Candid Thoughts

Senior Session

2011-09-13T02:12:00.004-06:00

I was very honored when I photographed Madeline for her senior portraits. What a beautiful young lady! She is so bright! I see big things for her in the future whatever she decides to do! :)

Coming to a Town Near you!

2011-06-16T17:47:00.002-06:00

I will be in Virginia 6/24 - 7/22. I will be taking photography sessions while I am in town. Contact me if you are interested! :)

Play Dates are Fun!

2011-06-11T11:15:00.004-06:00

Last week another photographer & I took her kids to a new little spot I found with some outfits I wanted to try out. It was sooo cute to see them dressed up with a little twist of vintage! Thanks again to Danette for loaning me her cute kids!

Oh how I love little Newborns!

2011-06-01T18:35:00.002-06:00

This past week I felt very lucky to photograph not one but two little ones. A little girl and a little boy. It's been a while since I have blogged on here. Must catch up. I guess since moving I haven't had a whole lot of new business here in the Springs. Hopefully things will pick up soon as things are warming up. I hope to go home to Virginia this summer along with California for a visit! If you are interested in booking a session send me a note! ;)

Getting Back Into the Swing of Things

2010-11-05T00:06:00.002-06:00

I was fortunate enough to have the chance to play with Baby M today. Such a sleeper! She was born on 10/30 so the fall cornucopia shot was a given. We must have played for about 3 hours with her & she slept it through for the most part. Such a little trooper she was! Big thanks to her & Mom for their patience!

Yesterday!

2010-08-26T17:14:00.003-06:00

What a fun day I had yesterday! Sushi in Cruces & photo session in Tulie! I worked with the Brandt family and being a photographer herself she knew just what outfits to bring! Bright fun pinks & orange! That seems to be a very hot color combo right now!

Time really does fly!

2010-07-21T11:06:00.003-06:00

It seems like yesterday I met Patsy while living in Colorado Springs & working for Ford Credit. She mentioned that she was originally from Alamogordo NM. Who would have known that I would one day live in her hometown! Since living here I have been fortunate enough to see her when she visits family & now we are preparing to move back to Colorado where I hope to see even more of her! Her daughter Alyssa has literally grown up overnight it seems. She just finished high school & is now heading off to college in Kansas. I'm so glad that we have remained friends over the years after all I have been gone from Colorado for 7 years! Can't wait to do lunches & coffee again soon! Now if we could just get our house sold that would be a big load off of our minds! :)

Where does the time go?

2010-07-10T10:38:00.004-06:00

Just realized I have not updated this blog since Jan! Yikes! The time has flown by & now I am preparing for a move to Colorado Springs, CO. I am very excited to see old friends & make new ones. About a week or so ago the local photo group met up at White Sands & I asked Amy to help us out by modeling for us. I brought some wings & another member, Douglas, brought this umbrella. I asked Amy to stand at the top of the dune & raise it up. I was very happy with the shot as I am posting it here. It has a Mary Poppins feel to it! The light from the sunset was amazing! Not too mention we almost thought we were going to be rained out & the weather turned out perfectly!

2010-01-15T08:55:00.001-07:00

This week I worked with Amy, a local model here in Alamogordo. It's always fun to work with her, not too mention she has some amazing eyes! Here are a few that were my faves from the session!

The First Fall Wedding

2009-10-07T10:44:00.005-06:00

Last weekend Tina & I drove to Lajitas TX to shoot Mitch & Melissa's wedding. The location was gorgeous! The flowers, dresses & Bride were beautiful. It was such an honor to capture their special day!

I guess I have been busy!

2009-09-23T22:55:00.003-06:00

I just realized that I have not updated my blog since July! Been to CO, CA & back home here to NM. Next trip will be for a wedding in Lajitas TX on Oct. 3! Another wedding on the 10th then heading to Richmond VA on 10/13/09 till 11/1 to visit family & friends! Can't wait for that! Just going to post a little bit of what I have been working on lately.

Going to Colorado Springs for a visit!

2009-07-13T14:58:00.002-06:00

Well I am about to take a break from the heat wave in this town of Alamogordo! Heading north for some fun & good times in CO! Can't wait to catch up with old friends & take some snaps! Hopefully will have some good stuff to share when I return! Until then, I leave you with this cute little guy I took a couple weeks ago!

Babies babies babies!

2009-06-09T12:35:00.003-06:00

Went with a friend that had a newborn session & caught this shot of the sweet little newborn baby girl. My friend Livia made the hat. She has mad crochet/knitting skrills! Alamogordo Photo meetup is tonight & should be fun as we are shooting at a barn!

Life is a Carnival!

