Senior Class of 2020 | Carson

• May 12th, 2020 •

I have been honored to photograph so many Class of 2020 high school seniors this year. Sadly their senior year came to an abrupt halt in March with COVID-19. Schools were canceled as well as so many special moments; proms, class trips, senior activities, graduation parties and more. It’s unfair and sad. These are moments they won’t get back.

I think it’s so important to still show the class of 2020 some love right now. Learning that life isn’t always fair is HARD. And being stripped of so much WHILE having to stay home, leave your jobs, stop your athletics and programs and have no in person interaction with your friends really hurts. So, here’s how I’m going to try to help!

I am going to be doing a feature on each of my 2020 Seniors. Introduce them a bit and show off their beautiful Senior Portraits. Then I’ll include their $cashtag through Cashapp so you can send them a little gift. (What 17 or 18 year old doesn’t love some money at graduation???) Could you spare $5-20 to say you are standing with them? Include the note “Congrats graduate of 2020!” so they know it came from this post and what it’s for. Let’s flood them with some hope and a tiny bit of joy in these unfair moments!

Our Senior this week we are highlighting is Carson from Cox High School. He’s a bit of a shy young man, but he was so much fun to work with and went along with all my crazy ideas! He even climbed a tree for me! The beach is a family favorite so we had to make sure some pier portraits were included!

Carson is heading to ODU in the fall which I know makes his momma happy! I’m excited to see how well he does as a new freshman. Help me celebrate his accomplishments. Hi Cashapp is $CarsonJohnson13 if you’d like to send him some love and congratulations.

Phenomenal Moms | How I spent my Mother’s Day

• May 11th, 2020 •

Yes I worked on Mother’s Day. My church, Freedom Fellowship, and I have done family portraits on Mother’s Day for the past 8 years or so. It has become a traditional so many of us look forward to each year! It might only be a few minutes and you might only get 3-4 images, but even just ONE beautiful portrait is such a gift to us moms.

We have some phenomenal women in our church and such wonderful examples of motherhood! We have single moms doing this all on their own without any support from their children’s fathers. We have mothers who have lost their husband and have been thrust into single motherhood unexpectedly. We have mothers who never got to hold their babies but are still mothers to heavenly children. We have mothers who are without biological children but have many spiritual children who look to them for advice and guidance. We have mothers who never birthed their children but choose to love a child born from another as their own. We have mothers who chose adoption for their children and have sacrificed knowing their children call another woman mom. We have mothers who struggled for years and needed the help of science to help them bring their children into the world. We have mothers whose children have emotionally cut them off, who mother now through their prayers, praying their children will reach out. We have mothers who’s children have passed away and who have a very difficult time “celebrating” Mother’s Day. We have grandmothers who fill the role as mom. We have military mother’s who are celebrating being a mom while deployed across the world away from their children.

Motherhood takes on very different roles for different women. Mother’s Day might have passed but take time to recognize ALL the different mothers in your life, in your neighborhood and at your job. Don’t forget to celebrate their motherhood journey as well!

Please take a look at some of the amazing mom’s I was able to photograph yesterday. I can’t post them all as we had such a great turn out for our “Drive-Thru” Mothers day portraits. (We had a line of cars in the parking lot social distancing and waiting their turn to get out of their car!) This is just a snapshot of the phenomenal moms of my church. Such a blessing to know and photograph them!

This beautiful momma celebrating the 14th Mother’s Day without the child she never got to hold.

The amazing Pastors, Rick and Diana, from Freedom Fellowship

Happy Mother’s Day!|Creative Chaos

• May 10th, 2020 •

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the wonderful mother’s out there. Whether you’re a biological mom, adoptive mom, soon-to-be mom, grand-mom, step-mom, all around mother figure and everything in between, I hope you have a beautiful and wonderful day today, and are celebrated for the amazing people you are.

During this quarantine, our patience has been tested! Creativity has a new definition, and time is sometimes irrelevant. Did I do that yesterday morning? Or this morning? Wait, it’s only 3:00, it’s not bed time yet? I hear you. I’ve been there, but you know what? This too shall pass. Personally, this quarantine has been a beautiful reminder of what mother’s and family are supposed to be all about. We are forced to go back to basics and spend quality time together, get creative, play games, and just be present in the moment.

Today, I am spending my day with my wonderful husband and beautiful boys. Had to get creative because they have been going stir crazy, so I made a tape race track in my living room. We have had race after after race and I’m exhausted and it’s only 1:00. Andrew is down for a nap and Daddy and Bradley are outside playing. Mommy is going to kick back and read a book.

