In my photography, genuine connections and unscripted moments reign supreme. I immerse myself in your stories, cherishing our conversations as much as the photos we create. My work is about documenting a lived reality, not staging it - while nurturing and witnessing relationships that allow me to see beyond the lens, so mine can preserve the beauty, the mess, and love that’s present.
I am an artist made from childhood afternoons thumbing through dusty photo albums, a natural gift to see the beautiful melancholy, and a desire to help others witness the love that their own existence has created.
my name is shannon-may.
SHARING MY SOUL / OPENING MY HEART / A BIT ABOUT ME
Collaboration lies at the heart of my photography. Through detailed questionnaires and engaging meetings, I delve deep into understanding your unique stories and priorities. This personalized approach ensures every session is a reflection of you, not just a series of poses. From scouting meaningful locations to adapting session lengths, I prioritize your comfort and vision. By encouraging your input and exploring your favourite images, we craft a photographic experience that truly resonates, depicting the essence of your relationships and life stage.
Collaboration is foundational.
Trust is extremely important in this line of work, and enables me to craft images that truly resonate. I understand that being photographed, and creating images that reflect the intimacy of your life and love, can be a deeply vulnerable experience. I will do everything in my power to ensure our collaboration is built on a foundation of trust, allowing us to be open and authentic with each other.
Trust is necessary for true documentation.
At the heart of my work lies a core value of inclusivity. Love, in all its forms, deserves a safe and welcoming space. I'm dedicated to being a continuous learner and ally, committed to fostering an environment where every expression of love is celebrated. I believe in the equality of all individuals, embracing and honoring love across all spectrums of gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, and ability. Your love story, unique and beautiful, is safe here to be authentically told and cherished.
Inclusivity is part of everything I do.
Rainbow Registered
/ Proudly 2SLGBTQI+ Friendly
All love is pure magic. yours deserves to be celebrated, documented, and seen.
To me, this work means embracing and celebrating every individual, inclusive of their background and love story. I’m dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming space for all, and continually educating myself to be a better ally. As a Rainbow Registered business, I’m committed to ensuring everyone feels seen, supported, and cherished in their most meaningful moments.
01. Preserving Moments
02. The Messiness
03. LOOKING BEYOND YOU
04. THE DEEP STUFF
It’s time to ditch the phone photos. Ensuring you have soul-baring photos of your loved ones in an album to enjoy repeatedly is key. It’s not just about preserving moments; it’s about holding onto memories of those you cherish most. This is an essential part of what I do, capturing love in tangible form.
Documenting the beautiful mess of life, from newborn laundry piles to wedding day stresses, capturing genuine laughter amidst chaos. These unpolished moments become treasured favourites, embodying the essence of human love and life. I love seizing the raw emotions that unfold naturally and unforgettably.
My job extends beyond capturing newlyweds; it involves witnessing the love and life stages of those celebrating you. From grandparents’ age-old affection to the fuss and tears of friends, these are the moments you’ll cherish, the stories and emotions of your day seen for perhaps the first time.
Let’s skip the small talk and curated lists; my passion lies in documenting life’s deeper, real moments. The unnoticed proud gazes, the emotional depths that often go unseen, these are the memories that will move you to tears. Your life is rich with profound moments, and I’m here to ensure they’re preserved.
01. Photos As Content
02. Following Trends
03. Low Effort
04. Perfection
Referring to photos as 'content' misses the essence of what I do. I seek to collaborate with those who value the artistry and authenticity of documenting life's genuine moments, not just for social media appeal but for personal collections. I believe in documenting the beautiful realities of existence, not just chasing 'likes' or curating a perfect online persona.
I try to steer clear of fleeting trends, focusing instead on timeless, truthful storytelling. My approach isn't about replicating popular images; it's about creating art that reflects your unique story - and will transport you back to the feelings of a specific time in your life.
I seek clients who actively engage in my creative process. This isn’t just about showing up and taking pictures. It's a collaborative journey of trust and connection. I invest significant effort in preparing for each session and cherish clients who reciprocate with enthusiasm, participate in planning, and share their stories openly.
Here, the pursuit of perfection will always be set aside to make room for the beauty of authenticity. I prefer working with folks who want to document their life and their love “as is” - knowing this is the closest thing to preserving a moment in time. It’s the messy, imperfect moments that create the most unreplicable, beautiful images.
A truly personalized photographic experience, from inquiry to artful documentation, culminating in photos that are a reflection of your life.
WHAT IT MEANS TO WORK WITH ME.
After our initial discovery call, I delight in crafting a unique experience for each client, from providing a thoughtful welcome package to holding in-depth discussions about your preferences and priorities. My approach is thorough yet flexible, adapting to each client’s comfort and individuality. I offer payment plans for folks celebrating their marriage - and make myself available for check-ins and advice as the wedding day approaches. Once captured, I meticulously edit your images, keeping you informed throughout the process. I believe the final delivery of your gallery should be a special moment, complete with fine-tuned prints and bespoke albums, and work with you to choose a day that allows for well-deserved celebration and time spent reminiscing.
Common questions
Answers
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My philosophy is to never pressure anyone to step in front of the camera. Instead, I focus on building a connection, often spending time in conversation before even lifting my camera. This approach helps to put camera-adverse individuals at ease, making the photography experience more about genuine interaction and less about the camera itself. My goal is to document a person’s true self, in a way that feels natural and comfortable to them.
In terms of social media sharing, I'm meticulous about respecting my clients' wishes. I only post images publicly after clients have received their photos and have had the opportunity to share them first with their loved ones. If you prefer to keep your images off social media or from being shared with other wedding vendors, I fully honor that request. I advocate for your privacy rights and make it clear that vendors should not automatically expect access to a couple’s wedding photographs. My commitment is to your preference and comfort in how your images are used and shared.
Weddings require a different approach due to their significance and complexity. If I am unable to attend a wedding, my priority is to find and arrange a suitable, skilled alternative photographer. I understand the importance of this day, and I go to great lengths to ensure my clients have a professional they can trust. An example of this commitment was when my father passed away, and I had to find replacements for three weddings during a peak season. Despite the personal challenges, I dedicated myself to contacting photographers, sending emails, and reaching out on social media to secure reliable alternatives for my clients. Your peace of mind on your special day is my utmost concern.
For weddings outside the Maritimes, I arrive two days prior to the event, allowing ample time to explore the venue, scout ideal photo spots, and understand local traffic conditions, all to ensure a seamless photography experience.
Travel fees are calculated based on airfare, a minimum of two nights' accommodation, car rental, and any additional incidentals. This comprehensive approach ensures I'm fully prepared and focused on delivering the best possible service. For specific travel fee details and a custom quote tailored to your unique needs, please feel free to reach out. My goal is to make your photography experience memorable, no matter where it takes place.
The choice of print lab is as crucial as selecting your photographer. My collaboration with top-quality labs ensures that your photographs are presented in the best possible way, with attention to colour, detail, and durability. These albums and prints are designed to last for decades, becoming cherished family treasures.
While opting out of an album isn't possible, I do offer a range of additional professional printing options. These include bespoke fine art albums, contemporary coffee table books, and parent books, which make perfect gifts. For weddings, I also provide custom guest books featuring your engagement photos, creating a unique space for guests' well wishes. These offerings are all part of ensuring your memories are preserved in the most beautiful and lasting manner.
