Shannon Holden Photography

Do as I say … not as I do.

I tell my clients all the time … please call me to reschedule if your child is sick the day of our session. It is a rare exception that an ill child does well for their portrait session. Who could blame them? If I’m feeling crummy, I don’t want a crazy lady with a camera singing the Itsy Bitsy Spider in my face either.

So why on earth didn’t I take my own advice?

Back in the Fall, in the midst of my crazy busy portrait season when I was working about 80 hours a week, I was also stressing about getting my own children’s holiday portraits made. I get a little obsessive about my kids’ annual photographs. And this time, I heard the clock ticking … you see, my 6 year old had a very loose front tooth. I really, really wanted to get those photographs made before that tooth fell out.

So after our weeks and weeks of seemingly endless rain, we finally had a sunny weekend in the forecast, and I had a Sunday evening clear on my calendar. But on Friday afternoon, I found myself at Urgent Care with that same 6 year old, who had a 104 fever and chills, and a diagnosis of H1N1. The children’s holiday portraits would just have to wait.

On Sunday, my son was actually very perky. And much to my surprise, my kids were truly excited about their portrait session this year. They couldn’t wait to head out to take pictures. My sick one was especially enthusiastic. I sincerely had not planned on going through with their session that evening, but he insisted he was feeling up to it. So my husband and I spent the next hour getting them dressed and ready and driving out to the photo location.

When we arrived, I turned around to the backseat to see my child looking like he’d fallen off a train. The poor thing had run out of every ounce of energy he had left. I said we should just go back home, but my sweet boy said, “No, Mommy. I’m okay. I can do it.” Bless his heart. He wanted so badly to make Mommy happy.

Now you tell me … does this look like a child who feels up to modeling?

We made just a few photographs that evening, upon my son’s insistence. But we called it a night quickly. Thank goodness, he got over his flu in about a week, and we had another sunny evening come along before that wiggly tooth fell out. I’m thrilled with how my children’s portraits from our second session turned out. I’m planning a gallery wall in our living room made up of these images.

And I learned my lesson. Sick kids don’t make good portraits. Trust me on that one.

Much love,
Shannon

I was so excited to see the M family again. At our last session, we focused on portraits of their four children, each of whom is so unique, and so photogenic! Yet they share so much in common. Each is very bright, impressively polite, and very devoted to one another. Their bond is so special to witness.

I was especially glad when Mrs. M told me that she and her husband would be joining in our session this time, with the goal of creating a portrait of them as a family. Even though I know first hand how difficult it can be on that side of the camera … I know us Moms are stressed enough getting all the outfits coordinated, the haircuts precisely timed, and getting everyone dressed and groomed the day of the session, much less the thought of actually being IN the photographs … but years from now, decades from now, I also know how much the children will cherish this image of their family. What I would give to have a portrait of my own family from my childhood! The memory of love and laughter …

Much love,
Shannon

Last week, I babysat my two little cousins for an afternoon. Riley will be two years old next month, and his baby brother Hayden is now six months old. They are two of the sweetest, calmest little ones I have ever seen. Even still, I learned that I am officially out of practice when it comes to caring for a baby and a toddler simultaneously! I did this once in my life, not too long ago really, but I’ve lost all those skills. My three year old was home, and she certainly adds her own beautiful element of chaos and drama to any situation. Thank goodness the boys are so sweet and gentle. Riley was anxious to help me with everything Hayden needed, and he even put up with my daughter’s boundless energy with amazing patience.

Watching all the children play, I found myself just gazing at Riley and Hayden, two of the most gorgeous children I have ever seen (along with my bias for my own kids of course!), and a light bulb appeared above my head. I just happened to have my studio lights all set up in the guest room, as I’ve been working on some other portrait ideas. Truly, I did not plan on being a photographer that particular day. It was dark and rainy outside, so natural light photographs would have been near impossible anyway. But honestly, fellow photographers … could you spend a few hours with children this precious and not pick up your camera? No, I couldn’t either.

Their mommy didn’t even know I created these photographs until 20 minutes ago, when I called to ask her if I could put them on my blog. Surprise, Kim! Your children are such incredible blessings!

I first met these two dolls when they were just months old. They were so tiny and peaceful. I was elated when their mommy called me again for a portrait session this year. I knew those two beautiful babies would certainly have grown into amazing toddlers … and they have! Now they are two years old and ever so adorable. As I am sure any parent of twins will tell you, they each have their own unique spirit. Nicholas is calm and thoughtful. I can tell there is a great intellect growing inside this young man. Madelynn is spunky and playful. And though I’m sure Nicholas would argue with me on this point, I think Miss Maddie might be the one who calls the shots most of the time. Both of them are simply darling, and have such a precious bond. Life is sweet, isn’t it?

Tamera, I’m sorry to have to tell you that you’ll have too many images to choose from. I am having a very hard time narrowing them down! For now, I hope you love your sneak peek. Thank you for the chance to spend a beautiful Fall day with you, Nicholas and Madelynn. It was such a treat to work with you again, and I loved playing with Nicky and Maddie. What a blessing they are!