Shannon Leith is a photographer and friend of mine, who wanted updated images of herself for her websites.
Her requests: simple, show her quiet side, against a white wall, focus on her eyes.
I took her around the corner from my house, behind a Big Lots, and spent about an hour talking to her and pushing the shutter. The light was freaky – sun going in and out of the clouds. It was …. um, noon. We both laughed that I was a photographer shooting another photographer in the worst light of the day.
I hadn’t met Shannon prior to photographing her, but she gave herself to me completely. She talked and I listened.
I was mesmerized.
This session has brought up the topic of “seeing” between Shannon and I.
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I operate under the belief that people really just want to be seen. If you can truly see someone, you give them a gift.
I use this philosophy in my work and as a mother. I don’t think I can do anything more important for my children than to truly see them.
Same for my clients. I take in everything that I could possibly think, and stop thinking.
And just see.
*
Shannon shared this on her twitter feed today, and I wanted to post it along with her photos:
“One of the deepest longings of the human soul is to be seen.” – John O’Donohue
xo
Tara
simply beautiful!
Amazing. She is so beautiful!
She’s natural and perfect. Actually….so are you:)
one of the most beautiful sessions ever on so . many . levels.
There is lots to be loved about this post and this shoot.
k8
ps. she has amazing eyes xx
So So So TRUE!
And brilliant. You and Her. Just awesome!
AND some of the Greatest things in the photog world… have been created by breaking all the rules! :)
it’s so true tara. the black and white of her twirling her hair. stunning.
Beautiful : )
simple and honest was what i thought even before reading what you had written. work to be proud of tara.
omg. every time i had a favorite, i’d keep looking and have a new favorite. so funny also, because i totally thought you guys had met IRL. i told shannon that my dream day would be walking around shooting with the two of you. these pictures further solidify how incredibly awesome and wonderful i think you two are. -signed- your creepy boston photographer fan :)
gorgeous. and agree with all of my heart. to be seen. really seen is all one could ask for. that along with being cherished. my two mantras. beautiful tara. xo
Love it Tara. Inspiring and beautiful!
I love Shannon and I love these images!!! Amazing!!
Okay, LOVE.
Clearly I’m going to be the first of what, maybe 173 people who post a comment, asking for the origins of her attire and most importantly THAT LOCKET. Holy crap!
I’m a mom of 4 and have been searching for the perfect locket ever since you posted the enamel favorite of yours. ;)
Mind asking her? I’m going to go stalk her site, too just in case. She has wonderful style. Love the tops, too. But the locket is DIVINE.
Thanks Tara.
Rachel
Amen.
Shannon is absolutely gorgeous and you capture her inner beauty so wonderfully here! Such a beautiful job!!
beautiful photos. love the quiet shannon.
Wow, after seeing these photos I feel like I know her without actually meeting her. Brilliant job! She is lovely.
i actually just found her blog a few weeks ago, from another blog and dove into her archives. her work is beautiful and i love how you captured her!
love the yellow sweater and the fence ones. my faves
beautiful. soft. moving. personal. lovely.
you captured shannon so beautifully tara! she is so radiant and i lover her effortless style and beauty…
j.
yay! love these! Have been checking in on Shannon’s blog since you shared her link a while back with your kitchen sink post. These totally fit!
I don’t have any of my own children, but I do have a classroom full of them in a school where children have had to grow up too fast. This really resonated with me. Thank you for putting into words what I never could. “I operate under the belief that people really just want to be seen. If you can truly see someone, you give them a gift…I don’t think I can do anything more important for my children than to truly see them.”
you are so fantastic.
shannon is one of the most beautiful souls on this earth. you captured her peaceful side so perfectly! she looks incredible.
Couldn’t agree more…funny how so many of us cover and hide and refuse what we most want…lovely images.
simple, beautiful pics. so inspiring. i love what you said about being seen. i so agree. xo
These are Gorgeous. Everything you do makes my heart happy. Seriously. If I’m ever in California I’m going to have to hunt you down… probably months in advance right?
Stunning.
Oh my soul – this woman has perfect shaped lips! And you saw that …..
What you can do with crap light is a gift. And deeper than what you pull out with your camera. Love the “seeing” thoughts–very true, feeling that just today. And love the messy, fab hair. Thank you, love.
Beautiful images. I love that she looks so natural and the angles you have chosen for the portraits…
I am really curious about your last image.. Is the blur part of the processing? Thank you!!
Tara, You don’t just make people feel seen, you make them feel beautiful. That’s a gift.
so perfect. so different, yet so totally tara. :) adore.
i love that you shoot so many other photographers. very telling of your unique talent. rock it.
these are fantastic. Love what you wrote about it too. Could not agree more.
xo
Simply gorgeous. Among my favorites of your work, Tara.
she’s beautiful!
you really do capture the beauty and soul of every person you photograph!
tara
Only you can make perfection like that behind a Big Lots at noon! Love!
Everyone wants to be seen, but how many want to be seen for who they truly are? That’s why this was so refreshing and beautiful.
Shannon is one of my most favorite people in the world, and I just want to say that you captured her marvelously. You really saw her.
I love your work, Tara! :]
these are absolutely beautiful. so PURE.
Tara – you make my heart sing and my lips smile because you are the good parts of life.
these are gorgeous images.. and I love how you describe your style I think the photos that come out best are always when you see someone for who they are
Hi Tara, I’m Shannon’s grandma and I agree with the great comments about GREAT pictures of her. I’ve gotten to enjoy this face for a long time and know that a beautiful spirit goes with this beautiful face…
awesome. absolute beauty.
She is such a natural beauty! Stunning photos, Tara!
Her quote is what my life has been this past year. Perfect!!!!! Beautiful pics as always, but that quote totally hit home.
lovely. :)