Enjoy this time together, take those few moments for yourself too. You’re beautiful and you deserve it. Happy Mother’s Day! You’ve got this!

Senior Class of 2020 | Emilee

• May 6th, 2020 •

I have been honored to photograph so many Class of 2020 high school seniors this year. Sadly their senior year came to an abrupt halt in March with COVID-19. Schools were canceled and the class of 2020 was robbed of so many special moments; proms, class trips, senior activities, graduation parties and more. It’s unfair and sad. These are moments they won’t get back.

The Senior I’d like to introduce today is Emilee. She attended Green Run High School and is an accomplished athlete. She participates in martial arts and softball and wanted to incorporate them into her session.

She also wanted to pay tribute to her late big brother in her session. He has her inspired so much, especially in her work in the martial arts. She asked for me to include him in a few images. The final products are beautiful portraits that show the bond between siblings that not even death could break.

Emilee was a trooper for her session as we dealt with some crazy technical difficulties. She, and her mom, were patient and understanding with me as we worked through some crazy times. I am grateful for the opportunity to showcase her amazing portraits. She’s has been through so much in her life but still finds the joy life offers. It was such a pleasure getting to know her. Enjoy and don’t gorget to send her some love through cash app at $EmileeKinney to tell her you support her during this crazy senior year of quarantine and lockdown.

If you know a high school senior who hasn’t taken their senior portraits, it’s not too late! There is SO much that the class of 2020 is missing this year, don’t let Senior Portraits be one of them. I am gifting the class of 2020 with FREE Portraits. Contact me today to discuss Portraits for your 2020 Senior!

Fine Print: The session is free. There is a $29 cost to book your session but that amount is given back as a credit towards whatever you’d like to purchase. You’ll also be given (on whichever session your choose) an additional $99 credit towards whatever you’d like to purchase. Dates for sessions are from May 1st until July 30th 2020.

Senior Class of 2020 | Chyanne

• April 28th, 2020 •

The Senior I’d like to introduce today is Chyanne. She is graduating from Ocean Lakes High School. She’s a laid back, beautiful young lady who’s favorite hobbies are horseback riding and sleeping. (I love that hobby myself- every chance I get to participate I do!) We didn’t incorporate the horse in this session, but it’s possible for her cap and gown session!

We had a fun session at The Narrows in Virginia Beach. Why wanted to make sure that the fall season was represented in her session. We had to reschedule a few times but the weather finally cooperated! Mom and dad tagged along and we captured some great family portraits as well. (Chyanne is an only child so I think there might be some major empty nesting when she moves out!)

Chyanne is best friends with another of my senior clients and I can’t wait to photograph these two amazing ladies together. We’re planning on doing their cap and gown session at the same time. Capturing your senior year with your BFF and “ride or die” friend is such a fun idea. If you can’t remember many Senior moments without them by your side, why not include them in your senior portraits too?

Please join me as I congratulate Chyanne on her Senior Year. Show her your support as she deals with the loss of so many Senior moments. Her cash app is $chyannew if you can send her a looking something to help lift her spirits!

Thanks Chyanne for trusting me with your senior portraits. I had such a good time getting to know you and your parents better. Everyone else, enjoy some of our favorites from her session!

Senior Class of 2020 | Ian

• April 24th, 2020 •

The Senior I’d like to introduce today is Ian. He attended Cox High. I’ve had the please of watching him since middle school as he has wrestled with my son since 6th grade. It’s hard to believe he’s a Senior!

Like many Senior guys, he wasn’t thrilled about Senior portraits. But he loves his momma and did them for her. He’s more a city guy so we skipped the woods and beach and headed to the Neon district in Norfolk. We found some amazing murals and artwork and created some pretty phenomenal senior portraits.

Ian is heading to college next year and is planning to continue wrestling. It’s a HUGE commitment to commit to a sport in college and I’m incredibly proud of him. Senior year was tough for him in more ways than just the coronavirus quarantine, but he’s shown that with perseverance and patience you can still make your dreams come true! His Cashtag is $ianbalik if you can send him a little something. Remember to include “Congrats graduate of 2020!”

Now, enjoy Ian’s Senior Portraits!

Professional Headshots- Self Portraits

• April 24th, 2020 •

Recently someone told me I need to update my headshots and make sure I was holding a camera! They were right, it’s been awhile since I had my own headshots taken. I’ve been so busy taking everyone else pictures, I forgot to make sure my own were on point!

