Fitness First

There are certain professions that leave me a bit awe-struck. In no particular order these are Paramedics, Teachers, Dancers, Surgeons and those that work with abused children or animals. These guys impress me either because a) I think their job is super-hard and/or b) because their job is completely outside the realm of my own abilities. Another professional that elicits a big “woooooooooooow” from me are fitness instructors. I’ve always had a hate/hate relationship with exercise and so to think that there are people out there who actually love it and choose to make it their life is just too much! There are certain characteristics I wish I had and a love of movement is one. But I just don’t and never will.

Anyway, this post is supposed to be about Jodie Arnot, Director of Healthy Balance Fitness. Jodie’s business was recently award the Victorian 2010 Fitness Business of the Year (under 2000 members category) in the Australian Health & Fitness Industry Awards. The business has gone from strength to strength over the past few years and their demonstration of innovation, excellence, longevity and stability was fairly recognized with the recent award.

So last week we got some promotional shots of Jodie and she was such a pleasure to shoot. People that are comfortable with their bodies are music to a photographer’s ears!

Congratulations Jodie and Healthy Balance Fitness! I’m going to walk to the shops today in your honour.

xx Shannon

IRIS Award

I just found out by accident that an image I submitted for this year’s IRIS Award was selected as a semi-finalist! Apparently the Perth Centre for Photography only notified the finalists so I would have been none the wiser had a friend not given me the heads-up.

The IRIS Award is a national prize recognising new and outstanding portraiture in photo-based media offering over $4000 in cash and prizes. The criteria for selection focuses on portraits that are unique, original and engaging whilst also maintaining excellence in photo-media quality.

The PCP’s website is really out of date but you can check out all semi-finalists on flickr here

And here is the image of mine they liked:

“John”

Earlier this year I walked past John smoking outside his house so I stopped and asked to take his photo. John is newly divorced after 40 years and now lives alone. After having quit smoking for 10 years, he took it up again after the divorce. John was dressed and ready to visit Footscray Market. I really like how his clothes match the background.

Hopefully I can make it a little further next year.

xx Shannon

Sun, rain, babytalk and design to die for …

So, it’s been a little quiet on the blog front for Shantography lately. Ask anyone in Melbourne, it’s been a miserable winter here … the wettest for a zillion odd years apparently. 

But it’s been great weather for a roaring fire (my husband’s become obsessed with building the perfect fire) and also for a bit of behind-the-scenes work. And I’ve been working my fingers to the bone peeps! 

This Friday I’m being interviewed by ABC Radio on the subject of Family Photography. It’s for a segment called BabyTalk which is all about the perils and pleasures of early parenthood. The interview will be available as a podcast so I’ll let you know when it’s available. National fame is clearly around the corner. Finally!

PLUS, I’ll be releasing my brand new logo and business cards soon and man are they fiiine! You know, I’ve really learned to take my own advice and call in a professional from time to time. I’ve done a lot of my own design work – including this whole site – but my design work has it’s limitations because ….. I’m not a designer. Seeing what an actual real-life designer has come up with (in comparison to my own attempts) was an emotional moment. (She’s probably reading my gushing thank you email now and feeling weirded out). It was also a great reminder to know your own limitations! I can’t wait to share the designs and the designer herself with you very soon.  

Other than that I’m shooting the national winner of the Best Small Fitness Business next week. Massive congratulations to her. Maybe she can give me a few tips for Summer?

Anyway, am feeling very excited about the news above and totally re-energised by the small amount of sun Melbourne was bathed in today.

xx Shannon

Madeleine & Mariana

Recently I had the pleasure of photographing mother and daughter Mariana & Madeleine. They were (are) dream subjects. The uber-stylish Mariana (show me how Mariana!!) is a graphic artist who runs design studio m2matiz, producing a stunningly unique range of gift cards, gift tags, journals, prints, the t.lighthaus© collection and more. She’s a freakin’ work of art herself!

Her lovely daughter Madeleine just makes me … sigh. She is utterly breathtaking to look at but is also a very sweet and super smart young woman. I believe she may be headed for a career in law. So best you don’t break any people. (Laws, that is).

I could look at these gals all day.

xx Shannon

Father’s Day

Father’s Day is almost upon us (September 5) and I have a great new special to make Dad’s day. Why not book a session as a surprise for Dad or just surprise him on the day with some beautiful photos of his children!!

