I’m thrilled to return to my first love of photography and offer documentary, lifestyle children photography.  While studying fine art photography at Arizona State University, I had the privilege and pleasure of documenting the growing personalities of three small children. I quickly discovered that I was able to capture a far more telling portrait of Kylie as she curled up to a large rock sucking her thumb than having her simply ‘smile for the camera’. Completely energized by what I was seeing in the pictures, I continued recording simple, day to day moments with them…playtime, blankets, singing songs, coloring, tantrums, accidents and all! In the end, I had a collective series of every day expressions, gestures, activities, and interactions that captured a true and personal portrait of each child.

As a new parent I am reminded just how quickly our children grow and transform right before our eyes. I treasure seeing my son discover his own thumb for the first time and am filled with an overwhelming urge to capture it on film. Photography allows me the opportunity to pause and savor such intimate details and I am so grateful because I know it is only a matter of time before he outgrows this precious comfort!

With that said, I am incredibly passionate about a lifestyle approach to photography and am pleased to offer a select amount of documentary sessions for children this year. They will involve a series of extended sessions in your home and at various locations of interest and will be complete with a custom, fine art album telling a personal story of your child. I will join you for play-dates, zoo outings, soccer games, story times, snacks, naps, arts and crafts, gingerbread house making at school and so much more! For more information and to reserve your child’s personal story book, please visit my website at www.shannonallenphotography.com or contact me at contact@shannonallenphotography.com. I look forward to spending time with and getting to know your child!