Welcome to the Studio Two Seven Nine Blog
December 2023 Newsletter
The studio was busy in November. Click to see what I’ve been up to.
Can you believe it? December already?!
Here’s some of the fun I had last month.
Guitar hero
I had the distinct honor of photographing an impressive young man named Damian a couple of weeks ago. Damian is a kindergarten teacher here in Rochester, which is impressive enough. Damian is also a gigging guitarist who has played most of the music venues in the Seacoast. He was recently offered a job teaching guitar at Portsmouth Music and Arts Center. In his spare time he offers private guitar lessons and has a side gig working on guitars. In fact, I plan to take my Martin to him for a full setup after the holidays.
The session was scheduled as a simple headshot. But, once we had his headshot done Damian was gracious enough to stay late into the night so I could create something special for him. I transitioned from a headshot setup to a more traditional portrait setup Damian brought out his gorgeous semi-hollow Ibanez and we proceeded to create a couple of beautiful portraits.
The cover photo above is from Damian’s session and a couple more of my favorites are below.
Headshots
I enjoy working with people one-on-one in an environment where I get a chance to get to know a little about someone on a personal level. So it’s no wonder why headshots are some of my favorite sessions in the studio. My approach doesn’t rely on stiff posing and relies instead on my wit and humor to help my subjects relax and let their true selves come to the surface.
My headshot sessions are full of laughs and ridiculousness. However, the outcome is consistently stunning headshots that portray a sense of confidence and positivity.
Is it time to update your headshot? The answer is probably yes. Read my thoughts here.
Art Show Season
Creative Guts show titled Kaleidoscope
at Rochester Museum of Fine Arts through January 5, 2024.
Bear to be Different
Momentary Drama
Greater Rochester Camera Club Winter Show. Transportation
At Rochester Performance & Arts Center through December 31.
Grand Sport
Untitled
mindFUL at New Hampshire Art Association
this show has already closed but if you’d like to see this piece in person it is hanging in my studio. If you’d like to learn why I made it you can read my story here.
The Neurodivergent Doom Loop - A Self Portrait
Headshot Day Part Deux!
Our first Headshot Day was so much fun we decided to do another one!
Headshot Day Part Deux! is Saturday, January 13, 2024! Each session is 45 minutes and includes hair and makeup touch-ups by Mandy and Kayla from Tease Salon. You get to sit back, relax, and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or cup of coffee before you get in front of the camera. Then, in the same relaxed environment, I will work with you to create your stunning new headshot.
On-site team headshots!
Let’s face it, having a cohesive look on your website can go a long way, and a big part of that is having a cohesive look to your team’s headshots! This is where I come in and make it simple. “On-site” means I pack up my headshot studio and come to you. All I need from you is a room to work in and, in most cases, less than a day, to update your entire team’s headshots.
Click the button below for more information and pricing.
What clients say about working with Studio Two Seven Nine!
Shawn Williams (Marquis’ dad) said:
“Shawn is amazing! We recently brought our son in for a sports session and the way Shawn worked with him and explained how everything worked was awesome to watch. Our son is very reserved and Shawn got him to open and have fun. Shawn took his time and did not rush us in and out. He truly wants to capture the best images for lifelong memories.
Thank you Williams Family!
I am excited to announce that Digital Photography 101 Classes are returning in 2024
This class, designed for the novice photographer, will introduce you to exposure, composition, lighting, and camera settings. You'll learn to shoot in any situation, whether on location or in the studio. With ample light or in low light.
Digital Photography 101 is perfect for those who have just purchased their first camera (or are receiving one as a gift, hint hint) or for anyone who wants to get out of auto mode and take the first steps on their photography journey.
Dates are available in January and February.
Gift Certificates make the perfect Christmas gift for your budding photographer.
What I'm watching...
Elf. What is there to say about Elf that hasn’t been said a million times before? It is truly one of the all time great Christmas movies and I look forward to watching it every year. This year I get to introduce my 4-year old to the wonderful world of Buddy the Elf and I can’t wait to see how she likes it.
What I'm reading...
The Practice by Seth Godin. I have only just started this book in the last week. I have heard lots of good things about it so I decided I should give it a read. In a nutshell, The Practice is about how daily habits and routines, done consistently over time, can increase the chances of your creating a change in the world. But the key is not to overly focus on the outcome, and instead aim to improve your practice daily. It’s similar in nature to the book I talked about in my last newsletter: Atomic Habits by James Clear. Put your focus on the small habits and improve on them daily and the big results will eventually follow. Now I am not one for woo-woo, but this makes a lot of sense to me. Think of it like the professional athlete who goes out and practices all the minute mechanics of his or her craft with the goal of improvement. Sure the goal is to make the bigs or win championships, but they know the only way to get there is through constant small improvements. It’s like that but in your daily life.
What I’m listening To…
Gogol Bordello. Ok, I will admit that Gogol Bordello will not be everyone’s cup of tea. In fact, I bet only a few people who check them out will like them. But, I LOVE them. What genre are they? I don’t know. The music is eccentric and a little off the wall. The lead singer sings in a thick Romanian accent. The band includes an accordion player and violin, and the creative energy is off the charts. If you like weird, outside-the-mainstream music, I recommend giving Gorgol Bordello a try. My favorite album has to be Super Taranta! Start there and see if it hits you the same way it does me.
