Meet Rebecca Shannon | Family and Couples Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rebecca Shannon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebecca, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Conventional wisdom would have said I was crazy to start a business at a time when I had four small children under the age of six. Looking back however, it was that season of life that stirred me to look for stillness and beauty amidst all of the chaos swirling around me. I would anticipate quiet moments of editing after my children were tucked into their beds. Viewing each image to see what had been captured and then fine tuning to my desired outcome. These were the gifts I opened each time I turned on my computer. As my children are a little older now, I don’t rely on those late-night editing sessions as much anymore. I am able to get more done during the day while the oldest are at school or the youngest one rests. I am so thankful to have a supportive husband who is quick to encourage me and hold down the fort while I am away capturing images.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Rebecca Shannon Photography was born out of a desire to create beauty and a need to share joy. I’m certainly not the first mom to pick up a camera and start a photography business. But I think what sets me apart is my ability to connect with people on an intimate level. Being a mom of four, I can certainly wrangle children and get them to participate in family photos! That’s important for sure. But beyond wrangling children, I think God has given me the ability to see past the surface and engage with my clients in a way that (hopefully) makes them feel seen, cared for, and valued. Maybe that’s the encourager in me. I am professionally licensed as a Physical Therapist. I encourage the sickest of the sick, in one of the largest hospitals in our city, to get out of bed and take that first step forward. I have come to realize, that sick or well, everyone has the basic need to be understood and held in high esteem. When I leave a photography session, I leave feeling like I have made lifelong friends. There’s a shared connection and a special bond. As I so often say, my cheeks will usually hurt from smiling after a long round of mini sessions. Anyway, all of this self-promotion is hard! I hope my clients know how much I value them and how much I appreciate that they allow me into their lives and their homes to capture sacred memories. I don’t take any of it for granted.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh my goodness I have so much to say on this! Being a native Memphian, it has taken me almost four decades to come to terms with the fact that 1. I’m never leaving and 2. Memphis really is amazing despite its (oftentimes) bad reputation. We are family here. You hear people talk about six degrees of separation? Well in Memphis it’s more like two. Everybody knows everybody. Familiarity can sometimes bring contempt that’s true, but in Memphis it brings community and a sense of belonging. For those visiting for the first time here are some ideas! Absolutely stay at the Peabody Hotel. It’s the South’s grand hotel and it’s amazing. Spend some time in the lobby watching the live ducks splash around in the fountain while you munch on a delicious chocolate duck from the lobby pastry cart! On your first full day wake up, eat your breakfast, then head over to pay your respects to the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis. You must see Graceland. And really see it. Don’t just drive by. Spend the day and take in the house and the amazing museum and archives across the street. Wrap up the day with a quick trip into Sun Studios then grab some ribs at the Rendezvous. While you are here, check the schedule at the historic Orpheum Theatre. We get amazing shows and concerts throughout the year. Other must-see places in no particular order: National Civil Rights museum, Memphis Zoo, Beal Street, Shelby Farms Park (one of my favorite places to schedule photography sessions!), Dixon Gallery and Gardens, Botanic Gardens, and the Big River Crossing.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am so fortunate to be surrounded by an amazing group of fellow photographers. I believe we are all better when we work together and lift each other up. Whether its dinner with a side of flash photography (looking at you JoLaura Photography), late-night panic calls over hard drive issues (Kayleigh Gossett Photography), or group texts about the life cycle of a Sunflower (Elizabeth Wiggs Photography), I am encouraged by women that cheer each other on!

Website: www.rebeccashannonphotography.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/rebeccashannonphotography

Facebook: www.facebook.com/rebeccashannonphotography