About Shannon
Sixteen years of showing up with humor, heart, and fogged-up glasses.
Biography
Hi, I’m Shannon. My pronouns are they/them. I’ve been photographing weddings, families, and portraits in the Philadelphia area for +16 years. Philadelphia Magazine previously named me Best Photographer for Best of Philly, and The New York Times recently featured me in a Q&A profile.
As someone who photographs milestones, I document candid moments as they happen. I’m drawn to telling genuine stories—imperfections and all. That doesn’t mean I won’t be there to help keep things running smoothly or offer gentle guidance when it feels supportive. My goal is to create images that feel true to you, without forcing moments or asking you to perform.
Who is the human behind the lens?
I live in the suburbs with my ginger-haired partner and our two kids. We also share our home with a senior dachshund, a hyper pup, and a 21-year-old chinchilla. When I’m not photographing or editing, you’ll likely find me overwatering my plants, trying to feel grounded by making checklists, drawing, or listening to podcasts.
Identity
I’m nonbinary, queer, Autistic, ADHD, and Disabled. I intentionally diversify my media feed to reflect these identities and continue learning how I can better serve my community through an intersectional lens.
“There is beauty in shared vulnerability.”
On vulnerability
I believe that if I want to create safer, more affirming spaces for my clients, I need to show up vulnerably as well. That’s why I share parts of my own story—from coming out as queer, to unexpected brain surgery, to navigating life as a late-diagnosed AuDHDer.
Moving through these transformative experiences has deepened my self-understanding and shaped how I approach my work. They inform how I show up for others: with patience, flexibility, and a deep respect for the complexity people bring into meaningful moments. These values are foundational to my photography business and guide every part of my process.
Be yourselves.
I often collaborate with marginalized communities and work to amplify voices that are too often unheard—through storytelling and by normalizing the many ways joy can look.
Many people reach out ahead of time to let me know they feel “awkward” in front of the camera or aren’t sure what to do. You’re not alone, and that feeling is completely valid. I’m here to help you grow more comfortable, focus on enjoying our time together, and feel affirmed throughout the process.
My approach is collaborative and consent-based. I’ll never push moments or poses that don’t feel right, and I welcome feedback at any point. You’re allowed to change your mind, ask for something different, take a pause, or stop entirely. There’s no expectation to perform, smile on cue, or “get it right.” We move at your pace.
Just a heads-up: there’s a 99.5% chance my glasses will fog up, or I’ll trip over a rock while making a joke you’ll probably feel obligated to laugh at (thank you). I aim to strike a balance between conversation as distraction and quiet moments as connection—always centering your comfort.
Let’s get to know each other.
As someone who lives with anxiety, I understand how uneasy it can feel to step into a photography session, especially with someone you’ve never met. That’s why I prioritize getting to know each other ahead of time.
Ahead of your session, we’ll connect by email to go over logistics and details. You’ll also receive a questionnaire where you can share as much or as little as you’d like about who you are and what you’re hoping for during our time together. We’ll probably also trade stories about favorite plants, what we’re watching, or podcasts we love. Building connection beforehand helps me tell your story more fully and creates a more relaxed experience on the day itself.
Reach out when you're ready