Shannon Gurney Photoblog

Lovin' the urban feel...

This week I've been proofing senior photos like CRAZY! 

After a session, I always scroll through the photos super quick, pick out a handful to proof for the blog, then get back to work on the current session.  It's always a really cool surprise to find some AWESOME pics hidden in those files when I return to proof the entire session.

That's how it was with Jake.  I posted his sneak peek last week sometime and since then have already mailed his CD.  BUT, I couldn't let these pics go without gracing the pages of the blog.

After all, he's lookin' fine AND I love this background!  I'll be using it again...
 
 

Doesn't he have a great "no smile" look...smoldering, isn't it!

I'm thinking, without a doubt, Shawnee is becoming my NEW favorite place to shoot.  It's got a little bit of everything.  Plus, it's just as cool as Bricktown, but without all the folks running around!  Nice.

Before I head off to bed for the night, just wanted to remind my seniors for every referral they send to our 2009 Facebook group they could pick up some extra wallets!  Go check it out!

Sarah...soon to be a cowboy.

Meet Sarah.

Is she gorgeous or what?

Sarah is from Illinois and will soon be a student at Oklahoma State University.  This weekend she's spending some quality time in Stillwater getting to know the local sorority sisters.  She's thinking of pledging to one of the houses herself.  Although, I'm betting it's a really tough decision to make and wish her the best of luck in doing so this weekend.

Both of her parents attended OSU, which means she's following in their footsteps.  I'd say that probably makes them just a little bit proud...

once a cowboy, always a cowboy...

Sarah is the total package.

I loved everything about her.  I honestly don't think I told her a thing about posing - she was a natural in front of the camera.  I would tell her where to go and start to share my idea of what I was looking for in the shot, but before I could get the words out she would read my mind and do exactly as I was thinking.  It was AWESOME!

Sarah ROCKED the camera!  That's all I'm gonna say.  ROCKED!

Just take a look.
 
 
 

This is one of my favorite locations for senior sessions.  I keep telling folks how great downtown Shawnee is for fun, urban portraits.  Maybe now you guys will start to believe me...

Oh, and for the record, we shot these photos on Thursday afternoon... Do you remember what it was like on Thursday afternoon?  If not, let me remind you...  It was rainy, drizzly, chilly, and just plain wet!  This proves it - you can get really cool photos IN ANY CONDITION!
 
 
 
 
 

Chantz

I'm finally getting around to posting the REAL sneak peek for our guy Chantz...  If you haven't already, take a look at THIS post and let me know what you think.  I'm leaning more toward Dennis Quaid as you probably will...

Anywho...hello, hello...Bueller?

Just kidding.

These phone booths on the OU campus are WAY cool - I really can't believe I haven't used them for previous sessions.  You can bet I'll be using them from here on out!

Of course, it helps that Chantz is such a cutie!

I met up with Chantz in Norman near the OU duck pond.  We did a handful of shots there and then scooted on over to the main part of campus, after driving around for what seemed like an hour looking to find a spot to park.  WHAT IS IT WITH COLLEGE CAMPUSES AND PARKING???  I mean really!  Do they never expect a visitor?  Sheesh!

Luckily, his mom was along for the drive and decided to let us out and cruise around until we were finished.  We had so much fun playing, I actually felt sorry for her having to wait in the truck!

BUT, just look at all the cool shots we got!

I'm pretty sure he thought that last one was a bit "cheesy" but he did it for me anyway...Thanks, buddy.  It must be the teacher in me trying to come out.  I felt inspired by the statement, especially since he'll be attending OU in the Fall.

 
 

Chantz and I hit it off straight away - he is a sports photographer for his local newspaper which gave us lots to talk about. 

He warmed up to me in seconds...I have that effect on people...

WHOA!  Not that warm, Chantz!!!

It looks like a big hot air balloon, doesn't it.  But, it's just the water tower in the light of the evening sun.  Cool.

Okay, that's all for now buddy.  I had a great time chasing you around campus!

You decide...

KEVIN COSTNER or DENNIS QUAID?

OR am I completely CRAZY?

I couldn't wait until tomorrow (technically, it IS tomorrow) to post a shot of my outrageous senior from tonight's session.  He was a total HOOT and a photographer to boot!  I'm planning a big sneak peek for him that'll post on Thursday afternoon sometime.  BUT, for now...I NEED YOUR HELP!

The entire session I was wracking my brain trying to decide where it was I'd seen his face before.  Had I met him previously?  Did I have a friend who looked a lot like him?  What was it?  You know the feeling...it just keeps nagging at you until you finally have that LIGHTBULB moment...

Well, that was me tonight.  I got home, uploaded his shots and sat staring at the screen while browsing from one shot to the next until WHAM!!!!!!

It hit me.

It's KEVIN COSTNER!

Those eyes say it all...

I'm thinking BULL DURHAM or TIN CUP or even the recent SWING VOTE.

Is it just me?  Does anyone else see it?  Please, tell me I'm not crazy!

THEN...the worst thing happened....

I started thinking maybe it was DENNIS QUAID....

Not a great photo, I know.  But, the cheeks!  Check out those cheeks!

Lordy be!

Still, I'm not sure I've ever seen DENNIS QUAID look quite like this...

Cadieux Crew

I've been friends with this family for as long as I can remember...even before becoming the full fledged photographer I am now.  I guess you could say, "They knew me back when...".  AND, they still love me now, even after all the fame!  HA! 

Thank goodness for that.

The pretty gal in the yellow is my sister's roommate off at college - they rent a house together and have known each other their entire lives.  Crazy...