Not only am I waiving the session fee – usually $125 – I’m also throwing in a FREE 8×12 or 8×10 high-quality matte print valued at $60.

See below for full details and have a great day.

xx Shannon xx

Can’t get enough of Chic by Sha

Sha Anderson, Creative Director of Chic by Sha, is on fire right now. Last weekend I had my second shoot with the talented Australian pettiskirt label whose signature designs are the Vintage Lace, Chic prints, Vintage Tattoo Wear and Mini pettiskirts celebrated by soon-to-be-brides, flower girls and fashionistas worldwide.

And once again we worked with model Natalie Raye. Natalie has an amazing look that’s both edgy and commercial and I just love to work with her.

It was quite funny watching everyone make sure Natalie stayed pristine while I proceeded to get absolutely filthy in pursuit of the perfect angle. Aaah well, in spite of my muddy knees, I reckon there are much worse ways to spend a Saturday afternoon than shooting beautiful designs worn by my favourite model.

Au revoir,
xx Shannon

Um, raining much?

So, winter in Melbourne has a reputation. Supposedly, that reputation is not entirely fair as Sydney gets more rain than we do. But, on the morning of July 2, I think Melbourne deserved every crummy weather joke in the book. It poured for the entire session I had with the gorgeous family below. We had to shelter under trees and playground equipment and dash from shelter to shelter for the whole shoot. We got wet. Our shoes got muddy. My camera got spattered. And somewhere along the way, I even lost my lens cap. 

But I bet you can’t tell any of that from the photos, right!? These guys were so good-humoured. And they should be as they totally won the children lottery. 10-year old Jas was pretty much every parent’s dream and looked beautiful in her woollen cap and red top. And she obviously adored her baby brother River (who was the only one who didn’t really mind the rain).

Thanks for your patience and good grace guys. I think your photos are beautiful in spite of the horrendous weather. I hope you do too.

xx Shannon

Twice as nice

I shot my third set of twins recently. I know it’s tricky for busy mums and dads to get photos of one toddler but TWO toddlers? A challenging enough job for a pro!

Lucky we had a gorgeous lake ‘iced’ with swans, ducks and other birds to keep them interested. And bubbles. Load and loads of bubbles.

I’ve known these girls since they were 6-weeks old as they were in my mother’s group (when I lived in Perth) so it was very special to see them again and especially to photograph them. They’ve grown and changed so much since those first hazy weeks of  their lives. (Hazy for me, not them. We were all new mums!)

Anyway gals, you’re both rockstars. I hope Mum and Dad like your pictures.

xx Shannon

Tomato Lake Capers

I just got back from Perth where I had the pleasure of shooting three families.

On a chilly Sunday morning (4 degrees people!) I enjoyed cavorting around Tomato Lake with Alexander, his baby sister Isabelle and their parents (obviously). Alexander wasn’t entirely sure about the whole thing but he warmed up in the end (figuratively not literally – it was freezing remember) and I got some lovely shots of him in his bright red parka. 

His little sis Isabelle is one of the happiest, smiliest babies I’ve ever met.  She seemed to be having the time of her life but her mother told me that she’s always like that. Lucky mum!

Enjoy your pics guys.

xx Shannon

Autumn/Winter fashions from Chic by Sha

On Sunday morning the Exhibition Gardens in Carlton were ablaze with the vibrant colours from Chic by Sha’s stunning autumn/winter collection.

It was all going on. We had five models ranging in age from 18-months to twenty-something, 13 outfits, soaking lawns, passing showers and one very calm designer in the midst of it all. And why wouldn’t she be? Her french and vintage inspired collection for ladies and little girls is ready for release and it looks great. Seeing the stunning adult models and gorgeous little girls flitting through the park was like watching a fairytale come to life.

Chic by Sha is an Australian pettiskirt label whose signature designs are the Vintage Lace, Chic prints, Vintage Tattoo Wear and Mini pettiskirts celebrated by soon-to-be-brides, flower girls and fashionistas worldwide. Chic by Sha’s pettiskirts are made from layers of oh-so-soft material that give the skirts maximum volume. Sha also designs tops, jackets, accessories and more.

Thanks for the opportunity and privilege of shooting your collection Sha.

Au revoir,

xx Shannon