2009-04-30T16:42:00.002-06:00

So last weekend I met up with 2 fellow photogs & a model at the Carnival that was in town. We told her to dress a little wild & she hit the nail on the head. We had a great time photographing her around the carnival! The people working the carnival were very accomodating!

April is flying by! Soon it will be May!

2009-04-23T10:29:00.003-06:00

April is almost on it's way out! This year is passing quickly. I think due to in part being busy! Which is always a good thing! Last weekend I photographed a military family that is facing a deployment. It was an honor to photograph them knowing the sacrifice they make. I loved this shot included above! This week I had a cute little 6mos old, a high school senior, & a family session this weekend. I have a lot of work to get done before my big roadtrip to VA for my little Sister, Ashley's college graduation from VCU. I can't wait to see my family & some friends while we are in town. Also will have some shooting opportunities too! Should be lots of fun!

Sweet Sweet Baby!

2009-04-18T13:33:00.002-06:00

I had the honor of photographing this little cutie yesterday with another photographer friend. She actually made the cocoon shown in this picture! So Sweet!

Things have been busy & now it's time to take a breath!

2009-04-07T09:52:00.002-06:00

The last couple of weeks I have been swamped! Babies, Families, Engagements & weddings! It's been a lot of fun. This past weekend I was able to take a breather & went with my fellow photog friend Tina to Tularosa to shoot model Amy. It was super windy that day but Amy was a total trooper! Tax time is just around the corner & I am trying to do my own taxes this year with turbo tax. Kind of scary! LOL!

Sweet Little Baby!

2009-03-20T09:23:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I was so honored to photograph little D. He was the sleepiest newborn I have ever worked with! He was too cute for words. My neighbor made the blue cocoon & hat. I really like how it all looked with the new little guy! Thanks for looking!

The Sacrifice of Those Who Serve

2009-03-15T10:15:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I had the honor of photographing a military family from Ft. Bliss in El Paso, TX. Military families send their loved ones off to deployments and carry on the daily tasks that need to get done at home. Freedom isn't free and you have to remember there are costs, like time with your family. Those that serve their country protect us & keep us free. Take a moment & thank those Military members & their families for making the sacrifice of time away from their loved ones so that we may be safe.

My Favorite Building in Town Burned Down!

2009-03-03T11:23:00.000-07:00

So yesterday morning apparently one of my favorite places to photograph caught on fire & burned to the ground. I am totally bummed! At least I still have some shots of it....Here are a couple in memory of my favorite building. Now I will have to find a new one! Ack! Oh well! I have been staying busy the last couple of weeks since my Mom left on Valentines day! I shot an engagement, 2 headshot sessions, twins, a newborn & a maternity! This weekend is supposed to be a wedding! Should be crazy!

Sweet Little Angel

2009-01-31T16:28:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I photographed this little sweetie & her older sister. She happened to fall asleep & we put her in my baby carriage & it was so sweet I couldn't resist!

M + K = Love!

2009-01-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

I was so fortunate to photograph M & K's wedding New Years Eve. She was so beautiful & he was so dashingly handsome. She made me think of Audrey Hepburn when she was in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Prior to the ceremony the Groom wrote a letter to the Bride which of course made her teary. What a sweet guy for such a sweet gal! The ceremony was very intimate & sweet. When they left the church they had a sparkler send off, which was really cool! Their reception location was so cute & cozy with the decorations & fireplace roaring. I wish them both many years of happiness!

I love Maternity Sessions!

2008-12-28T16:23:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of photographing a family of 5 soon to be 6! The girls were gorgeous & this little guy was too cute. I just loved how he had his little hand in this shot turned toward Mom.

Kasandra & Maik

2008-12-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I had the pleasure of photographing Kasandra & Maik for their engagement photos! I had such a great time with them & they were so cute together! I can't wait to shoot their wedding New Years Eve! I'm still working on their pics but this is a little sneak peak! Thanks guys!

It's hard to believe she is gone.

2008-11-13T07:45:00.000-07:00

My Grandma passed away 10/25/08 at home surrounded by loved ones. They say she smiled as a tear rolled down her face & then she was gone. I know she is in a better place, but that doesn't make me miss her any less. My Mom, Ashley & I flew to FL from VA for the funeral in Valdosta GA. I'm glad I was able to see her earlier this year in March & then again in Oct. She was the sweetest funniest person I know outside of my Mom of course. That is because the apple does not fall far from the tree. She lives in all of us from her children, grandchildren & great grandchildren. There is a piece of her still with us everyday all we have to do is look in the mirror & she is there.

