Shannon Gurney Photoblog

In honor of Mom's Day!

I've been trying like crazy to come up with something cool to do for moms this year and the more I try the more I keep coming back to what I'd want.  I'm asked by folks ALL the time why I don't put myself in more pictures with my family...  Why I don't get someone to shoot photos of me for a change. 

For one thing, I'm really not that comfortable in front of the camera.  BUT, mostly, because I just don't ever think to hire another photographer to do it.  OR spend the time it takes to plan it.  I mean who am I kidding?  I didn't even send out Christmas cards this year!

After talking to my friends and other photographers, I realized I'm not the ONLY mom to be that way.  Apparently, there are tons of us out there....the missing link in all of our family photographs.  I would like to change that.

So, IN HONOR OF MOTHER'S DAY....

I will be donating my time and talent each month to ONE lucky mom.  The trick is they have to be nominated.  However, they CAN nominate themselves! 

Simply, send me a short letter explaining why you/someone you know deserves to have some photos taken.  What makes her/you so special or deserving of a FREE session with me? 

Is she the kind of person that is constantly worrying about everyone else instead of thinking of herself?  Is she having a milestone birthday?  Is she a SUPER mom who can do anything?  Be sure to include her contact information so I can reach her if she is chosen for the FREE session.  Then watch and wait.

I'll announce the first winner on April 15th!

Here are some of the pretty moms I know... 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Spring Mini-Sessions

***THIS POST WILL STAY AT THE TOP FOR A FEW DAYS - SCROLL DOWN FOR NEW POSTS & A REALLY GREAT MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL!

I have a million things to do today!  For now, I'm in a bit of a rush, but I still wanted to get this posted for all of you watching and waiting...

You are welcome to email me with questions or to get information regarding the time slots.  Please don't wait around to book your mini.  I've had a lot of interest this time around and feel like these will book quickly.  Don't miss out!  I won't have another one until the Fall season!

I have tons of other information to share with you, but it will have to wait until later today.  Until then, have a happy Tuesday!  See ya soon!

Edited to add:  These sessions must be pre-paid to reserve your spot.  You can add b/w images to your disc for an additional $25.

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!

Inspired...more from Eureka Springs

It's funny how changing your perspective can change your daily life.  We create our own experiences and those experiences shape who we become.  This trip to Eureka Springs was nothing amazing.  I didn't jump from any airplanes or hike to the top of Pike's Peak.  BUT, I left there inspired. 

I spent some quality time with my family and friends, rested a bit, ate what I wanted, breathed in the crisp morning air, and soaked up EVERY last ray of sunshine.  It was just what the doctor ordered...so to speak.

I'm even starting to see myself inside here somewhere...that person I was 4 years ago before giving birth to my two FAVORITE little men in the whole wide world.  I know I was always there - I just hadn't seen, REALLY seen, myself in a very long time...even that double chin I've come to know so well is starting to disappear.  That's enough to inspire anyone!

It helped that I walked into THIS store.  What a perspective!  I wanted to buy every clothing item, journal, sticker, and doggie bed in the whole place.  Why can't we all live life thinking nothing but the best.  As Jake and Rocket put it so well, "Good vibes are contagious."  Amen to that!

I even got back to my roots.  OR revisited them...by way of my mom and Karri...HA!

They say the waters in Eureka Springs have healing power.  Whether it's true or not, I believe my life is different today because of my trip there.  I had to LET GO a bit in order to make the trip.  As you all know, I've never left my boys for more than a few hours at a time.  It wasn't really my plan to do that.  I'm not quite THAT neurotic.  The opportunity just hadn't presented itself.  Needless to say, I was a bit worried while being gone from them.  I'm pretty sure, however, I missed them more than they missed me.  Talk about a WAKE UP CALL!

I survived my time away and came back renewed.  I can't wait to introduce you to all of the changes I'll be making in my photography business and in my life.  Not to worry though, the changes won't be in pricing!  :)  Come back tomorrow for the first of many details...
 

