MODERN GLAMOUR PORTRAITS | Full Details

During the darkest months of the year it seems appropriate to set sometime aside and be reminded of how beautiful you are! This portrait experience isn’t so that you can have glamorous or sexy photos to give to your partner (though you certainly can do that!), but rather this is for you. This is why I have designed sessions during the modern glamour portrait marathon to be more than just another portrait session. I want to you experience your worth and to be pampered with little treats simply because you are deserving of that, and it’s time you invested in you!

with your investment, you will receive:

professional make-up application

a 40 minute portrait session

two outfit changes

20 lightly retouched images, delivered via digital download

1 – 8X10 mounted print of your favourite image

and a special take-home gift to continue the pampering experience.

The modern glamour portrait marathon is taking place on Friday, February 22nd 2013 in Saint Andrews at the Kingsbrae Garden Cafe, which will be transformed into a beautiful naturally lit studio for the day! On hand will be a variety of simple and elegant settings to choose from so that we can make the most of our time together.

Also on hand will be jewelry and accessories generously on loan from Toose’s Bijoux that you can wear to add pops of colour and bling to your favourite outfits. And to make your experience even more delicious, complimentary coffee and tea will be on hand, along with artisan treats baked especially for the day from The Sugar Bakery.

And most importantly, everyone on hand during the modern glamour portrait marathon will be committed to making this experience a memorable and special time for each woman involved.

investment:  $199.00

only 7 sessions available | make your reservation now:

SHANNON@SHANNONMAYPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

FAQs:

What can I expect? When you arrive at the Cafe Studio you will be greeted with a smile and my assistant will take your coat and any outfit change you brought along while you get situated for your professional make-up application. During this time you will also be offered your choice of coffee or tea and a delicious treat to nibble on while you begin to soak in the pampering experience.

When your make-up is completed you will be directed to where you can change into your first outfit. When you are dressed I will help you style your outfit with the jewelry and accessories provided on loan from Toose’s Bijoux. We will then spend about 20 minutes photographing you wearing this look before you are then invited to change into your second outfit, which will also be styled with jewelry and accessories!

Your total session should last 1 hour 20 minutes from arrival to departure, but our hope is that you will continue to pamper yourself for the rest of day, which is why you will receive a special little gift as we say goodbye!

How do I reserve my spot? Full payment of $199 will be required to reserve your spot. As this is a limited event the session is not refundable should you choose to cancel. It can however be applied towards a regular (individual) portrait session at a later time of your choosing. Please email Shannon-May at shannon@shannonmayphotography.com to guarantee your spot.

When will I receive my images? Your images will be available for viewing within 21 days of the session. And you will be able download the digital images and personal use license at that time. You will receive an email 48 hours before your images are ready so that you know when exactly to anticipate them!! Once you receive your images you will be asked to pick your favourite image so that I can get the mounted print ordered for you asap!

What should I wear? I envision two different looks: A casual yet elegant look - perhaps a fitted plain shirt or sweater that a statement necklace or pair of earrings could glam up to wear along with your favourite pair of skinny jeans and heels/boots. And a dressed up look – perhaps a party dress that you never have the chance to wear or a power suit that makes you feel beautiful and professional! Whatever you choose make sure you love it and that it represents the best version of yourself. Oh, and it’s probably a good idea to wear well fitting undergarments as well – Bridget Jones would approve of this idea :)

I have no idea how to pose and I feel so awkward just thinking about it! Will you help!? Of course! It is my job to guide you every step of the way, and no one will be left hanging! I will tell you what to do with your hands, how to stand or sit for the camera, where to look and what expressions to make so that we are capturing your best angles and getting that wonderful twinkle in your eye. I promise you will have fun and leave feeling confident and beautiful!

How should I prepare for the session? Please come with your hair camera ready. Whether you are wearing it straight, up, or lightly curled please make sure to spritz it with a generous amount of hairspray in order to minimize fly-aways. As you will be having your make-up professionally applied, please come with your face freshly washed and moisturized. Please make sure wrinkles are ironed out of your outfits and that you have selected exactly what you wish to wear for your first and second looks.

How many images will I receive? You will receive 20 lightly retouched images that will be made available for digital download at no extra cost. Additionally you may choose to purchase professional prints or have your images turned into a custom designed album. Please contact me for further pricing of albums and professional prints.

Will you be airbrushing or retouching these images? Yes and no. Each image will be hand edited to correct exposure and colour balance, and to sharpen the image. In addition, obvious blemishes and other distracting elements will be edited out or minimized to enhance the quality of the image. However, I prefer to maintain the character and integrity of a person’s skin and body therefore I do not edit out deep wrinkles or modify bodies to appear thinner.

