September 2023 Newsletter
September! Autumn! YAY!
♪♫ It’s the most wonderful time of the year. ♪♫
Do you remember this Staples back-to-school commercial? It’s one of my all-time favorites. Just watching this GIF on repeat over and over makes me chuckle.
So, August sure went by fast, huh? Here’s what I’ve been up to.
The Pottery Paddock
A couple of weeks ago I got to do something really cool when I went into The Pottery Paddock, located on 10 Rod Road in Rochester, to take some environmental portraits of my friend Ruth Caron working with clay. Even though I only shot for about 40 minutes I was there for hours. The conversation was just too good to leave. Thank you to Ruth for letting me come in to see what you do.
Here are a couple of my favorites of Ruth from this day.
GridLife Circuit Legends at Lime Rock Park
I spent the weekend of August 18-20 at Lime Rock Park for GridLife Circuit Legends. What a great time this weekend was. GridLife touts itself as being a celebration of the import car culture. Think GranTurismo come to life. With 4 races throughout the weekend, multiple Drift demonstrations and Time Attack sessions per day, a traveling arcade complete with racing simulators and old-school arcade games, and an open, all-are-welcome-here attitude, GridLife is a unique track experience. The crowds are young and diverse. And, on this weekend, much bigger than I expected. GridLife doubled attendance from 2022! I had so much fun working at this event and am already looking forward to the 2024 edition.
My exclusivity contract with Lime Rock says I can’t share much, but here’s a small selection of what I can.
Spongebob the Musical Ticket Giveaway
Also in August, I gave away 2 pairs of tickets to Spongebob the Musical at Rochester Opera House (ROH). I also volunteered to do the marketing photos of the show that you’ve seen all over social media this month. Rochester has a vibrant, thriving, arts community with ROH helping to lead the way. So, anytime I can get involved to help them out I am always happy to do it.
For the record… Spongebob the Musical was some of the most fun I’ve ever had in a theater, and I would not call myself a fan of Spongebob Squarepants. The cast was fantastic, the comedic timing was on point, and the production was next level.
Congratulations to the winners of my ticket giveaway: Molly Dunning and Analizia Santana! Thank you so much for entering the giveaway! I hope you enjoyed the show!
It’s Senior Portrait Time!
I still have session dates available in September and October! studiotwosevennine.com
Contact me to schedule your senior’s session today! shawn@studiotwosevennine.com
Ana’s Cheerleader Sportrait Session
A couple of weeks ago I went on-location at Spaulding High School for a Sportrait Session with Ana, a cheerleader at Spaulding.
Because of a persistent breeze that loved to point my lights in any direction other than where I wanted them pointing and made poor Ana’s hair blow all over the place, this session was a bit of a challenge. Lots of stopping and starting to reorient things. Through it all Ana stayed positive. She rocked this shoot and we got some really fun photos of her in her cheer uniform that I hope she cherishes for a long time.
Ana is about to start her Junior year at Spaulding. She was recently awarded a spot on the All-American Cheer Team with one of her Spaulding teammates and is going to get to perform in Hawaii! Amazing! Congratulations Ana!
What my clients say about working with Studio Two Seven Nine!
Kendall Spewock. Owner of Admiral Property, LLC here in Rochester said:
“Shawn is an incredible photographer, and we trust him to take all our headshots for our company. So far, we have had three sessions with different employees. All the photos have come out unique but cohesive together. I highly recommend Studio Two Seven Nine to anyone looking for professional headshots that stand out!”
Thanks Kendall!
Has it been a minute, or a couple of years, since you last updated your headshot? Maybe it’s time you do!
Click the button below to learn more.
I am excited to announce the latest release in my Wall Art Collection!
As many of you know I work with Moore Fight Moore Strong (MFMS) to help document the LightUpMBC initiative to raise money for Metavivor Research and Development. Every October 13, Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Awareness Day, I pack up my gear and head to Portsmouth to take a beautiful photo of the Memorial Bridge lit in the colors of MBC awareness, Pink, Teal, and Green.
This waterdrop photo celebrates my collaboration with MFMS and 50% of all the profits from sales of this photo will be donated to Metavivor.
Bulk and Commercial Discounts are available. Contact me to learn more about decorating your home, office, or place of business with Studio Two Seven Nine Wall Art. shawn@studiotwosevennine.com or 603.630.4675
What I'm watching...
Only Murders in the Building, Season 3. If you aren’t watching Only Murders in the Building on HULU you are truly missing out. Any time Steve Martin and Martin Short get together on a project you can count me in. Add in the fantastic performances by Selena Gomez, Meryl Streep, and the rest of the cast as well as beautiful cinematography and engrossing storytelling and you have all the ingredients of truly great television.
What I'm reading...
I just finished a great book by local author Gregory Bastianelli called Shadow Flicker. In Shadow Flicker insurance inspector Oscar Basaran gets assigned to a remote island in Maine, Kidney Island, to look into outlandish claims by its residents about the seemingly supernatural effects they have been feeling as the result of wind turbines being installed on their island home. The twists and turns weaved throughout the story kept me fully engaged with one surprising turn after the next. I highly recommend this book. Truly Stephen King-esque.
What I'm listening to...
Ever heard of St. Paul and The Broken Bones? No? Quick, right now, go on over to Spotify and search them out. They play a catchy version of soul perfectly suited for nearly any situation. It is upbeat and danceable with hooks that stick with you in all the best ways. To me, St. Paul and the Broken Bones’ music is reminiscent of the great Motown R&B from the 60s and 70s with a distinctly modern vibe. Seriously, go check them out. You’ll thank me later!
BTW: I love recommendations! Whether it’s a TV show, movie, book, or music, throw an email my way with what you think I should check out. I’d love to hear from you.
If you’ve made it this far I can only say thank you. Until next month take care of yourself and be kind to your fellow humans.
Cheers!
Shawn
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