Georgia on my mind

2008-10-13T10:47:00.000-06:00

On 9/25/08 I flew to Jacksonville, FL b/c my Grandma was in the hospital. My Mom picked me up & we drove the 2 hours to Valdosta GA. My Grandma was at zero percent kidney function & it was hard to see her in the hospital, not too mention my Grandfather has Alzheimers. We are not sure if he really knows us anymore. That is hard. I used to spend the summers with them & I was his shadow. I always wanted to be where he was in the barn, on the tractor or fishing. I'm losing the only father figure I have ever known growing up and it saddens me. You walk on eggshells being careful to try not to set him off. The only person that he is still sweet & kind to is my Grandma. All you can really do is say "it's the disease" it doesn't hurt any less just makes you more sad that the "disease" is stealing the person away from. It was nice to spend time with my Grandma.

I always love spending time with my Mom as we make each other laugh. For example, we were taking advantage of the free wifi at Chik Fil A & my laptop chill pad marked up the table. My Mom told me I better clean it up. I tried with some water & a napkin with no luck. Then I told her "hey I think I heard somewhere that mayo will take off scuff marks" so I ripped off the tab & proceeded to squirt it on the table & rubbed it with a napkin. Sure enough the scuffs came right off. So impressed my Mom picked up the ketchup package & said "what will this do?" we both laughed our butts off on that one! Then the Chik Fil A gal told us that mustard is supposed to take the sting out of a burn! Who knew condiments could be so helpful!

My Grandma was put on dialysis & after 3-4 treatments her kidneys started to function on their own. The day before my Mom & I left she was moved from the hospital to a nursing home for rehab. It was good to see she was better. Sad that we had to leave. My Mom is my best "Gal" friend. She knows when I am sad or upset she can hear it in my voice. If she cries I cry. She gets me. After all she has known me all my life! So today I am thinking about my Mom and the time we spent together in GA. Along with some pictures that she allowed me to shoot!

White Sands!

2008-09-21T21:08:00.000-06:00

This weekend had had the privilege of crewing a hot air balloon! It was awesome & I really enjoyed seeing all the balloons from land & air. It was a great experience & the Pilot, Dave & his wife, Sharon were super nice. I felt very at ease & so did Mike (he's afraid of heights!) So a good time was had by all & Thanks to Tammy & Alex for asking us to be part of the crew!

The Salinas Family Makes A Stop In NM!

2008-09-13T11:02:00.000-06:00

The Salinas family came to town! I was great to see them all! The kids have grown so much & I finally had a chance to meet the baby, Lily! They are all so cute! They rode into town about 6pm 9/9 & then headed out around 11am the next day. Then they called to tell me they had gotten about 10 min down the rode & the moving truck their friends Jose & Amanda were driving for them had started acting up. So they were still in town. I headed over & after many phone calls & deciding what could be done the Penske company sent over 3 guys to help unload & reload ALL of their stuff onto a new truck. By this time of day they decided to stay another night here in lovely Alamogordo. When they tried to get a room they were all booked due to Transformers 2 being filmed here at White Sands. They ended up crashing at my house for the night & were off the next morning to make up time to get to Vandenberg AFB. I called that night & they were about 50 miles from Phoenix, where they planned to stay the night. They should be in CA by now! LOL!

Studio Time with Kristy

2008-09-09T09:34:00.001-06:00

So this past weekend I had a chance to work with a model named Kristy. We have worked together previously & she is always a lot of fun & up for anything! We tried some vintage hats, a parka, & a Red dress! She was great fun to work with! Looking forward to today because my friend Liz Salinas is going to be passing thru with her family as they are moving back to Vandenberg AFB in CA. We are supposed to do pics at White Sands. Should be fun!

2008 Otero County Fair

2008-08-17T22:42:00.001-06:00

So here are some highlights from the 2008 Otero County Fair! The first is a self portrait of Mike & myself. It's almost like you were there huh!

Ahhh Sunday!

2008-08-17T19:23:00.000-06:00

So last night we went to the rodeo for the Otero County Fair. Towards the end the wind picked up & rain started to pelt us. Finally we had to give in & head for the car. While we were at the fair we ran into our neighbor & his K9 patrol partner. I love German Shepherds! So here are some pics of Jim!

The Harris Family!

2008-08-13T11:08:00.000-06:00

So yesterday I had a family shoot with the Harris Family & we had a great time in Tularosa. We had the downtown area pretty much to ourselves with the exception of a stray dog & passing cars. They were great sports & we took advantage of all the texture the street had to offer!