Tangible Memories

I remember using my spare set of keys to start and warm up my car in the morning and then using my main set to lock the car so that I could take Ruthie for a walk before we began our long trip to Vancouver BC. I used my keys to get back into my apartment and gather my suitcase and carry-on bag while my car continued to warm up. It wasn't until my friend Katie picked me in my car and I noticed my spare set of car keys in the ignition that I even gave this any thought. The next thought was where is my other set? When we arrived at my apartment I spent some minutes routing through my carry-on bag as this was the most natural place they would be but I knew they weren't there.

Losing one's keys really isn't that big a deal. Every key is replaceable with some effort and for a cost. Losing keys is more of an inconvenience than anything else. What is not replaceable, however, are the charms I had on my key ring. Gone is the gold heart with the personal message my parents gave me for my sweet sixteen birthday that I have had for more than half my life. And gone is the pink sparkly "S" charm I bought for myself to mark the beginning of my photography career when I attended my first WPPI in Las Vegas.

These things are just that things and losing them is not a tragedy. But like a photograph, these items were tangible memories for me. The gold heart prompted the memory of my sixteenth birthday, the special right of passage in turning "sweet 16" for which a key ring charm is the ideal gift.  And, the pink sparkly "S" charm prompted the emotions and uncertainty that surrounded that time in my life when I was facing my fear and riding the wave of love and encouragement I received from my family, friends and new industry friends.

For now my key ring will be embellished with the hand written tag my Dad wrote years ago, when I still lived at home, to mark my spare car key set. This too has a tangible memory and keeps my Dad's hand writing ever present in my mind and close to my heart. But one day there will be another moment in my life or another meaningful trip for which a key charm will be an ideal tangible memory.

Love & Sunshine,
Shannon-May

Modern Glamour Portrait Marathon

I am so excited about this!! I have been wanting to do a portrait marathon for women for eons. I love creating opportunities for women to pamper themselves and to be reminded of how beautiful they are, and I think creating an editorial-inpsired photoshoot event is the perfect way (in my humble opinion). 

Each session will include professional make-up application provided by Alisha from Dione Cosmetics, 40 minutes in front of the camera, 20 lightly retouched images that will be available for digital download, an 8x10 mounted print of your favourite image and a few other treats that are sure to make this a truly great experience and true blessing to each woman who books a session.

Whether you want to treat yourself to a photo shoot, or know a special women in your life that you think would like a bit of pampering (especially during this cold and dark time of year) be sure to email me for more details. There are only 7 spots available. 

Love & Sunshine,

Shannon-May

Good Things Come

Last week I posted on my Facebook Page about my upcoming trip to Vancouver and that the Kelly Moore Libby bag would be ideal for traveling with gear, laptop and other carry-on bits. Well, it's here. My pretty new bag is in my possession and I am getting it ready for it's first plane ride.

It is not my intention to brag about my purchases however I have been coveting this bag since I started working as a photographer only there was never a need for it. However, after my trip home in October when I travelled with my dog for the first time (which accounts for one carry-on), I found my Kelly Moore Classic unable to accommodate my laptop, travel items and the gear I was packing. So, to my delight, my wants and need merge!!

I am happy to add Libby to my family of camera bags, and will look forward to toting her around to this year's weddings, along with my Lowepro roller bag and Undfind waist shooter bag! And bonus, my current favourite pair of flats look ab-fab when paired with Libby's dreamy caramel and gold colouring! I'm going to feel so stylish at the airport.

 

Hope you are having a happy Monday!

Shannon-May

ENGAGED | Ashley and Steve

I'm not sure where to begin with Ashely and Steve's engagement session other than to say that working with these two confirmed to me that I have the best job I never dreamed possible. As I get to know each couple I have the privilege of working with, my admiration for them grows, especially when I learn of the sacrifices and life altering decisions each person chooses to make in order to be with the people they want to make happy and create a life with. Beautiful souls. 

Ashley and Steve live in northern Alberta and were home over Christmastime to visit family and work on plans for their Saint Andrews wedding this August, so when we met for their snowy Fredericton engagement session it was our first time meeting. We met at Cedar Tree Cafe for coffee before beginning their engagement session, and talking with them was like sitting down with friends and hearing about the life they have began to build together. They were transparent and open about the difficulties of living in a remote area and the sacrifices that comes with being so very far away. In previous correspondence when I had asked them what is one of the biggest challenges they have had to overcome together, Steve wrote: "Moving away from home and going to a very northern/isolated location. Ashley made the move so I could teach. She also left her new job just so we could go." This supportive nature is one of things that Steve most loves about Ashley, writing also that she is most often the bright point of his day and always understanding, and recalled the encouraging note that she packed in his lunch on his first day of teaching. 

Ashely and Steve met while working and attending University in Fredericton. Sparks flew and they spent many nights getting to know each other over BBQ nachos at The Snooty Fox, and they make a point of eating these nachos several times whenever they are home in Fredericton. Thus, it only made sense that we should incorporate this tasty tradition into their photos!! (Side note: I tasted these raved about nachos and I fully uphold Ashley and Steve's high opinion!). Great moments and heaps of laughter followed, some that is sure to be abundant on their wedding day!! Especially since Steve is gifted at making Ashley, which is one of the things she most loves about him!

