We were lucky to catch up with Shannon Christy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shannon, appreciate you joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

My approach is very documentary, meaning I don’t stage or direct anything. I photograph reality, however it plays out.

I do not choose the locations where I’ll be photographing. I recommend that my clients think about locations that have meaning to them and their family. To think of the places they usually hang out together and love to spend their time. Location is such an important character in our memories, having photos made in significant locations adds profound enrichment to the story.

I love photographing in the home since it is such a significant part of who we are. Kids will always want to remember their childhood home. I moved out of my first home when I was seven years old and we moved around a lot after that. I remember looking “past” the people in what photos we had on our wall to see what my first home looked like. Our backyard with the treehouse my dad and uncle built, the porch swing I would sit on with my great grandma while blowing bubbles for my dog to bite, the living room where I helped teach my younger sister how to walk. A meaningful location is a beautiful location.

I photograph from an “inside” perspective meaning that to really be able to show what it felt like to be there, I need to be photographing “in” the action as opposed to photographing “at” the action. That being said I wouldn’t describe myself as the most discreet photographer. I won’t hide behind a bush or sneak around with whatever attempt I would have to go unnoticed. The best way for me to blend in is to always be there so my clients can acclimatize to my presence which usually only takes about 10-15 minutes.

The cool thing about the documentary approach is that I’m not asking anyone to do, or not do, anything for the camera so it doesn’t take long for that self consciousness to slip away. The only things I really “choose” for the session is how I use my equipment and where I place myself to be able to show each family member as they are and how they love each other in the most creative way possible.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

After losing my dad a month before my tenth birthday and only having a handful of photos to represent him- I understand the significance that real life images hold. I’ve looked through old photos hoping to reignite memories of our life together and who he was, but I can only learn so much from a photo of me and him smiling for the camera. I want to remember so much more than what he looked like. My favorite photo of us is a real, shared moment that immortalizes what it felt like to be with him. Too many of my first hand memories have unfortunately faded and these types of images help me stay connected to who my father was.

I believe nothing compares to real life and I can’t think of anything more significant to immortalize than who we are and how we love each other. These photos will only become more meaningful over time as our lives seem to rapidly change. They will be invaluable for those we leave behind, as they will always have part of us to hold onto.

While visiting home (NY) for Christmas in 2019, I was going through boxes of old photos with my family which brought memories back from the depths of my mind. I got to see the happiness on my face while dancing with my Grandma, what my Mom and Grandma looked like when they were younger, how happy I was to finally have a little sister, what my parents’ lives were before they had my sister and me, all of my awkward phases (and proof that my sister has never been awkward in her life), the dated gifts/clothes/furniture/decor… each image helped bridge the generational gaps between us making everything click for me in a way that took me from understanding to feeling and empathizing. Sitting on the floor, passing photos around from times past, and sharing stories connected and bonded me to my family in such a beautiful way. Being able to look back in time and see everything and everyone as they were… that experience was truly invaluable.

Printed photographs help families keep their history alive. The prints I provide are museum quality ensuring they can be passed down for generations. I have carefully curated my list of products to stand the test of time as family heirlooms. I want all of my clients to feel secure in the preservation of their memories and family history.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I embrace the documentary approach to photography because when I deliver the photos, I’m going to change memories. I don’t want the photos to remind my clients of the time I told them to stand in a specific place and do something for the third time, I want to remind them of how they felt with their loved ones that day. Reality is also SO much more interesting, especially when it comes to how we spend our everyday lives. I don’t know if I can appropriately describe what it would mean to me to be able to go back in time and see a day in the life of my childhood, especially with my dad. Unfortunately, since I can’t do that, I find it therapeutic and meaningful to have the opportunity to create the photos I always wish I had of my childhood for my clients and especially for their children.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Through my work I redefine the image of the “perfect” family by empowering my clients to embrace the beauty of everyday, real life moments. Imperfectly perfect, full of personality, and everything they will want to remember. Documentary photography models to children that “perfection” is not the expectation. They are loved for what makes them uniquely themselves. They are worthy of art and celebration without having to conform to a prompt that dictates how they should act and feel.

Honestly, this goes for every age. Adults are faced with the more difficult task of unlearning and letting go of harsh self judgment, especially when we see ourselves in photos. It’s all about opening ourselves up to a more mindful life where it’s easier to see and appreciate all that we have.

I thrive on being able to literally show my clients how much they love and are loved. I get to provide that sigh of relief for them in knowing that this phase of life won’t pass them by before being able to appreciate how magnificent it actually is. Despite how innocuous “today” always feels, I love casting a light on what has been there the whole time.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://shannonchristy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonchristyphoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShannonChristyPhotography
• Other: https://shannon-christy-photography-35443.smartslides.com/the-taylor-family/ https://www.documentaryfamilyawards.com/photographers/shannon-christy/

Image Credits
Personal photo: Two Mann Studios https://twomann.com All additional photos: Shannon Christy Photography