READING TIME: 3 min 53 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/03/2024
UPDATED: 10/03/2024
Shannon Duggan Photography’s journey began in the most unexpected way. Reflecting on her start, Shannon shares, "I ended up in a photography class my senior year of high school. I tried to quit the class after day 1- thankfully my teacher was a past coach and said "do the work, you'll get a B."" With that reassurance, she reluctantly stayed. But everything changed when she had a friend step in front of her camera for the first time. "It clicked for me," she recalls, and from that moment, photography became more than just an assignment; it was her newfound passion.
She pursued this love for the craft by studying commercial photography in college, where she honed her technical skills and began building a business while still a student. Shannon's drive to create meaningful work blossomed during these formative years, and her business grew organically as she refined her vision and approach.
Shannon’s style is deeply rooted in tradition yet undeniably modern. She describes her photography as "classic modern," explaining that it’s the perfect blend of timeless moments and contemporary trends. "I love the heirloom moments that every mother of the bride wants," she says, acknowledging the importance of those classic, heartwarming shots that families will treasure for generations. But Shannon is far from rigid in her approach. "I love being able to have fun and stay on trend without it feeling overdone," she adds.
Her images reflect this philosophy—each photo captures the essence of the moment, but with a fresh, stylish edge that never feels forced. Whether it’s the joyful laughter of a bride and groom or the tearful embrace of a parent, Shannon knows how to freeze moments that resonate with emotion while keeping the aesthetic current and relevant.
Shannon is meticulous about her craft, and the tools she uses are a testament to her dedication to quality. "A mix of medium format digital photography and medium format film," she shares, revealing her appreciation for both the precision of digital photography and the organic beauty of film. This combination allows her to offer her clients a rich, textured final product that stands out in a world dominated by purely digital work.
While digital photography provides her with the flexibility and sharpness needed for modern trends, Shannon’s use of film adds a nostalgic, almost tactile element to her work. Film, with its ability to capture subtle nuances in color and light, gives her images a timeless quality that complements her "classic modern" style.
When it comes to post-processing, Shannon maintains a light touch, focused on enhancing rather than altering. "Color correction and retouching within reason," she explains. Her approach is simple: the beauty of the moment should speak for itself. By keeping her edits minimal, Shannon allows the authenticity of each wedding to shine through, ensuring that her images reflect the true atmosphere of the day.
For Shannon, the relationships she builds with her clients are one of the most rewarding aspects of her job. "Getting to work with clients that are not only inspiring- but truly great people," she says, is what she loves most about being a photographer. She approaches each wedding with the understanding that her clients’ opinions are paramount. "It’s not about me," she states firmly. "I can do what I do- but it's my client's opinion that truly matters."
Her approach to working with couples is refreshingly simple yet effective: ask questions and listen carefully. "Really asking people what they want," Shannon explains, is key to ensuring that the final product exceeds their expectations. Whether a couple desires traditional, posed portraits or candid, emotional moments, Shannon adapts her style to fit their vision, not the other way around.
Shannon’s commitment to providing personalized attention means she limits the number of weddings she takes on each year. 15 to 20 weddings a year is her comfort zone. Shannon prefers to take the time to connect deeply with her clients and ensure that their wedding day is captured exactly as they envisioned it.
With each wedding, Shannon typically provides 10 to 12 hours of coverage, offering couples a full-day experience that captures everything from the morning preparations to the final celebrations. "It’s a long day with us!" she laughs, encouraging couples to choose a photographer they feel truly comfortable with, as the photographer will be with them for most of their special day.
"Always," she emphasizes when asked if she’s flexible with her packages. For Shannon, it’s all about ensuring that each couple gets exactly what they need for their big day, no matter how unique their requests might be.
Shannon is quick to offer advice for couples preparing for their wedding day. "Know what you're looking for. Find someone you feel comfortable with. Find someone that you really click with," she says. Her advice reflects her own values—Shannon believes that trust and connection between a photographer and their client are vital to creating beautiful, authentic images.
When it comes to destination weddings, Shannon is more than ready to pack her bags. "Yes!" she exclaims when asked if she travels for weddings. Her love for travel and exploration fuels her passion for destination photography. "I can't pick a favorite because I love the diversity of the world," she says, highlighting her enthusiasm for the variety of cultures and landscapes she gets to experience through her work.
Whether it’s a wedding on a sandy beach, a cliffside ceremony overlooking the ocean, or a rustic vineyard celebration, Shannon brings her signature style and expertise to every location. Her ability to adapt to different settings while maintaining her distinct "classic modern" aesthetic is a hallmark of her destination wedding work.
