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It’s always fun to come across an older image that you love and see it with new eyes………..then process it differently than the original version. Voila! Something old becomes something new! This is one of my favorite wedding dance images of all time. Margo’s dress had a twirl quality to it that many wedding dresses don’t have these days. The low light, combined with slow shutter speed, and quick movements helped to create the image.
They say a blog post is better with a photo……..sadly, I have none. If you’re a bride planning a destination wedding in Santorini Greece….. Call me!
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aww man! I would love to get married in Santorini! just need a fiance 
Oh my goodness, what a GREAT IDEA for a wedding location. If I get hitched I will definitely keep it in mind. I love the idea of seeing my tan self in one of your amazing photographs!!!
This is laugh out loud funny! Please call Shannon if you are planning a destination wedding! Our passports need more stamps…
I couldn’t wait to post this uber cool urban wedding at The Four Season Silicon Valley. The yummy treats were simply divine. Thanks to Kim with Mill Cottage Photography for having me along! Kudos to the catering staff at the Four Seasons for the most delicious blueberry tart ever.
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sultry is right! Glad to see you got to photograph yet another lovely girl! I bet she loves these images!
Nestldown in Los Gatos is a spectacular wedding venue! Nestled in the redwoods and surrounded by flowers and orchards, it is truly a magical place. I had a wonderful time shooting with fellow photographer and friend, Kim of Mill Cottage Photography. These gorgeous florals were just the splash of color I needed to brighten my day!
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Seeing these images always makes me catch my breath! It is always wonderful to work together! Our clients are soooooo lucky!
They say that the wedding day is all about the bride……and that’s mostly true. I love creating beautiful, timeless images of the bride and couple. However, when I get a groom willing to rock the camera, I am so there! During the reception, I wanted to create some edgy video light shots featuring Jeramy’s tattoos. He was more than happy to sneak away with his gorgeous bride for a few minutes to create these images. This is something I talk about with my clients ahead of time, as creating images like this means taking the time out to do them. They are not candid, and can’t be created without client participation. After I took a few shots of Jeramy, Sarah joined in and we were able to create a romantic and sexy image for them. One of my favorites for sure! Of course, there is plenty of time in the day for fabulous candid photography too! I’ll be talking about scheduling time within the wedding day to create images like this in San Francisco, at PPGBA February 25th. If you’re a photographer and would like to hear more about this and other important topics…..we hope to see you there!
And because this flower girl was so darn cute, I had to include this one!
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Amazing photography. Of course, how could you go wrong with such a gorgeous bride and groom, not to mention the adorable flower girl! I may be predjudiced since they are my family, but the photos were so breathtaking and so different and artistic compared to your everyday wedding photos. It captured the day perfectly!
LOVE the shot of his hand on her back. The circle of his ring, up to the triangle of the dress and skin, up to the circle (and even the “X”) ON the dress make for such an artistic statement. Gorgeous.
Maybe it was the downtown Napa location that inspired the vintage feel for this wedding. Maybe it was that we started so early in the morning before the hustle and bustle. The Sunday morning quiet, and crisp morning light is what made the first image possible.
Overlooking the First Presbyterian Church of Napa.
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que bella!! I love the image with the church! That nice quiet soft morning light in Napa is completely heavenly!
If you’re a bride in love with all things vintage, Adorn Bridal Boutique is a must see. Located in the heart of adorable downtown Los Gatos, this shop is the place to go for funky finds and rockin vintage accessories. Oh, and don’t forget to try on a dress or two!
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Sophie’s birth was an absolutely incredible experience, and I feel so blessed to have been there to photograph it. She was born “on-time” one day before her due date……..which was perfect since I had kept that weekend open just in case. It was surreal to watch her come into the world, and to witness the miracle of life. Jake was so excited that Sophie was on her way! He was very concerned for his big sister and tried to comfort her the best he could. Jessica delivered naturally without pain medication. Sophie came into the world alert and gazed intently at her mother as she nursed. It was amazing to say the least!! Thank you Jessica for letting me share these images!
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WHY must you always make me cry??? And how did you get such great shots through YOUR tears??!?!! No word on earth for those photos………
Oh my God!!! These are beautiful and so moving! What a wonderful memory to capture on film.
O-M-G! These are incredible. Shannon, absolutely incredible. Jessica is the most beautiful birthin’ mommy i’ve ever seen. and look how sweet Jake was. Thanks for sharing.
I’m longing for the smell of the sea, sand castles, and beach sunsets. So, it’s decided……..another San Diego road trip is in order very soon!!
