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

And certainly after her big brothers’ portrait sessions, my daughter was not to be left out! She has definitely grown up with a camera pointed at her constantly, and she is quite used to it by now. The evening after the boys’ portraits, we had absolutely perfect light on the beach. It was gorgeous! My husband came along for this one, because our darling girl is quite a handful. She has a bright, silly, and spunky spirit. And she has the energy of Two 2 year olds.

I’ve said it before … I know I am biased because she is my daughter, but she takes my breath away.

Miss M is a new client, and isn’t she precious?! In keeping with her family’s heritage and tradition, we met for her portrait session just before her first birthday, despite a chill in the air. At least we lucked out and the rain stayed away! This darling girl was so fascinated with the ducks and the geese at the park where we met, so I have lots of photographs of her pointing at those fascinating creatures! I was thrilled to get a few of her sweet smile, too, especially since her parents told me she is often a very curious and serious young lady. I was also thrilled to see her special outfit, also in keeping with her heritage. The design and fabric of it was breathtaking!

Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl!

My first baby just turned eight years old. Before long, he’ll be 18. Each year seems to go faster than the last.

I’ve been bouncing around ideas and plans for his Eight Year Portraits in my head for weeks. I’ve changed the location at least four times. I’ve bought and returned a few outfits, even shoes. I strategically timed his recent haircut. I’ve watched the weather forecast and marked appointed times on my calendar. And still, something just wasn’t clicking for me. I was thinking like a photographer, not like a mom. And goodness knows, I have no shortage of portraits of my kids. I wanted these to be different.

I realized that I didn’t want these to be planned portraits. I didn’t want new clothes, perfect hair, or a carefully chosen setting … though all of those things are just wonderful for a portrait. I wanted these images to be all about Matthew. I wanted to tell the story of who Matthew is at eight years old. His joys, his home, his heart.

Thus, I have three sessions in mind, each to capture images for an album all about Matthew at age 8. Today was the first, in his room, wearing his favorite jeans and t-shirt, with bare feet, of course! I asked him what two things in his room he loved the most, and he answered his bear, Ojo, and his Star Wars book. He’s a bookworm.

This first image is my favorite and it brings tears to my eyes. It is the first photograph I captured today, before Matthew even realized I had camera in hand. I love that he is still young enough to love his teddy bear. He had just jumped on the bed, and grabbed Ojo for a quick hug. A single moment in his year of being eight, totally unposed, totally unplanned. Totally Matthew. Oh, how I love this child!