Shannon Holden Photography

I get several emails each week from new or aspiring photographers seeking advice on getting started. Each one is flattering to receive, and I wish I had the time to answer them all in depth. Unfortunately, as a Wife, Mommy, and Professional Photographer, time is my most precious resource, and the one thing I never seem to have enough of. And so, I usually can’t give each inquiry the dedicated attention I would like. In hopes of offering some insight to these rising artists, I wrote this page on my website quite some time ago. It’s been shared on many other photographers’ blogs and websites, and yet ironically, I have never shared it directly on my own blog!

Since I have gotten a whole new flurry of emails this week, I thought it was time to post it here. I hope it is helpful to those interested.

Starting a Photography Business

Mr. H loves trains! Many of my blog readers will recognize this fantastic family. I first met them when their son was just a bump in Mommy’s tummy. Now this handsome young man is two years old and getting more adorable by the day! His love of trains inspired the location – the Southeatern Railway Museum in Duluth, Georgia. It was the perfect setting! Though I am often partial to black and white photography, I love all the vibrant color in this session.

I am so blessed to call this family my friends as well as my clients, and it was so fun to spend an afternoon with them. We had a gorgeous, warm Spring day for our session. Fresh air … clear, crisp light … the glee and giggles of a toddler … Life doesn’t get any better than this!

Hi Friends!

It’s been such a great week, having a little time off work to play with my kids during Spring Break. Tonight I relaxed with my hubby in the backyard while the kids scampered about. And then it hit me … that itch to have my camera in hand. I can hardly go more than a few days without the urge to photograph something.

You see, it was the yummy, yummy light! About 6:00 in the evening, with the warm Spring light filtering through the trees, reflecting off every blade of grass, every curl in my daughter’s hair. I just can’t resist the photography opportunity! I’m such a sucker for backlight.

So it triggered not just my photography craving, but an idea … I’m thinking about offering a special price on Sunset Sessions for a limited time. The sessions would take place around 6:00 in the evening, in the Roswell or Alpharetta area at a location of my suggestion, and would likely be limited in the number of subjects. First, I’d like to see what kind of interest is out there … so drop me a line, ok? You don’t have to commit. Just let me know if you love the idea and would consider a reservation. Once I see what kind of response I get, I’ll nail down the details on price and dates to be offered.

And yes, I gave into the craving tonight. I grabbed the pettiskirt, which conveniently matched the crocs she refused to take off her feet, and captured some of the exuberant toddlerhood in that delicious light. Gee, my girl doesn’t like being the center of attention, do you think?

Such a sweetheart, this little guy was! First of all, as a portrait photographer, I was instantly captivated by the light in this client’s home. They live in one of those fantastic historic areas of Atlanta where the homes have such grace and character, and in their home in particular – huge windows! Ah, a natural light photographer’s dream! And my tiny subject for the day was just as wonderful. This sweet boy slept so peacefully for us, and even gave me the most perfect little smile at just the right second. I enjoyed editing this session almost as much as I enjoyed shooting it. It was hard to choose my favorites for the blog. Thank you for being such a perfect subject, J!

The photography below is definitely my favorite image from the session. Such peaceful innocence, such delicate light. This is the kind of moment that brings tears to my eyes as a mother.