky as they watch us exit the house lugging gear and made up models in tow... occupational hazard, I suppose :)

Palette de la imaginacion...

Jeni Teran came and did hair + makeup. She is amazing and it's such a pleasure collaborating with her (we worked together on the Victorian Nouveau editorial). A great makeup artist, phenom hair stylist + all around awesome woman. I adore her. Here are some images of her making up our bride and being super cute at the same time...




There's just something about collaborating with other artists and letting everyone contribute... you never know what will come of it and it's ALWAYS a blast! Thanks, Jeni!

Here is a sneak peek of Mary looking rockin' bride couture on the steps...



More to come once the new site goes live! Thanks to everyone else who contributed!

Models: Mary + Matt
Bouquet: Sweetferns
Red + Black Tulle Skirt: MTCoffinz

xo
~Shann~
Website

SGP "Tripod"

Well, it's about that time! A year into my business and I'm finally separating Weddings, Boudoir + Portraits into different brands - the Shannon Grant Photography "Tripod" if you will ;)

I've been plugging away at building new sites which will each have their own updated portfolios, unique branding & specific visions. *Phew* It's a TON of work but I'm hanging in there because the end is in sight! And I'm being reunited with older work that I'm seeing in a new light and falling in love with all over again... ahem Jeena + Josh, you're the cutest...



Boudoir is almost finished, Weddings are about 1/2 way done and Portraits won't take long at all. I'm tweaking my current site to be all portrait work - Maternity, Babies, etc).

My only conundrum is where, oh where, do I fit my Fashion work??? I really have to figure it out! That portfolio holds some of my favorite images and if I don't have a home for them on the web - they'll collect dust on my hard drive. *Tear* Unfortunately 4 different websites is not an option right now! Seriously... who do I think I am?? :)

Sneak peek at the landing page...



There are 2 custom designed blogs to be added to the mix.... and new Facebook/Twitter accounts to be made. This undertaking is a labor of love, for sure!

That bottle of wine is calling my name... 3pm is the new 5pm, right? ;)

xoxo
~Shann~

4th grade + a Mom date!

The J-man has officially started the 4th grade and (my emotional response aside) everything is going smoothly -we're both so excited! He loves his teacher, seeing his buddies and is all set for success. Hoping it lasts longer than his new haircut..

He makes me so proud to call him my son. Every day.

In honor of my "school picture day" rebellion, I'm going to be doing his photographs every year. This is something I'm striving to do more lately anyways - take more photos of this kiddo. He is almost as tall as me and that freaks me out, prompting me to document him while he's still child sized. *sniff*

Here are a couple that melt my heart..


After we frolicked about taking photos, I took him out for a Mom date. His choice of restaurant. Of COURSE he chose Sushi Joy... I've taught him well. ;)

We dined. We talked. We made new memories. The older we both get, I have this anxious feeling that I need to make everything memorable for him. I want him to think back on these years fondly and realize how much he is loved... what better way than with food?

Japanese food is so beautiful - the colors and textures... YUM! Egg drop soup + Spicy tuna rolls



It was the perfect end to a great day... I'd like to make a tradition out of it. The first day of a new school year = photos and a Mom date. I hope he agrees! If not... oh well, I'm Mom and (for now) I'm still taller than him ;)

xoxo
~Shann~

Worry wart.

As I sit here anticipating the time to go pick up Jacob from the bus and hear about his first day back at school, my mind races. Every which way. I've come to the conclusion that I worry. WAY too much.

I worry about being a good mother. When I was 19, my life changed forever and I became the mom of a beautiful, premature little boy. As the years went by, the challenges changed but my encompassing desire to be a GOOD mom to this precious soul never have. He's my only child, thus, I have no clue what I'm doing most days... I've never done this before and all I can do is go on common sense (or my brand of it anyways) alone. Keeping an open mind, schooling him on the best classic rock and showing him to find the humor in day to day life are lessons I've made sure he learned - they got me through many tough/awkward phases in my life. With all my faults and bad habits, I PRAY he turns out happy, healthy and thinks back on his childhood with fond memories. This is my biggest worry. Failing at being a good mom.

I worry about succeeding in my business. When I finished school and got laid off from my job, I thought to myself... "it's now or never". Shannon Grant Photography was born. The photography part of it comes with time, practice and education... it helps to have super patient, TOUGH as NAILS mentors who give it to you straight no matter your reaction. Which, believe me, was usually watery eyes and a feeling that I was hopeless... They never gave up on me and would be damned if I gave up on myself. The part that is worrisome to me is the business side. I am not a good saleswoman, I freeze up around strangers and I have a tendency to say things like, "sweet" & "awesome". I worry that the first year of business was too slow and I'm going to join the ranks of failed small businesses. Again, with the failure...

