"Wow just wow! I have just finished looking at our engagement session with Shannon and I feel as if I have just relived the whole experience all over again. I am wearing a permanent smile in all the photos just as I am now looking back on them, it was such a fun, loving and memorable time for me and my partner.- Katie + Chris
HOW DO SECOND PHOTOGRAPHERS WORK?
HOW MANY PHOTOS DO I GET?
WILL YOU DESCRIBE THE WAY YOU APPROACH AND PHOTOGRAPH WEDDINGS?
WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
I'm based in New Hampshire!! After living in the Bay Area my whole life, I relocated to New England in June of 2022. I've been loving my time on the East Coast so much – it's been super fun to explore all of the surrounding states, work at new venues, and lean into what each new season has to bring (especially summer and fall!)
But, my bags + passport are always ready to go, so you say the word and I'm there! I love to travel for sessions + weddings, and would be so excited to capture your love somewhere epic. I've had the honor to document days in national parks, in every New England state, Utah, Washington, alll over California, and Texas – just to name a few! I'd love to explore somewhere fun with you!
WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
When it comes to your wedding day, I like to direct moments when needed, but capture the rest the way your day unfolds naturally. For example, when it comes to bridal party and golden hour photos, I'm going to be posing and directing everyone the whole time. I'll pick the spots with the best lighting to photograph in, and we'll create those moments together in a beautiful way. But when it comes to your ceremony, reception, toasts, etc, I'll be walking around capturing moments as they're happening, without interfering.
WILL YOU DESCRIBE THE WAY YOU APPROACH AND PHOTOGRAPH WEDDINGS?
Each wedding is unique with different timelines, bridal parties, and family photo lists, but typically, I deliver anywhere from 50-100 photos per hour. The more time I'm there to capture your wedding, the more photos you'll get in the end! If you want to make sure all moments and events are captured, consider adding a second photographer to your package!
HOW MANY PHOTOS DO I GET?
I always recommend adding a second photographer to couples who are having a wedding with more than 100 people. A second photographer is hired + paid by me (one less thing to worry about) and is someone I trust to help capture your day. For getting ready, they'll hang with the guys while I'll hang with the girls, we'll get different angles for ceremony/reception, and will capture events you might not be there for (cocktail hour during family photos). Post-wedding, they give me all of their photos, and then I go through and edit everything so your whole gallery will look cohesive.
HOW DO SECOND PHOTOGRAPHERS WORK?
Day after sessions are literally THE BEST. These are perfect for people who want to spend your wedding with the people you love most AND want the time for super epic bridal portraits. Instead of running off from your wedding to capture your portraits on the day of, we'll do a quick few, and you'll be back at your party in no time. Then, the following day you'll get back into your wedding attire, and we can venture out for your portrait session! This way, you have tons of time to relax and get the best moments, versus stressing about it on the actual day. If one of us isn't available on the following day, we can do them any time after! I've even done them as far out as to two months from the wedding!
Why do I need a day after session? What if I'm off to my Honeymoon?
If I had a dollar for every time I heard this, I'd have a lotttaaa dolllaaas. Every single one of my couples say this to me, but then walk away from our session feeling like a freaking model and telling me how fun it was (even the dude! I swear.) That's going to be you too! I've been photographing couples for years, and I know how to guide you into an experience that you'll feel comfortable + yourself in. I pose and direct you the WHOLE time, so the only thing you have to focus on is each other. You just have to show up and have fun!
We're SO awkward in front of the camera, what do we do?
It's always nice to be familiar with venues, but in the end, it doesn't really matter. Lighting plays a huge roll in the locations I pick to photograph in, but light can change a lot from one day to another. For example, the spots I choose can/will be different from a sunny day in April, to an overcast day in October. I like to arrive early and scout the day of, so I'll have the most accurate idea of what the day is going to look like. I haven't been to most venues I've photographed at, so I feel super confident being able to walk in and perform my best on your big day!
Have you photographed at our venue? Does that matter?
I'll be sending over all the fun from your wedding in an online gallery, 6-8 weeks from your wedding! From there, you can download and share with family + friends. If you're interested in ordering prints, I got you covered! You can select and order straight through your gallery, and I've carefully selected an exceptional print house that will complete your order and ship it right to your door. Or, we can work together to create a custom album to give your photographs a home to live. There are tons of options and would love to chat more in detail with you when the time comes!
When will my photos be ready?
DO YOU GIVE OUT THE RAWS / CAN WE SEE ALL OF THE PHOTOS?
Currently embracing my inner Simon Cowell to let you know, "it's going to be a no from me." But for GOOD reasons! Basically, the RAW files don't look great, and I edit them to make them to look like the magic you recieve. Imagine you order a sandwich from me, and you're so excited about it. You imagine all of the delicious fried chicken + a pound of cheese + lots of sauces... and then I just give you the bread. That's how you'll feel looking at the RAWS hahah. When it comes to the other photos, you won't want to see them. I make sure to go through all of the photos, and pick the best ones for you to look at! What you're not getting is someone blinking/didn't look cute/duplicated/bad exposures. I have a longer, more detailed blog post on this topic HERE.
WHAT DO WE WEAR TO OUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION?
Giiiiiirl, I got you. I have a whole what to wear guide that goes over EVERYTHING you need to know to plan the best outfits for your session.
I'm also super excited when my couples text me pictures of what they're thinking! That way, I can give in the moment feedback so you'll feel confident walking into your session.
CAN YOU PHOTOSHOP US?
I will only photoshop things out that aren't naturally there every day. For example, if you have a pimple on your cheek, I'll work my magic for you.
But, I do not use it to alter your appearance, make you look skinnier, or remove things that are part of you. And guess what! I don't believe you need it, not one bit. I want to capture you and your loved ones exactly how you are in that moment, and not some fake version of you that I create.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS IF WE MOVE FORWARD?
Once we chat and figure out that we're the best fit, I'll send you over a contract where you can review, sign, and pay. To secure your date, you'll put a $1,800 retainer down.
Then the rest of the payments are typically split into 3, but we can break payments down 4+ times as well. I like to be flexible and create something that feels the best for you two! Full payment is required 30 days before your wedding.
"Shannon is amazing! My husband and I were reflecting on our wedding day and we both talked about how comfortable she made us."
"Through countless hours of searching for the perfect photographer and reading so many reviews, I was able to find Sunshine Shannon."
"Shannon truly lives up to SUNSHINE! Overall, she's such a joy to work with and made our big day stress free."
"Wow just wow! I have just finished looking at our engagement session with Shannon and I feel as if I have just relived the whole experience all over again. I am wearing a permanent smile in all the photos just as I am now looking back on them, it was such a fun, loving and memorable time for me and my partner.- Katie + Chris
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Wedding Chicks | 5 Times Chalet View Lodge Totally Delivered On Its Name
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SD Voyager Magazine Interview | Life and Work with Shannon
June Bug Weddings | Crystal Inspired Spring Inspo
100 Layer Cake | Holiday Brunch
100 Layer Cake | Rustic Bohemian Wedding
Something Turquoise | Nadia + Eddie
H&H Weddings | Ely + Nikki
Wedding Chicks | Bridal Shower
Naseem Events | Besties & Bubbly