I'd forgotten how completely gorgeous my mom is...I see her everyday almost the same way I see myself...running herself ragged from job to home to taking care of everyone else (including me)...

I hope she's as renewed as I feel today.  She deserves it as much, if not more, than I do.  I love you, Mom.  You're beautiful today and everyday.
 

I really wish there was a way to get a good shot of Thorncrown Chapel without all the trees blocking the view.  It was amazing.  I'm sure most of you have heard of it, but it's just not the same as actually being there....reading Psalms while you breathe in all the majesty that is our Lord.  God is good.

After all, he did provide me with the BEST of family and friends.  People who love me for who I am...no matter the circumstance...

Don't worry, Karri.  There's hope for you, yet.  HE has a plan for your life, too.

Just keep on kissing those FROGS...

Prince Charming will be here soon.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
I had a super time girls!  Can't wait to go back!

 

AND, don't forget to smile...Life is good.

Eureka Springs...catching up.

As you may have noticed, I've been MIA for a few days.  I've been REALLY wanting to post to give a big shout out hello to all of you in blogland, but resting won out.  We've literally been laying low for the past few days while on vacation in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.  It's been nice.

I was super worried I'd be missing by boys and sad.  BUT, I have to say, it's been NICE.  Did I mention that?  I do miss my boys.  I just really needed the break from all things mommy.  Does anyone else ever feel like that?

So, here's where we're staying.  A little cottage on Spring Street.

It's called the Wishing Star.  Pretty cool, huh.  AND, since being here.  I've even come up with some changes for my photography business.  I feel refreshed and full of energy...READY to take on the world.
 
Life is good.

I'm getting to spend some quality time with my mom (YES, that's me!)...

AND, my sister...who I absolutely adore...

AND even our friend, Karri, got to come along...

We've been silly, nutty, sleepy, lazy, HUNGRY, and just plain ole' us.  It has been perfect!

So, thus far, we've shopped for antiques and cool little bobbles...
 
 

We've gone cave exploring...
 

We've even gone GHOST HUNTING....Yes, us!  Just look at the orbs we found!

There are some SERIOUS ghost stories regarding this place...they've even been on GHOST HUNTERS!

So, as you can tell, we've really enjoyed ourselves.  Here are some more random shots before losing my internet signal all together.  I'll check in again with you all in a day or two.  Happy HUMP DAY!
 

Did I mention, I love my adorable sister?
 
 

Ya'll come back now. YA hear?

Beautiful...in every single way

Here are a few more from our SHORT photo time this past Tuesday. 

The weather did not cooperate - we literally shot for about 30 minutes in the freezing-cold wind, and still I was able to get these gorgeous pics of my pretty friend.  She won't like any of these because she's so hard on herself. 

BUT...I see the beauty in all that is HER.

She is genuine to the point of being sometimes called too blunt - I like that about her.

She loves deeply and with her entire spirit - just ask her kids.  It shows in everything she does.

She is a GREAT cook!  Seriously!  I'll eat anything she's whipped up!

This next one she'll hate.  I LOVE it!  It completely captures her.  Makes you wonder what's going on inside that head of hers.

Yes, she does frown too much.  YET, she smiles equally as much which causes her to have some really great laugh lines.  Who doesn't want those?  If you ask me, laugh lines speak volumes about your life and who you are as a person.

She gives ALL the time.  In case you've forgotten, she paid to take my entire family on a beach vacation just to have us near her.  WHO does that?  Well, now you know.

To quote a well-known artist: "She's beautiful in every single way..."

and she has GREAT eyes.  Can I borrow them for just one day?

She has more energy than just about anyone I've ever met.  I honestly don't know how she does it all sometimes.  She's literally like the Energizer Bunny.  Go, Kristy!

AND, the very best part about Kristy?  She's my friend.

"To the world you may be just one person.  But to one person you may be the world."