Other things I worry about:

1. Home invasions. I watch tons of crime TV... irrational, yes. I blame my overactive imagination.
2. Driving by semi trucks on the highway. I SWEAR they veer closer to you as you pass.
3. Natural disasters.
4. Losing loved ones.


This list is incomplete... there are many, many more. If I'm not worried about one, it's another. If it's not one, it's 2 or 3 at once. For such a laid back person... I carry a lot of worry inside...

How do I stop worrying about these things so I can focus on the positive?? Meditation... counseling? Is there something wrong with me? haha! I feel like one person shouldn't worry this much.

Deep breaths... In. Out.

xoxo
~Shannon~

Baby Face ~ MA Newborn Photographer

Oh, the baby boys... I fall head over heels for them every single time!

He didn't make it easy for us but that makes it all the more worth it when the photos are completed. :)

World, meet baby *D*... you're going to love him!



Thank you to the beautiful couple Melissa & Kenny for inviting me into your home and being so helpful throughout the session! I apologize for the accidents on the comforter.. but just know when you see these photos, you'll find it was well worth it!

Enjoy your little muffin... every single moment is fleeting and savor it while he's still teensy tiny!

xoxo
~Shannon~
Website

New Life ~ MA Newborn Photographer

Ok, it's official. I am in the throes of full on baby fever... Sending my little man off to 4th grade at the same time as meeting some of the cutest babies in the WORLD has really done a number on me! If only they could stay this small for just a little bit longer... I guess that's where photographs come into play. :)

Sometimes as I retouch images, one just grabs my heart and won't let go. I probably look like a lunatic... my face lights up, a huge smile comes over me and I may or may not bounce in my chair clapping a little.

This is one of those..... baby *M* looking sleepy, content, beautiful.... perfect. *le sigh*



I want to snuggle with her and rock her to sleep again!!!

Thank you Mark and Jess and big bro *S* for welcoming me into your home. You're such an amazing family and the love you share is so sweet... xoxo

Revelations ~ MA Photographer

So.... I've got a couple issues and a big, bright Reveal bulb just lit up over my head.

I've found it moderately difficult to keep up with blogging and my social media sites for a couple different reasons. One is the undeniable urge to NOT bore the crap out of everyone - be it with never-ending self promotion or seemingly meaningless personal details. We've all known those people - they get a quick "delete" off your friend's list. Thus, I've limited how often I post online and to what extent I share my life with my readers.

Also, as outgoing as I may be, I'm also painfully shy. Opening up to the WWW is scary - let alone telling my clients that I LOVE heavy metal and also photographing newborns. The fear of being judged.... it's that comfortable fear that we nurse since grade school. If I keep this piece of myself hidden, they can't ridicule me or tell my crush that I think his new haircut is super cute... old habits die hard. Is that the saying? Maybe it's bad habits... either way, they're still kicking around my subconscious and have long overstayed their welcome.

Being a modern day photographer, you have to have a strong internet presence that radiates your personality. This is where I've been lacking. Lord knows I have the personality... ask anyone who has attended karaoke night with me. Its my internet presence that has been neglected and I believe these insecurities are why. How can anyone invite me into their lives to photograph them and feel 100% comfortable with it if I don't invite them into mine first?

For better or worse, I've decided to change. Post more personal glimpses into my life. Admit my mistakes and offer advice to other photographers starting out. Share more and strive for more. Smile in the face of judgement. I'll offer more of myself to the world and accept what it offers in return. Because if I'm going to do this and do it right, I'm going to do it ALL the way - as openly and honestly as I can.

xo
~Shann~
Website

Heather & Patrick's KISS Books ~ MA Wedding Photographer

The colors, the dancing, the light effects! This reception party was so. much. fun. When I opened the box from KISS Wedding Books containing the 12x12 Leather Album and 8x8 Linen Album both in "Forbidden Green" - I was blown away. The photographic quality was superb, as always, and the 12x12 size was epic-ly delicious! It's the first 12x12 I've ordered as of yet and to say I was impressed would be a giant understatement....

*Please click image to enlarge!*

Each wedding package includes one of these gorgeous albums and they are a sight to behold! There's no better way to tell the story of your wedding than a custom designed KISS Wedding Book... you'll never want to put it away! See another example HERE.

Now booking 2010/2011 weddings! To inquire about wedding packages and info, please email shannon@shannongrantphotography.com xoxo

Much Love,
~Shannon~
Go to Website

Back to School! ~ child photographer Plymouth MA

Well, summer's almost over which mean Back to School time! The pencils, teachers, bus routes... Yeah, I'm not ready for it either!

