PORTRAITS | Aaron

Aaron was the winner of last spring's Grand March Scholarship, and were we finally able to meet up last month to shoot her portrait session, just days before she moved to Nova Scotia to begin college!  The weather was beautiful, the sun was shining is all it's dreamy glory, and Aaron's eyes and personality sparkled.

When planning a session for high school senior I send out a little questionnaire for them to fill out so that I can gather a few her about them. But really my goal is to create some time and reason for her to reflect on her time in high school, the events and experiences that have shaped who she is, and the people most important during this time in her life. This information is also then written into the magazine I design for each of my senior girls!

When asked to write about who she is, what she loves most about herself and the things that are most important to her, Aaron wrote this:

"I love that I'm different. I've struggled with my weight all my life, but I've come to terms with the fact that there is nothing wrong with me. I refuse to let people treat me poorly. It may seem harsh but I'd rather walk alone and do what is right than be one of the crowd. I love that I am never afraid or nervous. I like to jump into the unknown. You only live once, and life is too short to be afraid. Being brave, different, confident and unique is important to me."

Congratulations on your graduation Aaron and best of luck in this next season of your life as you pursue your dreams. Please continue to share you life and wisdom with others. We need more young people who celebrate diversity and inspire others to embrace their unique identity!!

Love & Sunshine,
Shannon-May

{PORTRAITS} Becca

Becca is turning Sweet Sixteen this fall, and to commemorate this coming of age her family is going all-out for her Mardi-gras inspired Sweet Sixteen party!! I was so thrilled when they contacted me for portraits that will accompany her invitations!

If there is only one thing you should know about Becca, it is that she loves, that is LOVES, the colour pink!! And, if it has sparkles, well then she will die and go to girl heaven!

I had so much fun photographing Becca. We started out at Made You Blush in the Saint John Market Square where she had her make-up done for the photo shoot. It was a perfect PINK location! AND, the water in the water fountain in the middle of the court yard even had pink water... what are the odds? Becca also loves her iPhone, fun shoes and jewelry so we made sure to incorporate these details into her photos!

Enjoy these photos and leaves Becca some love... she is beautiful and I hope she knows it!!

***Special thank you to Katelyn at K. Bella Wedding and Event Planning for setting this up, and to the ladies at Made You Blush for the amazing make-up job and use of your space!!!

Love & Sunshine,
Shannon-May

{CLASS OF 2013) Jayanna

Every outfit Jayanna put on I was like "OMG, I love that!!" Seriously, we are kindred spirits when it come to clothes... cute but sophisticated, pretty and girly, classy, colourful and patterned! I've even notice Jayanna repinning dresses and outfits I've recently pinned on Pinterest! LOL.

It was so much photographing Jayanna. This girl is super outgoing and we chatted the whole time!! She is also a super natural in front of the camera, and could read my mind, literally. I've recently done a lot of research and development in the whole posing and directing part of my job but the language isn't always on the tip of my tongue to communicate it so well, but that did not matter with Jayanna. It's almost like she understood posing code 101 because I would simply utter half a word and she knew what to do. Seriously made my job so easy!!

I love that Jayanna is apart of my team. When I received her application I shouted "yes!" to her reason for wanting to be a Spokesmodel for SMP. Her own words:

"I want to be a Spokesmoodel for Shannon May Photography because I love the message that you have for young women in our community; to love yourself for who you are, and I believe that message should be passed on to as many young women as possible."

Enjoy these images and lease some blog love for Jayanna!

Love & Sunshine,
Shannon-May