Shannon Morgan Photography

Connection / Bainbridge Island Washington 98110 Family Photographer

smpb1905 — Thu, 03 May 2012 22:42:41 +0000

For me, photographing people is all about capturing a connection. The connection between parents and children, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, and last but not least a connection with me and in turn my camera. Without that connection you just have an average snapshot instead of a moment that tells a story. Each person and families comfort level is different when it comes to displaying their connections, and it is my job to create an environment where they feel free to do so.

And then you have families like Brian and Amy’s. A family who is very comfortable displaying their connection with each other. I especially was drawn to how affectionate their boys were with Amy, I think it is safe to say they learned this from watching Brian. Brian and Amy, you have a beautiful family, but more importantly you have a beautiful connection with one another. It was a joy to witness, and an honor to document.

{I am obsessed with Amy’s smile!!}

{Obsessed, I tell you!}

Spring has Sprung / Bainbridge Island Washington Family Photographer 98110

smpb1905 — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:10:01 +0000

Why Hello! How are you all? It has been a while. Things are really kicking into high gear here at SMP as Spring has Sprung. Translation: Beautiful families, warm back lighting, flowers in bloom, and well, not freezing children {my personal favorite}.

To start things off I couldn’t have dreamed of a more beautiful family to shoot. They are sincerely picture perfect. I was immediately drawn to their two adorable children. Both bursting with personality and eager to be in front of the camera. That makes for a magical session. As we are still new to the Island, I always love meeting new incredible families. It just confirms Bainbridge is where we are supposed to be for a very very long time.

Vanessa and Patrick thank you for the opportunity to capture your beautiful family.

Let’s Party!! /Bainbridge Island, Washington 98110 Wedding Photographer/

smpb1905 — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:40:04 +0000

{sigh} This wedding really makes me want to do it all over again. My next wedding is totally going to be just like this! {jokes people, jokes}. Their energy was contagious, and their love palpable. Their focus wasn’t just about the center pieces, flowers, name cards and countless other details that go into making a wedding beautiful. They wanted each guest to feel special, and their desire for everyone to have an incredible time was achieved. I am not gonna lied, I couldn’t help dancing while I worked.

I love working the fish eye during the reception. Not only does it produce a unique perspective, but it forces me to get up and personal with everyone which I love. You can feel the energy through the lens and it is an incredible experience I don’t think you can quite achieve through a zoom.

Thanks again Laura for sharing this beautiful couple with me. It was as fun as it looks.

{PS – Head over to her blog to see more pictures of Baby Reece}

{loved this!} – They invited all married couples out on the dance floor, as the song progressed the DJ said if you have been married 5 years stay on the dance floor, 10 years, 20 years, 30, 40, and 50 years. This beautiful couple is what every wedding day is really all about, which is spending the next 50 plus years with the one you love. {love them}

Reece Lynn /Bainbridge Island Washington Portrait Photographer, 98110 Photographer/

smpb1905 — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 00:38:49 +0000

I present to you Reece Lynn’s first official session, the first of many I can garuntee you that. Being the first girl on my side of the family who I have instant access to makes her my #1 muse. I have so many outfits and ideas just waiting to come to fruition. She may possibly be the most photographed child on this planet by the time I am done with her.

This session was made entirely possible by Laura atAdd To Heart Photography. From the props to the poses Laura worked her magic. I have been receiving several inquires for newborn sessions and Laura is one of the photographers I have been referring my newborns too. Please contact her if you are expecting and want beautiful images of your newborn.

Thank you Laura, for your talent and your time.

Thank you Lyndsay and Rick for making such a beautiful baby, and sharing her with me.

Thank you Reece for being perfect in every way.

I love you little one now and forever.

Life Is Beautiful /Bainbridge Island, WA, Hawaiian Family Photographer/

smpb1905 — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 01:39:50 +0000

I am finally wrapping up editing all of our family vacation images, and I have a few more I wanted to share. One evening Ben asked me if I wanted to go for a walk on the beach just down from our condo. I was super tired from lounging on the beach all day {it was exhausting!}, but I mustered up the energy, grabbed my camera and we headed out. Its was such a beautiful night {aren’t they all there?}. The clouds were reflecting the sunset back onto the water which was breath taking. We kept wandering in and out of tide pools created by the lava rock, as we came around a corner we stumbled onto a family of sea turtles sleeping on the beach. It was one of the most magical moments of my life. I think we spent over an hour with them before another couple came over. It is small moments like these that remind you just how beautiful life is.

g-r-a-t-e-f-u-l

Three Weddings and A Newborn /Bainbridge Island, WA Wedding Photographer 98110/

smpb1905 — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:29:11 +0000

Three weddings and a newborn session is exactly what I have been lucky enough to shoot with Laura at Add to Heart Photography. The weddings were in 2011 and the newborn session is tomorrow {with Miss Reece}. I love working with Laura, not only is she an incredible talent but she is also a great time. I think we make a pretty great team and I will jump at the opportunity to 2nd shoot for her any day of the week!

This adorable couple are high school sweet hearts. They were up for anything and so incredibly laid back. It was an honor to witness the first day of their love story as Mr. and Mrs.