Then… corona hit and we got locked down! No headshots for ANYONE! I thought the lockdown would be over by now and I’m impatient! So, I decided that I needed to do them myself. It’s not easy being the photographer AND the subject but I persevered and came out with a few I love.

It you are in need of new headshots, please be patient. I am working with Amplitude Karaoke for a “Headshots and Happy Hour” event when this is all over! We will set up a backdrop for some beautiful professional portraits and then drink, sing, eat and unwind TOGETHER!!! I cannot wait to hug you, photograph you and sing with you!! If interested in more information on this event, let me know and I will add you to my email list.

Senior Class of 2020 | Bethany

• April 21st, 2020 •

I am going to be doing a feature on each of my 2020 Seniors. Introduce them a bit and show off their beautiful Senior Portraits. Then I’ll include their $cashtag through Cashapp so you can send them a little gift. (What 17 or 18 year old doesn’t love some money at graduation???) Could you spare $5-20 to say you are standing with them? Include the note “It’s no fun learning the lesson that life’s not fair, so here’s a little something to show I care! Congrats graduate of 2020!” so they know it came from this post and what it’s for. Let’s flood them with some hope and a tiny bit of joy in these unfair moments!

The Senior I’d like to introduce today is Bethany. She attended Salem High school and we did her portraits in the fall. The colors she chose for her outfits, her hair color, it all worked so well with the beautiful fall colors we had. She is a talented musician and we had a great time incorporating that into her session. Her family jumped in for a few portraits too and it was wonderful having her big sister, Kendall, home from college to celebrate Bethany’s Senior Year!

I’ve been photographing Bethany for years. She kind, silly, compassionate, talented and has grown up to be an extraordinary young lady. She’s headed off to college after graduation and I can’t wait to see her transform even more. Her Cashtag is $BethanyRFarnsworth if you can send her a little something. Remember to include “It’s no fun learning the lesson that life’s not fair, so here’s a little something to show I care! Congrats graduate of 2020!”

Now, enjoy the beautiful Bethany’s Senior Portraits!

Senior Class of 2020 | Catherine

• April 17th, 2020 •

I am going to be doing a feature on each of my 2020 Seniors. Introduce them a bit and show off their beautiful Senior Portraits. Then I’ll include their $cashtag through Cashapp so you can send them a little gift. (What 17 or 18 year old doesn’t love some money at graduation???) Could you spare $5-20 to say you are standing with them? Congrats graduate of 2020! so they know what it’s for. Let’s flood them with some hope and a tiny bit of joy in these unfair moments!

The Senior I’d like to introduce today is Catherine- or Cat to those who know her! She attended Green Run High School and we did her portraits in the fall. We had SO much fun incorporating my big pink parachute skirt! I haven’t done any with that skirt in the woods yet so it was a treat for me! Cat has also been attending a nursing program while in school so of course we had to include that in her portraits. She even brought her baby blanket from when she was a baby. I know her momma struggled with seeing her GROWN baby hold onto the blanket she used to once swaddle her in!

Cat’s senior portrait session was amazing. Beautiful golden light and a perfect sunset. It was an honor to photographing her and celebrating her 2020 accomplishments. Let’s continue the celebration! Her Cashtag is $catellis24 if you can send her a little something. Remember to include “It’s no fun learning the lesson that life’s not fair, so here’s a little something to show I care! Congrats graduate of 2020!”

Now, enjoy the beautiful Cat’s Senior Portraits!

She’s Lost Her Mind! | Creative Chaos

• April 8th, 2020 •

Devon has lost her mind in quarantine! She has to be crazy… anybody who knows the woman knows she’s a the lovable kind of crazy, but still….. When talking to her the other day she told me she wanted to do something for those families who wanted photos, but she wasn’t able to do them due to the COVID quarantine order. So she told me about her crazy idea…

In addition to the Seniors getting their photos this year…(Seriously, that is so cool! Check that one out if you have seniors!) She is making another offer that she only makes ONCE A YEAR.

Normally reserved for Black Friday, Devon Shanor Photography is now offering 50% more when you purchase a gift certificate!

These are hard times, we miss our clients, our friends, our families… Though we are blessed and thankful for this time to focus on improving the Devon Shanor Photography workflow, we are so looking forward to seeing you when this is all over! Hang tight, this won’t last forever.

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