With a new school year comes yet another "picture day". The same old backdrops, the fake smile they always manage to get from my kid - it's the same lackluster experience for my son and I year after year. It seems like the same people who worked picture day at my elementary school are still clicking away at my son's school. Back to school photographs should be fun - for you AND your child! They should result in natural expressions and encompass who your child is at this moment in his/her life. These should be images to celebrate and look back on years from now... photographs to really treasure. After all, they're only missing those front teeth for so long!

This is why I decided to offer Back to School mini sessions this year... so other parents can get beautiful portraits at an affordable price. And I won't even use a laser light backdrop. ;)

*click flyer to enlarge*

The mini sessions are 30 minutes long and only half a regular session fee. $150 + tax covers your session fee, editing & retouching and an online proofing gallery for 90 days. You'll also receive a $30 credit towards Holiday cards! Two birds, one portrait session!

This event will be this weekend only and the time slots are extremely limited. Contact me to book your child's session as soon as possible to ensure availability. In the meantime enjoy the rest of the summer!

xo
~Shann~
Website

Featured on Rock N Roll Bride!

Exciting stuff as I LOVE this blog! It's all things that any unique bride could ever want or need. A refreshing site for anyone sick of the "same old, same old" and there's inspiration galore for brides looking to think outside the box. A wedding should be YOURS. From the cake to the shoes to the vows - be true to yourselves and you'll treasure the day forever!

I digress.. :)

Our wedding editorial, "Vintage Nouveau" looks so good on Rock N Roll Bride! Thank you Kat for featuring us ladies from across the pond! Your blog is candid, informative and just what the wedding industry needs. Keep up the great work xo






To view the complete article click HERE.

much love,
~Shann~
Website

"Nerd Love" ~ MA Engagement Photographer

These two have a special place in my heart and not just because they embrace all that is nerdy... Jess is one of my boyfriend's sisters and their love story is WAY cute.



Tim & Jess met at college like many people these days... what makes them unique is that they're completely themselves. Always. To propose, Tim wrote a song for Jess and performed it at his CD release party. After the song was over, he knelt down in front of her and asked her to marry him. One of the lines of the song is, "Now we are approaching eternity". How sweet is that?!?! Seriously...



To celebrate their self proclaimed "nerdy" selves, they broke out some comics, a laptop and a Bedtime Story book Jess made Tim when they first got together. We headed to the EPIC Boston Public Library and took photos. We felt like we were in Hogwarts from Harry Potter! Magical to say the least.





Thank you for letting me be the one to document this special time in your lives! I cannot wait for the Disney wedding... If this is what nerdy is all about, sign me up. ;)

xoxo
~Shann~
Website

Becky & Piseth got hitched! Part 2 ~ MA Wedding Photographer

Congratulations to the happy couple! Here are some of my favorite images...













May you have lifetimes of happiness...

xoxo
~Shannon~
Website

Becky & Piseth got hitched! ~ MA Wedding Photographer

Before I head off to Maine for a mini vacation with my boys, I had to upload a sneak peek of the wedding from Friday night! Ceremony in a gorgeous church, a beautiful couple with amazing friends and a couple tearjerker speeches made this such a great wedding to photograph. Thank you, Becky and Piseth, for welcoming me into your lives and having me as your wedding photographer - it was an honor!


Don't like having photos taken.... psssh. You're too good looking for modesty :)

Congratulations to the lovely couple!

xoxo
~Shannon~
My website

Victorian Nouveau ~ MA Fashion & Wedding Photographer

These photos have been burning a hole in my "pocket" - aka hard drive - as I've been dying to show everyone! A few weeks ago, I had the immense pleasure of working with a full team of super talented people on a mock wedding editorial. This being the first one of its kind for me to plan and execute, it was most definitely a learning experience! A designer was going to supply us with dresses and didn't, we originally were going to have a "groom" but he bowed out, dates got mixed up, intense thunderstorms were scheduled on the shoot date, etc etc! It was an exercise in patience, teamwork and remaining positive in order to see a concept come to life. All I can say to my team is, "Thank You! So much!" - I wouldn't have been able to do this without all of your hard work and creative problem solving skills. In the end, art prevailed!

For the concept itself, we went with a "Victorian Nouveau" feel - a tribute to the era gone by with a distinctly modern twist. Hair and makeup looks by Jeni Teran, and assisted by Matt Brennan, were inspired by vintage looks from the late 1930's- early 1950's. Jeni wanted to keep the looks with a realistic vintage feel, but with a bit of a modern edge. The hairstyles were kept soft and elegant, and the makeup paid homage to another era with beautiful skin and a bright pop of color on the lips. The jewelry by Jen Parrish of Parrish Relics was inspired by Victorian elegance, a touch of Medieval symbolism, and the romance of Venice. Jewel toned Stained Glass is the centerpiece of these handcrafted necklaces, also giving a modern edge to vintage style. We mix and matched vintage pieces of clothing with corsets to create our wedding looks (Thanks for your help, Kim!). Last but not least, Gale Barton of Sweetferns designed a beautiful bouquet with white flowers, feathers and an antique metal piece as the perfect accent.