Life in New Mexico

2008-08-07T16:06:00.000-06:00

So life is pretty quiet here in the little town of Alamogordo. So I decided to take a drive 16 miles up to Cloudcroft & then past Sun Spot to take in some of the greenery of the mountains. You don't see a lot of green here in the desert so it's almost like you have escaped to a different state in the mountains. I found the coolest location for taking pics. It's like a meadow with a waterfall near it. Talk about a little slice of Heaven! Ahhh...a new place to take people other than the same old White Sands! I am currently looking for Senior Reps for the 2008-2009 school year. If you know of any Seniors that might be interested please have them contact me at shannonstuno@yahoo.com

Well I had a trip planned...

2008-07-22T07:48:00.000-06:00

So I was going to take a roadtrip but now that is cancelled! :( Oh well. Maybe I will roadtrip somewhere else! So recently I worked with another photographer in town Diana Hay of Diana Hay Photography to shoot some models. It was a really fun day & then it rained! So we even had some shots of the models posing in the rain!

Currently looking for Senior Reps for the Class of 2009. If you are interested, please email me at shannonstuno@yahoo.com

Chicks Rule!

2008-07-08T09:37:00.000-06:00

I just loved this one of Olivia in the chicken suit! She is too cute! Patiently awaiting my new camera too! Yippee! I am finally upgrading my 20D to the 40D & using the 20D as my backup. So I will be selling my trusty old Digital Rebel that I bought Dec. 2003 that restarted my passion for photography from my high school days. I am also working on some newborn pics from a recent session. I watched the Batchelorette last night & was pleasantly surprised she picked Jesse the snowboarder. I like both guys, but there was something about Jesse! :)

Busy Busy Busy!

2008-06-28T11:45:00.001-06:00

Just been proofing some sessions I have done recently to work on revamping my portfolio. I had outfits & props for doing some fun shots & here are some of the girls I had the opportunity to photograph. It was a blast! Now getting thru the work!

My seamstress rocks!

2008-06-15T12:32:00.000-06:00

So I have a lady that sews stuff up for me locally & I took her the pattern, material & jeans. She made these little #'s for me & I love them. Can't wait to find a model to wear these! They are so much fun!

Ahhh Friday! Eeeeekkk it's the 13th!

2008-06-13T21:28:00.000-06:00

So last Sunday we went to dinner in High Rolls at my new friend Amanda's house. They have some great stuff in their area such as tall grasses, wooden fences, a horse, & so on! She has 4 very cute girls & I had a chance to take some snaps of them. They were too funny!

My Mom is going SKYDIVING today!

2008-06-08T09:40:00.000-06:00

So my Mom is going to check off an item from her bucket list today & going SKYDIVING! I so wish I was in Virginia today at 1pm to see her take the leap! She amazes me! I can't wait to see the video & pics. Thank goodness my little sis Ashley is going with her too! Well to watch, not jump out of the plane! This pic is one from a maternity session I did on Friday. The couple was a lot of fun & I really enjoyed working with them. I made up 3 tags with sayings on them & let them decide which they wanted to use. I just thought this was funny! LOL! Hope she likes it too!

White Sands!

2008-06-05T10:01:00.001-06:00

Tuesday I had the pleasure of meeting a fellow photographer that lives in Indiana. She was visiting her parents in El Paso with her daughter & we were able to get together at White Sands. I had a great time & her daughter was too cute! Here are some of my favorites from the afternoon!

Something Recent

2008-06-03T11:03:00.001-06:00

So recently I had a chance to photograph my friend Laura's step-son, Matthew. He was a great sport & I think he should look into some modeling gigs in GA. He has an intense "James Dean'ish" look that would be awesome for it! Yet, he is such a sweetheart! Also have been hanging out with my husband who returned from being deployed to Iraq for 7 mos. I have also updated my website with some of my latest work since moving so feel free to check it out!

Little Olivia

2008-05-22T16:25:00.001-06:00

Little Olivia is sooo much fun to photograph. She has got to be the happiest baby I have ever seen. I had gotten this vintage baby carriage on Ebay & plan to use it for some newborn sessions or baby sessions in general. Also gearing up for the possible return of my husband from deployment! Woo hoo! Hopefully will be sometime soon!

New Chair!

2008-05-02T07:00:00.000-06:00

So the other day I was strolling around town & came across this chair. I have cleaned it off, but I am thinking it could really benefit from some new fabric. Yellow is not really my color. Once redone I think it will make a great chair to photograph people sitting in it. Hey you can't beat $5, because that is what I paid for it! :)

Ahh Newborn baby alert!

2008-04-30T08:01:00.001-06:00

So while I was in Colorado my friend Chyron had her baby girl. She was soooo cute here being held by her daddy. She hardly slept a wink. I think she was worried she might miss something!

