Shannon Stellmacher Photography » Fashion Inspired Couture Wedding Photography in Napa, Sonoma, and San Francisco.

Here’s a recent shot of my little man Jake on his 7th birthday a few weeks ago.  He’s got the serious look going on, but I still dig it…..

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!

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. 

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!

I had the pleasure of photographing my darling niece Brooke for her announcement.  She was so darn cute I could barely stand it! 

Today we celebrated my niece’s  first birthday.  Here she is enjoying her first taste of ladybug cake!  Happy Birthday!

I am often asked how long I’ve been a photographer.  I think it’s true for most artists………we really can’t remember a time when we weren’t creating.  It’s who we are!   I shot this image of my little brothers when I was 14 years old.    I was 9 when my first brother was born, and that is what probably sparked my interest in photography.  I just loved to dress him up as a girl (the poor kid), apply blue eyeshadow to those big brown eyes, and shoot as many rolls of film as I was allowed.  By the time he was 5 years old,  he began to protest  playing “dress up”, and my youngest brother followed suit.   So………I was forced to agree to make them “tough guys”!  I spiked their hair, colored in their eyebrows and “mustaches” with eyeliner, drew tattoos on their arms, and grabbed my camera!   The result……….my favorite image of my baby bros!   I’m  actually thinking of recreating this shot with my son…….hmmm….do they still make tube socks with stripes?

The intent of this portrait session with Michael and his brother John………( more to come from this session later) was to get a few traditional shots of them for the family Christmas card.  We captured lots of fun shots of the boys being silly, and several of them looking directly at me with those gorgeous smiles.  However,  what I love most  about my sessions with children, are the images that capture them in the raw.  A child just  being themselves!    I  love how these shots show Michael’s shy yet  playful nature.