February « 2012 « Shannon Rosan Photography : Blog

Archive: February, 2012

Bidwell Mansion Wedding : Dori & James

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

Sunshine. We hoped for sunshine. Which this time of year is asking a lot, even in California. Even better…it was 60 degrees…which meant that I could wear a cute dress and open toed shoes…in February! Maybe I was a tad bit cold, but anything for style

Speaking of style – yes, that was my ingenious segway… Everyone was in awe of Dori’s beauty and style. And, had it not been sunny, it wouldn’t have mattered, her radiance brought so much to the day. Or I should say – their day. Because it was just that. They did things their way. They wanted to have a celebration of love with the closest of their family and friends. It was a small, intimate affair of 25 people who gathered to see two of the nicest people say – I do.

First of all… Dori – Wow. You are stunning.

The ADORABLE Miss Ava

Dori and James surprised their guests with a tour of the mansion before the ceremony. Which makes them the coolest bride and groom…ever. AND! I was able to sneak in a few photos in the historic Bidwell Mansion

Dori and James, I cannot thank you enough… for your kindness and laughter! I had such a blast documenting your love and meeting your family. I wish you nothing, but a lifetime of love.

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Everyday Paleo Family Cookbook : Chico Commercial Photography

Monday, February 27th, 2012

I couldn’t have been more excited to work with Sarah Fragoso of Everyday Paleo. She is such a delightful, fun, energetic person. She is passionate about living a healthy life, sharing her very tasty recipes and helping others achieve their fitness and lifestyle goals. Lets just say I had a blast working with her and her family. Below you will find a few of my favorites from our photo session for Sarah’s new book, Everyday Paleo Family Cookbook.

You can pre-order your copy of Everyday Paleo Family Cookbook (which I highly recommend! very, very tasty food!)- here.

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Thank Goodness it’s Foto Friday – Photography Myths

Friday, February 24th, 2012

Happy Friday! And welcome to another installment of Thank Goodness it’s Foto Friday. Today I’d like to tackle some myths that have continued to float around in the photography realm. So here we go…

Myth #1 – Gear Garauntees You to be a Better Photographer

This myth will most likely never go away. As photographers we are always interested in the next fun new gadget that we think will change our life. The fact is that the new expensive, top of the line, camera, lens, etc…. isn’t going to make you a better photographer. It’s just not. What makes a better photographer? You. You’re hard work. The day-in and day-out practicing. The trial and error. The joy and the tears. It’s through those lessons that you learn technique and your photographic vision. Because it’s not the camera that ‘takes the picture’ it’s the photographer who ‘makes it.’

Myth #2 – Photography is Easy

The truth is – Photography is very challenging. It takes years of practice to learn the perfect moment to click the shutter. To capture emotion perfectly. To have impact in your images. It’s a marriage of technical understanding, artistic vision and patience. One of history’s greatest photographers, Ansel Adams has some great quotes on this subject…

“In my mind’s eye, I visualize how a particular… sight and feeling will appear on a print. If it excites me, there is a good chance it will make a good photograph. It is an intuitive sense, an ability that comes from a lot of practice.” – Ansel Adams

Myth #3 – Success Happens Overnight

Whatever your measure of success is with photography the truth is – it doesn’t happen overnight. For the longest time I would beat myself up for not getting THE perfect shot on the first try. I was obsessed with becoming a better photographer and to this day I still am, but I realized that becoming an artist doesn’t happen overnight, I freed myself from that guilt. Of not being ‘perfect.’ I still strive each and every time for perfection, but when I fall flat on my face I no longer beat myself up. I start over realizing that perfection isn’t a place, but a journey. Cue the public service announcement music… Apologies for the cliche comment, but it’s true. Striving for and working towards your definition of success is an everyday adventure.

I made this image using my iphone with my favorite camera app, instagram.

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Boudoir Photography Chico : Sassy & Classy

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

McKenna is… Vibrant… Beautiful… Stylish. And an absolute blast to work with. I recently photographed her sassy & classy session and I think we were laughing 90% of the time I was also in loooove with her biege heels with the ribbon on top. Too cute! Every time I photograph one of these sessions I feel so honored to document my clients beauty, to see them really shine inside and out.

*all images are posted with permission.

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Just Like Old Times

Monday, February 20th, 2012

Under fluorescent lighting, the four of us sat and talked. The kind of talk where minutes fold into hours. Where time skipped by all of us, but we didn’t care. Over the shared meal of pad Thai, tom yum soup and the deceivingly spicy papaya salad, myself, Milan and our dear friends and former bosses caught up – on life. None of us could believe that four years had gone by since we had gotten together. It seemed like only yesterday that we were photographing senior portraits, soccer teams and elementary school portraits together at Creative Imaging Center.

I owe many thanks to Dean and Monique for… Taking a chance on a very young, naive girl… Teaching me photography… For introducing me to my husband… Making the bestest of friends (sooo not a word, but I’m totally okay with that)… and so much more. Working at Creative Imaging Center is a major cornerstone in my life and I am eternally grateful for every minute I spent working, laughing and growing up there.

Here is a blast from the past from my time there. I’m guessing I was probably standing in so one of the photographers (Milan, I’m pretty sure…) could get their lighting all set up before a client arrived. I love the photo of me on the right…Clearly I wasn’t sure what to do with my hands

Posted in my life | 1 Comment »

T.G.I.F.F. – Fun Photo Resources

Friday, February 17th, 2012

Happy, happy Friday! And a big welcome to this weeks installment of Thank Goodness it’s Foto Friday. Today I wanted to share with you a few fun, inspirational photography resources.

