We spent time in their rooms while they showed me their favorite toys. Mom said that some of those toys hadn’t seen the light of day in about a year. There is something deeper in the meaning of these sessions. Having someone pay attention to you as a family, take the time to document it slowly, show you how important you are as a family, but also individuals, and allowing you to explore the past and present. These kids had someone asking about what brought them joy and wanting to photograph that. They had the chance to feel seen by someone other than their parents. They had the opportunity to feel seen WITH their parents. So often we are the ones doing all of the work and when you have someone else see how special your family is, there is so much honor in that.
“My photographs are on our bedroom wall, so I have seen them countless times since they have been hung, but every time I look at the pictures, I am still in awe that it is really me in them. I feel beautiful and sexy looking at them, but ironically, it is actually more of a daily reminder to myself to look internally as much as externally. When I look internally, these photographs make me feel empowered and I remind myself that I am capable, that I can do things outside of my comfort zone, and that I can have self- acceptance and self-compassion, because despite all my imperfections (as a wife, mother, and just person) - I am enough.”
“In this episode of "Capturing Confidence: The Empowerment of Boudoir Photography," host Kimberly Hand sits down with photographer Shannon Griffin to delve into Shannon's inspiring journey towards self-confidence and empowerment. Shannon opens up about her unexpected path to motherhood and how becoming a mom has greatly influenced her perspective on life and her work as a boudoir photographer. Through the struggles and triumphs she has faced, Shannon has learned to embrace her own beauty and strength, allowing her to connect with her female clients on a deeper level. Throughout the conversation, Shannon highlights the importance of women discovering what truly makes them feel sexy and confident. She emphasizes that boudoir photography is not just about pleasing partners, but about empowering women to embrace their unique beauty and build self-esteem. Shannon Griffin is an intimate portrait photographer whose process is S L O W, highly interactive and contemplative. Her photographs evoke a feeling of strength in the rawness of a woman's life. Her clients become their own muse; and Shannon creates experiences where women feel beautiful, important, powerful and most importantly, valued. She gets to know the women that she photographs on a deep level before ever putting them in front of her lens; believing that the truest art begins with feeling and not technicality. Shannon wants other women to feel empowered when they see her work. Instead of comparison, she hopes they will see themselves in the women that she photographs. Tune in to this episode to learn more about Shannon's journey and how boudoir photography can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and self-love.”
I truly believe that my duty as an artist is to not only fully plan out every session based on each, individual family’s personality, but also to build that trust so that they can let their guard down and let me in. These aren’t quick sessions where I tell you where to meet me and to wear whatever you want. This is weeks/months in the making and I’m getting to know every member of your family. I’m planning wardrobe based on each person’s age, likes, aesthetic, etc. We also plan around your home and where you’ll be displaying your art. Everything is cohesive and not a single detail is left out. It’s all a small part of a bigger picture (no pun intended) that is the goal of art you can hand down for generations. I’m not telling “a story”, I’m telling YOUR STORY.
So yes, I let the kids run free at our sessions together. I let them lead. I let them tell the story of their family. They are the ones who see us in our purest forms. To them we are good. To them we are love. To them, we are the magic makers. My goal is that when they are grown, they will look at these and it will hit them that they were the magic after all.
