READING TIME: 3 min 35 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/07/2024
UPDATED: 11/06/2024
Shanell’s path to becoming a photographer started in an unexpected place—behind the scenes, doing hair and makeup for brides. Reflecting on her beginnings, she shares, “Growing up, my grandmother was always the "picture person" and moments documentor. I remember loving looking through all the albums she had created for our family and hoping to be able to do the same one day.” It was this early exposure to the power of photography that planted the seeds of her eventual passion.
As Shanell transitioned into the wedding industry through beauty, she realized that her interest in capturing moments was growing. “I slowly realized I needed to learn how to capture my work,” she explains. It wasn’t long before photography became more than a necessity—it became a calling. “Photography became a passion and being the best version of myself and an artist took precedence.” Thirteen years later, she’s a seasoned professional, committed to preserving the beauty and authenticity of every couple’s love story.
When asked to describe her style, Shanell thoughtfully says, “It is my passion as an artist and storyteller to create imagery that is joyful, romantic, authentic, and ultimately beautiful.” Her words echo throughout her work, where each image reflects a deep commitment to capturing the essence of the couples she photographs. Shanell sees herself not only as a photographer but as a storyteller with a camera, transforming fleeting moments into memories that last a lifetime.
“I want to capture each and every client as they are,” she explains. “Showcasing their individual love story.” Every wedding is different, and Shanell is dedicated to making sure that her work reflects the unique dynamics of each couple. Whether it’s a tender glance, a spontaneous laugh, or the quiet intimacy shared between two people, her goal is to preserve those moments with authenticity and grace.
In a world where photography equipment can often define the style of the work, Shanell has mastered both film and digital mediums. “I shoot both film and digital,” she says with ease. This dual approach allows her to combine the timeless, organic feel of film photography with the precision and versatility of digital. Shanell trusts Photovision for her film processing and uses Goodlight profiles to edit her digital work, ensuring that the final images are cohesive and flawless.
What Shanell enjoys most about being a photographer isn’t just the craft itself, but the connections she builds along the way. “The connections I make with my couples is absolutely the best and having the opportunity to provide them with tangible heirlooms to share with their family generations to come,” she says, her voice lighting up. For her, photography isn’t just about the end product—it’s about the relationships she nurtures throughout the process.
“I want my couples to feel very comfortable with me and be able to be their true selves,” she shares. This sense of ease is a crucial element of Shanell’s approach, as it allows her to capture authentic, intimate moments that truly represent the couple. “This allows for not only beautiful portraits but amazing story telling in between moments.” These candid, unplanned moments are often the ones that hold the most emotional weight, and Shanell’s ability to capture them is part of what makes her work so special.
For couples preparing for their big day, Shanell has some simple yet powerful advice: “Don’t be afraid to bounce ideas off your vendors, especially your photographer,” she says. “Pick out a couple outfits and have fun! Think about what you truly want and stay true to your heart.” This philosophy—of staying true to oneself—extends to her entire approach as a photographer. Shanell’s work isn’t just about creating beautiful images; it’s about capturing the authentic, joyful, and romantic stories that reflect who her couples truly are.
“I aim to shoot around 12-15 weddings a year,” she says. By limiting the number of weddings she takes on, Shanell ensures that she can dedicate herself fully to each couple, providing a deeply personalized experience. Her clients aren’t just another booking on her calendar—they’re people with unique stories, and she’s there to capture those stories in the most meaningful way possible.
Understanding that no two weddings are alike, Shanell offers fully customizable packages to fit her clients’ specific needs. “Absolutely, all my collections are customized to fit my couples needs and wants,” she explains. Whether her clients need weekend-long coverage for multi-day events or something more tailored to a single day, Shanell is flexible in her approach.
Shanell’s love for destination weddings is evident in the way she speaks about them. “Yes, I love destination weddings and shoot a lot of them,” she says with enthusiasm. One of her favorite places to photograph is Northern Michigan, a region known for its natural beauty and serene landscapes.
In Shanell’s 13-year journey, she has evolved from someone who captured her beauty work into a photographer who captures life’s most meaningful moments. Through her connections with couples, her mastery of both film and digital photography, and her ability to tell love stories through her lens, Shanell has built a reputation as a photographer who creates not just photos, but heirlooms. Her work is about more than just weddings; it’s about preserving the essence of each couple’s unique story for generations to come.