Isn't she lovely!

2008-04-30T07:57:00.001-06:00

This is little Olivia! She is just the happiest baby I have ever seen along with sparkling blue eyes that twinkle when she smiles! Her mom & I have become friends so I am sure you will be seeing more of her for the next 3 1/2 years that we are stationed here.

Ahhh to be a bride again!

2008-04-17T09:27:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of doing some bridals for one of my May 08 brides. Her dress was pretty & she looked so beautiful in it. I can't wait for the wedding! It will be so much fun to capture their happy day.

A few days in Santa Fe

2008-04-12T12:35:00.000-06:00

Went to Santa Fe, NM to shoot an old friend from CA & a new friend she brought with her from Minot AFB. We had a great time going around Santa Fe! here are a couple of shots to prove it!

Senior Shoot

2008-03-04T11:49:00.000-07:00

So about a week ago I shot some senior pics for Tasha. She was a lot of fun to work with. Here are some shots from the session at White Sands.

Just one more...

2008-02-28T21:02:00.000-07:00

Thought I might better add this pic too!

Everybody Loves A Parade

2008-02-28T18:30:00.000-07:00

Especially when it is for US Soldiers returning from Iraq! A friend & I along with her girls had coolest experience by going to see all of these guys returning to Fort Bliss on 2/28/08. It was such an awesome site to see them all & to support them by being there. The Boy Scouts handed out flags to people on the street. It was something I won't forget!

Well I have been busy!

2008-02-14T08:33:00.001-07:00

I went to Colorado for a little over a week & stayed with my friend Dee Dee! We had the best time & I met some new friends of hers that are fabulous! I took some pics of my friend Casey's kids & also Dee Dee's kids.

I'm attaching Cody & Cami. Cody is my Godson! He sure has grown up! Cami has gorgeous eyes! So pretty! Well off to work on baby shower stuff for this weekend.

Maternity Pics

2008-01-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

Not too leave out some other stuff I have been working on too!

Senior Session

2008-01-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

So this week I went to Tularosa which is about 15 minutes from my house to take some pics of my neighbor's daughter who is a senior in high school. I hope she had fun b/c I sure did! Also proofing some maternity shots as well! Trying to stay busy while my husband is away! :)

Wow! It's 2008 already!

2008-01-03T08:03:00.000-07:00

So for that last 2 1/2 weeks I have been hanging out in Virginia. Soon to fly back home to New Mexico this Saturday. While I have been here I have photographed some great parts of downtown Richmond, as well as, some of my friends & family. This is great as it will add some items to my growing portfolio. One of my favorites is of Ashley's little niece, Lexi! She is a little doll & her brother Sonny is too cute too! Well the holidays were really nice, but I was missing Mr. Stu! I was able to talk to him so that was nice. Oh well back to proofing some more pics!

Did you know???

2007-11-28T19:55:00.000-07:00

That when a monkey shows you his teeth that means "Get Away!" Here I thought he was just smiling at me because he was ready for his close up! LOL! Oh well! Live & learn!

Table for One!

2007-11-09T11:19:00.000-07:00

Well as some of you may or may not know my husband was deployed as of 11/7/07 for up to 6 mos. Being new in town I have yet to make any friends being busy with our home remodel. Looks like I will be eating a lot of meals by myself. The squadron will be having a Thanksgiving Potluck. That should be fun & hopefully give me a chance to meet some new friends. Meanwhile still missing my old friends from all over! :) So please keep Mike & all of our Service Men and Women in your prayers this holiday season.

Fall is in the air!

2007-10-24T10:19:00.000-06:00

Living in New Mexico near the mountains, I was hoping to find a little bit of fall. Yesterday I headed out to Cloudcroft which is about 16 miles from my home. I came upon some trees that I couldn't resist. I just needed a little hint that fall is coming. I do miss the East coast fall foliage. Maybe if I get to go home for Thanksgiving there will still be some to take advantage of. The weather has been a little chillier than when we first arrived! Now if I could just find a pumpkin patch! LOL!

Moved!

2007-09-24T10:49:00.001-06:00

As of July 16th, I moved from CA to NM. We bought a house and are now in the process of doing some remodeling. Once the boxes are unpacked, I hope to be able to set up my in studio stuff for clients. The views here are amazing! I just love that sky!

2007-06-27T10:03:00.000-06:00

Here is a storyboard I made of a recent session. I loved the border by Jessica Dittmer! Too cool. I used a midnight sepia filter on the pics.

Also thru work I am currently working on a image library project for PrimusLabs.com. I am photographing their labs, field auditors & samplers at work. It's been pretty interesting.