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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November 2023 Newsletter
The studio was busy in October. Click to see what I’ve been up to.
Let the holiday season begin!
Last month was super busy here at the studio. Here’s some of the fun I had during October.
#LightUpMBC Fun Run
The month started with the #LightUpMBC Fun Run in Manchester. I was asked to be there by my good friends at Moore Fight Moore Strong.
This ended up being a special day because I had my wife and daughter with me. They signed up for the fun run but didn’t make it very far before my 4-year-old pooped out and decided she would rather play on the playground. It was still special for me to share this experience with them. After the fun run we went out for lunch in Epping and then returned home to Rochester. It was a good day and, a successful day for the organizers as they raised more than $23,000 for METAvivor Research & Support.
High School Seniors!
I had the pleasure of working with 4 awesome seniors in October. Not much to say other than I feel extremely fortunate I get to work with these kids and make meaningful photos for them at this very important time in their lives. Below is a highlight image from each of these sessions.
Headshot Day at Studio Two Seven Nine
On October 25 I hosted my first Headshot Day at Studio Two Seven Nine. I partnered with the uber-talented stylists from Tease Salon to offer hair and makeup touch ups before clients got in front of the camera. The day was awesome. We had tons of laughs and everyone had a great time. We had 9 clients come out and they all got fabulous updated headshots. I couldn’t have asked for a better day.
The Addams Family Musical ticket giveaway
I gave away 2 tickets to see The Addams Family Musical at Rochester Opera House in October. I also photographed the show before it opened. This was a very entertaining show. Everything from set design to costumes to the talented cast was top-notch.
On October 19, I had the incomparable Amanda Dane, who played Morticia in the show, at the studio to draw the ticket winner live on Instagram.
Congratulations to Chrystal Moore! I hope you enjoyed the show!
Miatacon at Lime Rock Park
The month wrapped up with a late-season trip to Lime Rock Park to cover the first annual MIATACON. This was a glorious day. Temps in the mid-70s, plenty of sunshine, fall colors, long October light, and I got to hang out with my Lime Rock friends one more time. What more could I ask for?
This event wrapped my sixth season at Lime Rock Park. I miss it already. Memorial Day can’t come quickly enough.
November is Headshot Month!
Has it been a minute (or a couple of years) since you last updated your headshot? Well, now is a great time! Headshot sessions are $50 off through November!
Click the button below to learn more and get on my calendar before I’m completely booked up!
It is still Senior Portrait Time!
There is still time to get in an epic senior portrait session if your senior goes to a school with a December yearbook deadline. Contact me today to find out how we can celebrate your senior!
Visit studiotwosevennine.com to learn more and book your session!
What my clients say about working with Studio Two Seven Nine!
Josh Simonds, Psychic Medium & Author said:
“Working with Shawn was an absolute delight and the epitome of creative professionalism. Not only did he make my husband and I comfortable during the shoot, he did so with charm, wit, humor, and professionalism. His eye for detail and his ability to capture EXACTLY what you're looking for is par none. Absolutely recommend him for anyone looking for photography of any kind.”
Thank you Josh!
I am excited to announce that Digital Photography 101 Classes are returning in 2024
This class, designed for the novice photographer, will introduce you to exposure, composition, lighting, and camera settings. You'll learn to shoot in any situation, whether on location or in the studio. With ample light or in low light. Digital Photography 101 is perfect for those who have just purchased their first camera or for those who want to get the most out of their camera by getting out of auto mode and taking the first steps on their photography journey.
Dates will be announced soon.
Gift Certificates make the perfect Christmas gift for your budding photographer.
What I'm watching...
LEGO Masters. If you know me you know that I LOVE LEGO. I have a pretty big collection of models that I’ve built. So, LEGO Masters is right up my alley. It’s like a cooking competition show only with LEGO! Teams compete in pairs to build the most epic models. It’s light-hearted and fun. It is incredible what these people make out of little plastic bricks. Check it out Wednesday nights on FOX.
What I'm reading...
Atomic Habits by James Clear. To say this book has made an impact on how I approach making changes to my life would be an understatement. The idea is that you can make big changes over time by making a 1% improvement every day. Can I say this book has changed my life might be a stretch, but the principles and action steps laid out in it have certainly helped me start to streamline how I approach my day. I really can’t recommend this book enough.
What I’m listening To…
Play it Safe by Tim Minchin. Every once in a while I encounter something that speaks to me at my deepest levels. It says the things I want to say and scream out loud. It brings goosebumps and tears.
I've spent my life trying to fit into other people's boxes. Trying to hold down jobs that I didn't see the point in doing. I felt like my true path was blocked by the path of least resistance and having people tell me what life is supposed to be. What is supposedly right and wrong.
I don't understand living your life in some rigid box. Passing judgment on others who dare to do the things you yourself wish you could be out there doing. Things you once dreamed of doing. I don't understand tearing people down who are living their truths just because you don't understand where they are coming from... and, even worse, never bothering to ask.
Anyway, this turned into a much longer rant than I intended. Give the video a watch below. It's not long and maybe it will move you the way it moved me. It was made as a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Sydney Opera House, but I think it is much bigger than that. I see it as a celebration of artistic endeavor and the open-mindedness and constant growth, both personally and artistically, that comes with that pursuit.
By the way, 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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