Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Coen.
Hi Shannon, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I honestly can’t remember how I got started in photography, because it has always been a part of me. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t interested in it – or doing it. If you look back at photographs of me over the years you can pretty much always find me with a camera in hand (or more than one, which still isn’t uncommon today).
I got my start towards my journey as a “professional” in high school. That is where I took my first photography class and also got my first photography job. This is the point at which I really started photographing models, building a website and learning how to handle clients and do full shoots.
I carried on pursuing photography through college. I was a Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design major, where I spent lots of time doing shoots for others for their various fashion projects. From that I learned that I love bringing other peoples’ visions to life and creating with others. I also moved to exclusively shooting people as I was now well aware that was my passion.
After college, I worked for about two years and then decided to go to law school. During this time I pretty much gave up on photography. I was trying to convince myself that I didn’t want to do it and that it was unrealistic to pursuit it in an adult world where bills have to be paid and it isn’t really my “job”. However, about a year into law school, I decided if I give up on it now I’ll probably give up on it forever and I simply couldn’t live with that. I dove into the nitty-gritty of photography as a business more than ever before and I have to say that having the creative outlet while in law school was a blessing.
Which, I suppose, brings us to today! In 2021 I knew I would be out of law school and thus I wanted to set myself a photography goal for the year to try and help myself continue my journey and growth in photography. I set a new goal for 2021, which I surpassed and did more shoots than I have ever done in one year.
Overall, I wouldn’t change this journey I’ve been on for anything and I truly can’t wait to see where the next 20 years take me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Goodness, no! I think a journey that is all smooth doesn’t allow you to grow, and I’ve certainly had my fair amount of growth. In my first job as a photographer, I really struggled. I was just 16, the expectations were extremely high for someone so young and who was absolutely still learning.
I would classify myself as an introvert and so I often have to push myself well out of my comfort zone in this profession. Even asking my first model to model for me was utterly nerve-wracking and my photography teacher basically had to kick my butt into doing it. I’m very grateful that she did because it very much changed the direction I was going in photography and allowed me to pursue what I really wanted as my subjects – people!
Even just two years ago, I took a hard fall in a parking lot where I broke my elbow and hand. After that, I feared my photography career was over forever. I could barely bend or extend my left arm, and unfortunately, cameras are heavy and next to impossible to balance using only one hand. How could I get crisp shots if I literally had only one arm with which to do it? I think I cried more over that than anything else. I didn’t want the choice to be taken away from me again. I had already made the decision once that I wasn’t going to let photography go no matter what, but this time it looked like it might be beyond me. Luckily, two surgeries, one personal trainer and a good amount of time later, I have recovered. I’ll never have a perfectly normal arm again, but it has been an amazing experience to see what the human body is capable of doing! It also has shown me that I’ll never give up on photography no matter what happens.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Photography has always been the way I have expressed myself for as long as I can remember. My passion is what I would call “stylized” candid photography. I want to capture the truest moments I can with a fly-on-the-wall approach. I would say that I specialize in photographing people, and enhancing real life moments! I’m a digital and film hybrid photographer so I shoot a lot of film. Thus, even when I’m not shooting film I’m absolutely all about that grain. I want my images to look like they were shot on film and have that beautiful hazy memory quality to them that I feel you can only get with that grainy look of film.
I think my personality is what sets me apart from others. As a photographer, I don’t feel I fall under the extreme energy extroverted category or in the extremely introverted gives no direction category. I’m easy to talk to, I’m easy to meet and work with no matter your experience level. As I often tell clients, if you are ever nervous about being photographed because you aren’t a “model” or you are “awkward” – don’t fret. I will in fact be the wackadoodaliest looking person at this shoot so you should have no fear. We’ll get it done and it will be a silly fun, easygoing experience with results that you’ll love.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Don’t be afraid of photography! Either to get your photo taken or to get involved.
If you’ve been on the fence about getting your photograph taken or about diving into photography as an art form don’t be afraid to take that plunge. Don’t be afraid to give it a try. Consider this as a reminder for those who want or need to hear it from a photographer to just go for it! Don’t hold back!
Contact Info:
- Email: shannoncoenphoto@gmail.com
- Website: www.shannoncoenphoto.com
- Instagram: @shannoncoenphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannoncoenphoto
Image Credits:
Solita DelaCruz
Shannon Coen