1. TWIT Photo

Co-Hosts Catherine Hall and Leo Laporte interview a wide variety of top photography professionals. The latest episode featured the always entertaining, international wedding photographer Jerry Ghionis. TWIT Photo airs live every Tuesday at 1:30pm, PST and is also available for download. They also have an archive of previous shows which I have been digging into. This show is highly entertaining, informative and professionally produced. A new favorite of mine. Check it out – here.

2. reDefine with Tamara Lackey

I recently stumbled upon photographer and incredible business person – Tamara Lackey. Tamara tells it like it is and is full of tons of no-nonsense, get-things-done photography business advice. Not too long ago she launched her educational and inspirational show – reDefine. She frequently interviews leading professional photographers, but also will interview celebrities and other artists. The shows are a perfect bite size 10-15 minute an episode. Check out reDefine – here.

3. PetaPixel

PetaPixel is a blog dedicated to photography related news and gadgets. This blog is updated at a rapid pace. Blink and there is new content. It’s very easy to loose large amounts of time digging through all the fun articles. For the latest and greatest in photo news and toys check out PetaPixel – here.

4. Katelyn James

I am so happy that I stumbled upon the vibrant, enthusiastic and talented – Katelyn James. Katelyn is a very successful wedding photographer based in Virginia. Her blog is full of beautiful wedding and engagement photography, as well as, fun personal posts, photography and business advice. You can find her lovely blog – here.

5. Vintage Camera Pillows

I WANT THESE!!!!! That is all. You can purchase one of these cute little camera pillows – here.

Posted in For Photographers, T.G.I.F.F. | No Comments »

Olive’s 1 Year Recap

Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

Where did the time go? It seems like just yesterday we brought home our little furry bundle of joy – Olive. And at the same time it seems like she has always been a part of our life. Little 18 pound Olive always keeps us fully entertained. Milan and I have never had a dog that is so comical. Not to mention lovey. If you are sitting down, you can find Olive cuddled up in your lap. We’ve also never had a dog that has so much gas… But nobody is perfect

Fun Facts About Olive

1. When excited she loves to spin in circles, but only clockwise…never counter clockwise. Unless in Australia

2. She is extremely jealous. If she is outside or in the other room and there is even a hint at giving Sammie any attention, she darts in and pushes her out of the way.

3. She loves water, but only to sit in. Swimming is overrated.

4. She has no fear. Or maybe she doesn’t aim. Olive will jump wildly for a ball or onto a chair and miss 60% of the time.

5. She loves gloves. If you are missing a glove…look in our yard. She loves to trot around daintily holding one finger. Who knows why…

6. Hates cold weather.

7. Loves to jump up in my lap while I am editing, stand on my desk and then lick the computer screen. Her editing skills need some work…

8. Is afraid of my steamer mop.

9. Loves to FLY through our doggy door. There is no gentle in or out. The doggy door is a toy…

10. Brought so much joy to all of our lives

February 2011 : Olive’s first day home

June 2011 : Tearing up Sammie’s beloved red sweatshirt

July 2011 : Olive destroy’s her beloved bed. We were all left wondering – WHY?!

July 2011 : Kiddie Pool

October 2011 : Fall Fashion

December 2011 : Christmas Dress

Posted in my life | 2 Comments »

Mission Impossible – Ikea

Monday, February 13th, 2012

On Saturday we embarked with a goal – Find the ‘perfect’ console table. The one that will match with the unattainable vision that floats around in my mind’s eye. The result of which is from watching too many interior design shows on the DIY network and being a perfectionist. I really don’t know how Milan puts up with my constant dreaming, creating and designing the perfect…everything.

So it was off to Ikea for the adventure of finding a console table and rug. I have this LOVE/HATE relationship with Ikea. Love – the modern design and the affordable prices. Hate – how the store is more rat race/social experiment. Every time we go I am shocked that I am not handed a piece of cheese for making it out alive and asked to sign a waiver. And don’t get me started on assembling the furniture itself. But I guess we can’t have everything…

In the end we purchased – Hemnes. He…yep, it’s a he. He is quite charming. Stylish and functional. And unlike a lot of Ikea furniture…He is made of ACTUAL wood…Instead of cardboard and fairy dust. I think he fits in nicely with our little family. I know Olive approves

So, what are your Ikea stories? Have a best or worst purchase? I’d love to hear them!

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Sassy & Classy : Hotel Diamond : Bernadatte

Thursday, February 9th, 2012

I LOVE Bernadette’s style. Bold, creative and glamorous. And I soooo badly wanted her amazing pink glitter heels. Bernadette is a professional model that I had the pleasure of working with recently. We bonded over, fashion (big surprise..) and music…We both love Lykke Li, who Bernadette recently got to see… Lets just say I was a tad bit jealous

Thank you Bernadette for making my vision a reality! I look forward to working with you again

Posted in Boudoir Photography | No Comments »

Lightroom Workshop!!!

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

I love Lightroom. That statement almost sounds like ‘I love lamp’ from a favorite movie of mine…but honestly…I LOVE Lightroom! Lightroom changed my life. And that statement sounds a bit dramatic, but honestly…when I was spending eons of time editing in adobe bridge…GASP! Or opening an image 1 by 1 in Photoshop…Took forever.

Then I met my friend Lightroom and all was well with the world. This program is FAST. It allowed me to cut my editing time down tremendously. It’s quick, easy and quite the powerful program.

On Wednesday, February 22nd at 6:00pm, here in Chico myself and Brent Holland are teaching a Lightroom Workshop!! The class is 3 hours long and is all hands on training. You follow along on your laptop as we teach, working on your own photos. This class is great for beginners and more advanced attendees as well. Annnnnddd you can grab your seat for – $99! But hurry space is limited.

To purchase go to - facebook.com/shannonrosanphotography click ‘shop’ under my profile pic. Look for workshops. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at – shannonrosan@gmail.com

Posted in For Photographers, Workshops | 1 Comment »

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