READING TIME: 3 min 46 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/18/2026
For Tessa Shannon, photography didn’t begin as a career plan. It was simply a companion to curiosity — a way to document the world while studying psychology at university.
“Photography started simply as a travel hobby while I was at university studying psychology.”
Her early work focused on landscapes and personal travel, capturing moments for herself without any expectation that it would evolve into something more. That changed unexpectedly when a small favor for a friend opened a door she hadn’t planned to walk through.
“By chance, I took some photos for my roommate's second anniversary, having never shot anything other than travel or landscape photography.”
What followed was a natural progression rather than a deliberate pursuit.
“It snowballed from there in ways I never could have predicted or planned, and 10 years later, I photographed that couple's wedding in Bordeaux.”
That full-circle moment became a symbol of everything her career would come to represent — relationships, trust, and the quiet continuity of life’s milestones.
Today, she has been a full-time wedding photographer for over a decade, documenting celebrations across continents.
Tessa’s work is defined not by staged perfection, but by emotional authenticity. Her focus remains firmly on presence — preserving moments as they unfold naturally.
“My clients have been so kind as to say my work captures the true essence of their wedding day.”
This essence is not created through direction alone, but through observation and emotional awareness.
“My goal is always candid, in-the-moment imagery with a refined, timeless finish.”
Her images reflect both spontaneity and intention — photographs that feel effortless yet carefully preserved.
In an era increasingly shaped by automation, Tessa remains deeply committed to a fully hands-on process. Every image she delivers is shaped by her personal involvement from capture to final edit.
My imagery is all hand-edited by me, with zero usage of AI.
Her editing workflow is both technical and intuitive.
“Digital images are first color-corrected, then later scanned for blemish or clutter removal. My film work is hand-scanned and colored by me.”
This meticulous attention ensures that every image maintains consistency, integrity, and emotional depth.
She works exclusively with Canon systems, both digital and film, allowing her to move seamlessly between formats while maintaining her signature aesthetic.
“I shoot on Canon for both my digital and film work.”
Film, in particular, adds a tactile, timeless quality to her work — reinforcing the emotional permanence of the moments she captures.
At the heart of Tessa’s process is a simple but powerful principle: listening.
“By simply listening to them. My work isn't about me or my portfolio, but entirely about my clients and what they want.”
Her role is not to impose a visual narrative, but to understand and preserve the one already unfolding.
“Generally, my clients have a very strong vision, so I ensure I understand that vision clearly and execute from there.”
This clarity allows her to guide couples confidently while ensuring there are no surprises.
I give advice and set expectations up front so we are all on the same page.
Her presence becomes both calming and unobtrusive — allowing couples to fully experience their wedding day while she quietly documents its most meaningful moments.
What continues to drive Tessa after ten years is not the destination or aesthetic alone, but the human connection at the center of every wedding.
“Being able to witness and document such intimate moments and events.”
Each wedding offers a new emotional landscape — a different story shaped by unique people, cultures, and environments.
This emotional closeness is what gives her work its quiet depth and authenticity.
Destination weddings have become a defining part of Tessa’s career, allowing her to document love stories across diverse landscapes and cultures.
“Yes, about 75% of my work is destination!”
Her international mobility reflects both experience and adaptability.
“I have a visa allowing me to legally shoot in the United States as well as residency in Australia.”
Her work has taken her across some of the world’s most inspiring locations.
“I love new destinations, but some of my favourites are New York City, Milos, Muskoka, Byron Bay, and London.”
Each place brings new creative challenges and emotional textures, enriching her perspective and artistic voice.
Looking back on her journey, Tessa’s advice reflects a commitment to authenticity and creative independence.
“Stay in your own lane, focus on what you're doing, and drown out the outside noise. Keep your head down, stay consistent, and don't give up!”
She offers equally thoughtful advice to couples preparing for their wedding day.
Be as comfortable in your hair, make-up, and attire as possible.
Comfort allows presence, and presence allows authenticity.
“The less fussed you are with that, the more present you'll be with your partner, the more fun you'll have, and that will shine through in your photos!”
What defines Tessa Shannon’s work is not just technical skill or visual style, but emotional awareness. Her photography preserves moments exactly as they existed — honest, unforced, and deeply human.
Her images do more than document weddings. They hold onto fleeting seconds, preserving them long after memory begins to soften.
Through careful observation, disciplined craftsmanship, and unwavering focus on her clients, she creates photographs that feel timeless — not because they follow trends, but because they remain true to life itself.
