Helloooo, I'm Shanna!
Professional event and portrait photographer, fun instigator and movie lover.
I’ve been a photographer for decades. I was an early adopter of digital photography and studied photography at university. Since then, I’ve turned my passion into an incredible career. Over time I’ve seen how a photograph can be the spark we need to compel us to take action. People who see photos of volunteers having fun at Habitat for Humanity get inspired to sign up. A family that may not have connected in years re-engage with their loved ones. Nervous high school seniors relax, allowing themselves to shine through in response to others embracing their uniqueness. People’s eyes linger over photos of an exciting event, enticing them to be a part of the magic next year. My joy comes from witnessing people connecting with each other and making sure that connection is captured for years to come. Whether it's Mom tearing up at a wedding dance, friends who haven't seen each other in ages reuniting, or just a kid being a kid on the playground, capturing emotions and fun mean the world to me.
Let’s get together to make you and your event look their best!
book your session
2001
got my first digital camera
2006
studied photography, eventually majoring in the media depicting women and how that influences our interpretations of beauty.
2012
became an au pair to experience america and get better at candid family photography
2014
established my photography business in the USA as a permanent resident
Fun Facts
FAVORITE color
Blue
FAVORITE movie
Ghostbusters or Arrival
Best Vacation
Our Disneyland, Universal, Hollywood Walk of Stars trip, before the pandemic
Favorite drink
Lemonade
Cake or Pie
ummm costco chocolate cake what else?
Best Road Trip
Leavenworth with my hosts family
Water or Soda
Water
Best ice cream
Hawleys Gelato half chocolate half caramel
Summer or winter
All of it
Mountain or Beach
Beach
Pool or ocean
Pool please!
cats or dogs
Dogs
I was born in beautiful South Africa but have made Olympia my home since 2013. This is a community of artists, poets, ecologists, musicians and dreamers. What a fabulous place to be a lifestyle photographer! I’m especially proud of images I’ve captured at such events as the Procession of the Species, where my photo of an illuminated lantern release glowed with images of gentle hope and joy, and Olympia Harbor Days, where a parade of vintage tugboats raced across artistic black-and-white images. I live to elevate simple moments of happiness into epic memories, and this region gives me ample opportunity to do exactly that.
I bought my first digital camera at 16 and spent my college years majoring in photography, pop media and how photographic images of women influence our interpretation of beauty. After graduation, I earned citizenship in the United States and turned my passion for photography into a successful business.
Kind Words
Shanna is alway so kind, professional, and fun.
Shanna has done several shoots with us over the years, including family pictures, maternity picures, and even a celebration of life. She is patient with kids (and adults). We are so happy to have found her!
– Justin R
Kind Words
Shanna did a great job on our recent photo shoot!
Shanna did a great job on our recent photo shoot and was very easy to work with and provided us with quality headshots we can use in our marketing materials.
– George S
Kind Words
Shanna is just delightful to work with.
She relates well to children-gets them to relax and enjoy the photo experience. She really does capture the true essence of the child’s personality through her photos. I look forward to our next photo session.
– Carol J
Ready to enjoy our moment in the spotlight? Let’s talk about how to make you and your event look their absolute best.
Let's chit-chat!