She is HERE!!! /Bainbridge Island, WA Baby Photographer/

smpb1905 — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 03:18:47 +0000

The long anticipated day finally arrived Sunday evening when my sister’s water broke at home. I jumped in the car around 10 pm literally shaking with excitement. We had no idea how long it would take for her to arrive but I don’t think any of us anticipated it being 27 hours before it was all said and done. Reece really wanted to be born on Valentines Day apparently, and it couldn’t be more fitting as she is L-O-V-E love. She slide into this world just after midnight on February 14 th. My sister was incredible throughout the entire birth, and I couldn’t be more proud of her. It was such an incredible experience being there for her birth, and a gift I will never forget. Holding her truly feels like I am holding another piece of my heart. Words can’t describe how much I love this girl. Here are a few snapshots of my family with Reece on her Birthday.

Brooks wanted to be swaddled like his cousin. It makes me sad…..look how big MY baby is???

Reece has her official newborn session this Monday. I am so excited as Laura from Add to Heart Photography is shooting the session. She is one of those incredible newborn photographers in our area that I was telling you about, and I just can’t wait to see what she does with my beautiful niece! I am sure I won’t be able to resist snapping a few, but I am really looking forward to watching Laura work her newborn magic . Until then I introduce to you Baby Reece…..

I’m Back!! {Bainbridge Island WA, Hawaii, Vacation Photographer, 98110}

smpb1905 — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:00:06 +0000

Well, we made it back safe and sound. I think we all would have been ok if by some miracle we were unable to fly off the island, but alas that didn’t happen. This trip was a long time coming, as it was our first family vacation not up to Alaska. It was everything we hoped for and then some. We saw more whales than we could count, dolphins and sea turtles. We had a magical experience one evening while walking on the beach at sunset which I can’t wait to share in an upcoming post. The boys swam, swam and swam some more. It was so neat to see how comfortable they felt in the waves by the time we left. Braydon was a semi pro boogie boarder within a few days, and even Brooks was catching waves by the time we left. Of course I can’t leave out my biggest boy of all, Ben. I think he clocked the most time in the water. I have never known a person who can literally get slammed by waves for eight hours straight and still come out smiling. I did exactly what I had planned on doing, which was play with my kids in the sand, enjoy my parents company, read a few books, and relax. It was the closest thing to heaven that I have ever experienced. I am so grateful.

Of course I had to have a session with my family. I even jumped in a few of them {thanks Dad}. I really think I was put on this earth to specialize in Hawaiian Family/Children’s photography . I hope you feel the warmth of our family vacation..

The Definition of Ironic /Bainbridge Island WA, Portrait Photographer 98110/

smpb1905 — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:16:41 +0000

i·ron·ic [ahy-ron-ik]

coincidental; unexpected: Example: It was ironic that I was seated next to my ex-husband at the dinner.

This post is ironic for sure. January for me is a busy month. You would think it would be the slowest month for a photographer as the weather is cold and people are still recovering from the Holidays. And you are right, it is the slowest month as far as shooting and sessions go, unfortunately the act of actually taking pictures {and editing} takes up about 20% of my job. The other 80% is all business related. I have been insanely busy working on my brand, 2012 welcome packets, collections, the new blog, and updating my website {which you MUST check out as it looks completely different with LOTS of new images/ SMP WEBSITE}. I also take this time to reflect on the past year and I have come to a decision.

I have decided to no longer shoot maternity or newborn sessions, and I will tell you why. I love love love newborns, but I love love love to just hold them and stare at them. It takes an incredible skill set to photograph newborns, one that I am afraid doesn’t come natural to me. I feel there are several INCREDIBLE maternity/newborn photographers in our area that I would be more than happy to refer all of my expecting Mom’s to. So please shoot me an email if you are looking for a great maternity/newborn photographer in the Kitsap area.

This decision has made me realize where my true photographic passion lies. There is just something about shooting children and families that I just can’t put into words. Simply put I love it. I get this same feeling shooting weddings, and I believe I need to follow what my heart is telling me.

With that said I present to you my beautiful sister Lyndsay’s Maternity session! I told you this post was the definition of ironic. What better way to stop shooting maternity/newborn sessions than with shooting a maternity newborn session. It makes total sense to me .

The reality is my life is about to change completely Feb. 22nd {or whenever Baby Reece decides to grace us with her presence}. As a mother of two boys welcoming a baby girl into our family is HUGE, HUGE I tell you! We had Lyndsay’s baby shower last weekend and I bought Reece 4 little pairs of shoes {including pink cowboy boots for future Keith Urban concerts}, 2 tutu’s, 2 bathing suits, 2 jackets, 1 pair of sunglasses {to go with said bathing suits}, and countless hair accessories. This is a DREAM come true for me {I am sure it is pretty exciting for my sister as well }! And yes I agreed to shoot Baby Reece’s newborn session.

WARNING: If you are a normal woman and gained some weight in area’s besides your belly, this post may be disturbing. My sister made pregnancy look like she simply put a small basketball under her shirt. I am still working through my feelings of jealousy but that is my own issue.

Lyndsay {featuring Baby Reece}

I told you she was a freak of nature ! A beautiful freak of nature . Also I will be out of town January 26-February 4th. One word…..Aloha!!

Engagements /Bainbridge Island Washington Engagement/Wedding Photographer/

smpb1905 — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:28:06 +0000