 

While it was super cold and I was forced to wear my winter boots (I really loath boots and still try to get away with wearing cute flats all winter), I am so glad for the opportunity to photograph the super gorgeous Ashley and Steve against the beautiful snowy Fredericton landscape because it brings in a whole other element of romance when you create photographs of two souls in love... and then you get these images like this. 

  

And these.

And this one.

And this one (love the fur lining!!!)

And the blue sky of this one...

Thank you to The Snooty Fox for letting us "take over" a wee bit, and to the ladies at Made You Blush for the lovely job they did getting Ashley "camera ready" (though she is gorgeous without make-up)! But importantly, Thank You Ashley and Steve for choosing to work with me and for braving the cold!!! I am super excited for your wedding day and to see you both again! 

Love & Sunshine,

Shannon-May

If You're Young at Heart

Like most philosophers, wisdom comes when I am washing the dishes. Or at least that is when the most unexpected but very much needed ideas pop into my head. Yesterday, the idea was in the form of song. Frank Sinatra's "Young At Heart" to be exact. The lyrics go something like this...

Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you 

If you're young at heart. 

For it's hard, you will find, to be narrow of mind

If you're young at heart. 

You can go to extremes with impossible schemes. 

You can laugh when your dreams fall apart at the seams. 

And life gets more exciting with each passing day. 

And love is either in your heart, or on it's way. 

I am often critical of my childlikeness.  It was only a few years ago where I began to appreciate this quality about myself, and that was only after a friend pointed out that my childlikeness was a source of joy and entertainment for the other in the midst distress or hardship.  Historically, I always thought my easy-to-tease-ness, gullible-ness, excitement about silly little things, head-in-the-clouds-ness and propensity to put people on pillars was immaturity and ignorance. I spent many nights loathing this about my personality and worrying what others thought about me. But I couldn’t have been more wrong; and while was washing dishes I was reminded of the importance of being young at heart.

Being young at heart, or childlike, has enabled me to dream and remain hopeful in the midst of despairing moments. Being childlike has enabled me to maintain faith in others and continue to expect excellence from them even when trust has been broken. And being childlike has enabled me to believe in myself and continue working towards goals I set out for myself even when I let me down. Being childlike helps me to have faith in the human race when the news is full of despicable happenings. And being childlike has enabled me to holdfast to my belief in God during times when you can't help but wonder "where was He?" 

I needed to hear this song today and be reminded of these things I already know, for as I look ahead onto this new year of possibilities and go through the mental list of all the things I hope to accomplish, the people I want to have time to invest in, and the various creative projects I wish to plan and carry out, I get a wee bit overwhelmed and begin to naysay it all. But, as the song says, “Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you if you're young at heart. For it's hard, you will find, to be narrow of mind if you're young at heart.” 

And just to make you giggle a little, here is a picture from when I was unabashedly young at heart.

MARRIED | Catherine and Graeme

When Catherine and Graeme first contacted me to be their wedding photographer they expressed that most important to them was to make Jesus the center of their celebration. He has been the center of their individual lives and His Love continues to be the foundation upon which their relationship has developed and the life they will build together. From the moment their ceremony began through to the end of party, along with their family and friends, Catherine and Graeme honoured their commitment to keep Jesus and their mutual love for Him as the center of their best day!

The ceremony took place in their home church in Grand Bay and was followed by a reception at the Shadowlawn Inn, fulfilling the elegant and vintage vision Catherine had for the day. Despite the snowstorm that made the drive from Grand Bay to Rothesay a little... precarious, the Inn was full of people Catherine and Graeme loved and cared for, and everyeone delighted in the joy that was abundant as Catherine and Graeme celebrated their new marriage. An entertaining speech was given by Catherine's brother Andrew, who was glad that Catherine "found a husband... (deserving of her);" Graeme's family, including his Grandfather and Father, performed a beautiful orchestra number while the newlyweds looked on; Catherine's Father delivered a speech including a poem that his Father-in-Law read to him the day he married Catherine' smother, which brought tears to every daughter present; and Catherine and Graeme's first dance as husband and wife was to an instrumental song written by Graeme for this very occasion.

I could not have asked for a better wedding to end my first year as a wedding photographer. Though the weather did pose some challenges for portrait time (the snow was so heavy that photos outside would not have been heavy even if everyone was willing to brave the cold!!), it simply gave me opportunity to rock the off-camera lighting, and be creative with the beautiful indoor space at Shadowlawn Inn. From the moment Catherine greeted with a warm hug when I meet her and the girls at Element 5 Salon, I knew this would be a wedding to remember. Thank you Catherine and Graeme for choosing to work with me, and for inviting me into your lives during this most precious time.

Love & Sunshine,
Shannon-May