December 2023 Newsletter
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
Subscribe here to receive this newsletter in your inbox every month.