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wonderful work shannon- great colors! love the album.
smooth. clean. sweet.
A-maz-ing! What a gorgeous album. Both touching and chic!
Shannon,
Wow! I wish we could do it all again, but since we can’t your beautiful work will help us relive that truly amazing day in our family’s life. Since Brenna has 4 younger siblings yet to be married I’m certain we will work together again soon.
You like your work are amazing and more than a pleasure to work with!
Warm regards,
Kathy Biggs & Family
Here’s a sneak peek of Brenna and Wayne’s Album. I’ll be finished with the design soon, so be sure to check back. Brenna and Wayne were married at the fabulous Green Valley Country Club in Fairfield. You probably remember their fun and sassy engagement session at Sonoma’s CornerStone Garden.
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I’ve been asked a lot lately how I got started in photography. It’s been a passion of mine since early childhood when I began photographing my two younger brothers. My earliest projects involved dressing them up…….usually in my clothing, or from whatever I could get my hands on from my 3 sisters. The boys didn’t stand a chance. Yes, their baby books are filled with images of them in skirts and blue eyeshadow. Despite the fact that they refused to dress as girls past the age of five………I love them dearly for enduring these early sessions which helped to reinforce my love of photography. We still laugh about it to this very day. The following image was shot with film when I was fifteen. The original plan was for the little one to be “the biker chick”………..but he put up a fight during the make up application and insisted on being a “biker dude” like his older brother. They were so cute posing like tough guys. You can see my original post here.
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OMG! Shannon this pic of the two lil boys with mustaches and tattoos on the brick wall is to die for! To die for! Your work gets better and better everytime I see it. You make these people look like high fashion models and an editorial photographer’s work! I love everything you do!
this is awesome!
While on a shoot in Sonoma, I noticed Anne Appleman’s Studio nearby. I had shot at that location several times before, but never noticed it. Having worked with Anne at a recent Atwood Ranch wedding, I was excited to take a peek inside. The Studio is warm and welcoming, with the sweet smell of flowers in the air. I kind of felt like Ferdinand the Bull as I took it all in. They were kind enough to allow me to take a few shots, and sent me on my way with a cheery bouquet of yellow tulips. A lovely start to a nice day in Sonoma.
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Ferdinand!!! You are too cute! I think that place on Spain Street is my favorite place in Sonoma.
Every year I am anxious for Summer to end. Usually, a third of the way into Winter, and I am ready for Spring again. So, it didn’t surprise me today when I started to long for some fun in the sun! I had a smile on my face while processing these images of Jake and Sophie last Summer in Tahoe. They had a wonderful time just being together……….and of course enjoying the sun, sand and surf! I can’t wait to go back and feel the sand between my toes!
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Yikes! I’ve been asked to speak on a panel with a group of fellow “Divas” for PPGBA’s (Professional Photographers of the Greater Bay Area) monthly meeting in February. I am not one for public speaking…. Until now, my unofficial mantra has been that “I could never” teach, as I would just be to nervous. Fortunately, I will be up there with a group of talented ladies, so the pressure shouldn’t be to bad…
Each of us has been selected to talk about a particular area of strength within our business. You can read more about The Diva’s Panel on PPGBA’s website.
If you’re one of my 2009 clients, and would like to offer your feedback , I would love to hear from you! stellmacherphotography@yahoo.com
Wish me luck!
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aww c’mon shannon! you’ll be a hit! wish i were in the bay area to support!
Sweet!
Good Luck!
yay! they are lucky to have you. you will be great, I am sure! good luck. 
During a recent trip to San Diego, I was determined to find the time to stop in San Jaun Capistrano to see the Mission. I have been wanting to shoot a couture bridal session there, and have imagined how I would strategically place the bride and groom amongst the ruins for some wicked shots. Well, I didn’t have my imaginary couple, just my son and my husband. So, we played tourist and ran around taking photographs.
Jake was happy as a clam with his Canon PowerShot in tow. You can’t see the huge smile on his face behind the camera, but believe me…it’s there! He had to show me every cool shot he took. As long as he has his camera, I can drag him along with me to scout out locations. I didn’t get him a camera for his 6th birthday just because he wanted one!
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I had the pleasure of photographing my darling niece Brooke for her announcement. She was so darn cute I could barely stand it!
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Gorgeous!!! I can’t wait until our little girl is here and you can take her picture too! You’re too good for words:)
Shannon…you are the best! Thank you so much for coming up and taking the adorable pictures of Brooke. You have such an eye and are magnificant at what you do! Love ya!
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