My family still hangs with this nutty crew for most holidays and pretty much any type of celebration we think up... we love them.  We're glad to call them our buddies.  So, when they called me up this weekend and asked if I'd run over for a last minute photo shoot, I didn't hesitate.  I'd had a cancellation, after all, and was missing out on some good photo action!

Who could possibly resist these pretty girls?

This next one is my absolute FAVORITE from the night.  It's so HER...just ask any of her friends...

Then we just had to include the boyfriends, right.  I mean, they HAVE been around for a few years...
 
 
 
 

One thing about it - they DO like to have some fun!
 

Bunch of knuckleheads...

okay, back to all the pretty girls.
 
 
 
 

I had a TON of FUN with you guys!  See ya soon!

Jake

Whew!  Finally!

I met up with Jake, his mom, and his adorable girlfriend, Jamie on Sunday night.  It was CRAZY windy and on the verge of a major rainstorm (that never actually hit).  I just kept thanking my lucky stars that I was hangin' with a guy since most of you gals out there would've canceled on me in a heartbeat.  But, Jake, not so much.  He was a great sport.  I'm pretty sure his hair never moved while the rest of us could barely see around the wild hair we were sporting.

While shooting Jake's senior pics, his mom and I got to talking and discovered they only live a couple of miles down the road from ME!  It's definitely a small world, especially when you figure we both drove about 25 minutes to Shawnee to get these cool shots!

At first, Jake was pretty low-key.  He didn't say a whole lot and waited for me to tell him where to go and what to do.  BUT, it didn't take long for the senior guy to come out!  Pretty soon, he was totally working the camera and mouthing off to me all at the same time.  I loved it!  His gal was super cool, too!

So cool, in fact, that when I spotted this chair and told her to hop on for a shot she was willing to give it a go.  After all, I couldn't make Jake straddle a chair like that!

Told ya she was super cute!
 
 
We all had a great time driving from spot to spot, hopping out of the truck, grabbing a few shots while avoiding traffic, then moving on to the next spot.  Good job driving, Michelle!

And, by the way, how gorgeous is she!

You've got to respect a young guy who'll still hug on his momma in public!
 
 

On this shot, I couldn't decide whether I liked it better in color (above) or in black and white (below).  What do you think?
 
 
 

And, of course, I can't leave a session this much fun without doing something like this...

Jamie, you ROCKED the jump shot!  I had a great time you guys!

Kara - part deu

So, I promised Kara we'd do a follow-up session to her first senior one.  You might remember seeing the sneak peek here. 

We had a great time in Bricktown then, but we ran out of light and still wanted a few more.  Luckily, Kara is a family friend  and was able to talk me into a part two version!  This time around, we headed to downtown Shawnee!

We even got her parents involved regardless of whether they wanted to be or not!  This first one is hilarious - she kept whining about this and that during the session.  So, she totally deserves this!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
You're thinking, what a sweet family....right?  Just wait.
You know the drill.

see no evil.  hear no evil.  speak no evil.

nice.

and, by the way, Kara...that tongue makes me think of some horror movie!  My goodness woman!  That's probably what's making your mom scream like that!

Sheesh, tuck that thing back in your mouth!

Okay, here's a nice, calm shot to send you on your way...

Kelsey

Wow!

I thought I'd have this post up for Kelsey by Thanksgiving day, but as you can see, I barely made it by "the day after" (a.k.a. Black Friday).  I hope she hasn't been sitting by her computer this entire holiday holding her breath!  That could be dangerous, especially when there's so much good food to be eaten!

Not to worry, though, Kelsey.  It's here now!

I had a super time hanging with Kelsey, her grandparents, and her boyfriend in Bricktown.  We did some major walking and, since it was a morning session, had to look really hard for some nice lighting. 

Luckily, it all worked out for us.  The photos turned out great - here are my picks!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Kaitlin

Kaitlin.

What a doll!  I had a super time with Kaitlin and her mom.  They were so sweet and great fun to hang out with for two hours.  We walked all over Bricktown and even shot some pics near the river at Toby Keith's place.  She was a trooper, too, because it was WAY cold outside and she was willing to strut around in no sleeves!  She even performed a quick change or two!

I know Kaitlin's been waiting on this peek...so without further rambling from me...
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sweet Jessica

Wow!  Get ready for a really BIG MEGA-POST! 

Why? Because, I totally could not narrow these pics down to just a few for the blog.  I had SO much fun during Jessica's session!  She is another past student of mine (from when she was in the 4th grade!!!).  I also taught Jessica's sister Leslee... 

I know this family really well and love them all!  Put all of that wonderfulness together and it makes for a totally cool senior portrait session for Jess.

First of all, the girl is just plain GORGEOUS!!!  Seriously!  LOOK AT HER!
 
 
VA VA VA VOOM! 

The BEST part about this session is the girl herself.  She is AWESOME!  Not only is she absolutely beautiful, but she's got the insides to match.  She has to be one of the nicest people/students I've ever met.  AND, her momma and sister are a close behind!
 
 
But, back to Jess.  Luckily, since I know her so well, I could torture her a bit and make her do whatever I said.  She's super sweet that way, ya know.  I even talked her into making a quick wardrobe change while in broad daylight with only a reflector keeping her hidden!!  GO JESS!

Okay, so enough talking I guess!  You get the idea, right?  ON TO THE PHOTOS!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Okay, enough already....

I gotta get some sleep!  This time, it's nearly 2am.  I'm staying up later and later!  AARRGGHHH!