The location added the perfect ambiance as it's a retired train station with lovely nooks and unique design elements (hello, lion face carved into an armrest!). So without further ado, I'd like to share the images from the very first wedding editorial we put together! Hope you enjoy...

Thanks to our breathtaking models Stephanie, Claudia and Mara, respectively

So proud of this shoot and my magnificent team!

xo
~Shannon~
My Website

Maternity Session ~ Plymouth MA Maternity Photography

Hello all and I hope you're enjoying the hot, humid New England summer as much as I am! That said with only a TINY bit of sarcasm as I am enjoying it when it's not over 80 degrees. ;) I've been a very busy bee this month so far and have fallen a bit behind on my blogging. Please forgive me and allow me to make it up to you!

I'll start with this super cute maternity session I photographed in Plymouth MA - downtown and by the beach. It was a scorcher of a day (go figure!) and Jess was the best sport lugging her baby belly all around town. She literally did anything within her power to humor my spontaneous posing ideas and locations. Thank goodness her super funny gentleman, Mark, was there to help keep spirits up and smiles cracking. :)

They schooled me on some new Indian food that I actually LOVED! Chicken Satay and other items that I had never tried (and subsequently forget the names of) were SO good. I washed it down with an Indian iced tea (the orange kind) and enjoyed the company of my friends/subjects for the day. Every time I see them (which is not often enough), I have such a good time and feel blessed to have so many good friends, near and far.

That being said.... on to the photos! Here is a collage of some of my favorite images from their session.

*click to enlarge*

A fun slideshow featuring all the images from their session!

Expecting ~ MA Maternity Photographer

Love is such a beautiful thing... xo

It's all for the fans!!!! ~ MA Photographer

*Click Poster to Enlarge*

Remember back in April when I won the Miami contest and promised to do something awesome for everyone who supported me?? Well, this one's for you!!

I'm blowing on a trumpet and declaring July 2010 - "Fan Appreciation Month"!

Not to be confused with a sale, this is a fun way for me to give back to YOU! The ones who I'm grateful to for supporting and encouraging me in my photo journey. You guys are literally the best. For reals.

The entries will be judged by popular vote on the business Facebook page located here!

So, book your session in July, enter the contest and possibly win a beautiful piece of art for your wall! Without you guys, this would never have been possible! Thank you so much for everything and I look forward to seeing the entries!! :D

xo
~Shannon~

Model Search! ~ MA Wedding Photographer

Hello my lovelies!

I'm taking it to the streets/web to find a couple for an upcoming wedding editorial photo shoot. We're looking for a couple with style and lots of love for each other to play the bride and groom! This way the feeling in the images is authentic and really shines through to tell the story of these "long lost lovers". We'll be shopping it around for publication so there's a possibility your good lookin' faces will appear in a magazine!

Here is more info about the shoot:

Date: July 10, 2010
Time: 9am
Location: TBD in MA
Bride: size 4-6 to fit dress
Groom: slender - medium build
Theme: Vintage
Compensation: low res images for the web & bragging rights if you end up in print!

Please email a brief paragraph about why you should be chosen and include a snapshot of yourself with your significant other. We're accepting submissions until Monday, June 21, 2010. If accepted, you will need to sign a contract/model release and must be available to attend the photoshoot on July 10, 2010!!!

If you or someone you know loves being in front of the camera and wants to "play" wedding with us, please email me at shannon@shannongrantphotography.com - with the subject title "July Wedding Shoot".

Thanks in advance!!!

xo
~Shannon~
Website

Boutique Products ~ MA Children Photographer

What could be better than custom designed artwork to brighten up your baby's nursery? This gallery wrapped canvas is bright and cheery, and features the little guy's name in block letters along the side. Changing diapers at 2am becomes a lot more enjoyable when you're looking up at a personalized piece of art this adorable!

*16x20 gallery wrapped canvas with a finished back & sawtooth hanger*

One of the many perks of investing in custom photography is the unique artwork that results. When you hire a photographer, ask them if they make custom designed art utilizing your photos and you'll be able to preserve your memories in style!

Another perk is the special appreciation you get for working with a boutique business! For spending over $500 on products, I give out three of these cute little accordian books as a way of saying "thanks"! They come in a plastic sleeve, have a magnetic closure and feature images from your session.




I LOVE creating personalized products and art, it's my favorite part of being a photographer (second only to taking the photos!). Collaborating with people to create unique items that fit their homes and personalities is an honor and nothing's better than seeing your work displayed with pride!!

xo
~Shann~
My Website