Today we’d like to introduce you to Shauna Sullivan.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
After a couple decades of having a corporate career, I found myself needing to take a step back, clear my mind, and regroup. While being a SAHM with my toddler, and another baby on the way, I felt the need to have something on my plate that gave me purpose [outside of the home]. There is a long, amusing story about how I got involved in dog rescue, but what dog rescue did for me was also inspire me to pick up a camera. I found out quickly how valuable a decent picture can help lift a dog’s exposure and get adopted!
Simultaneously, my two young children also got the brunt of my passion for photography. My novice images that I started posting on Facebook caught the eye of a Facebook acquaintance, who also is a professional newborn and child photographer, and she brought me on board to freelance for her! Together at Bebe Luxe Photography, we tackle everything from bump-to-baby and family. On the side, I still donate my time to help photograph the dogs of Westbury CARE rescue. Shameless plug to #adoptdontshop!
Please tell us about your art.
The main subjects of my photography are humans and animals. When photographing humans, it usually involves unpredictable and emotional tiny children. Those challenging little subjects are much like dogs, too! What I hear most consistently from my clients is “wow, you are very patient!” Sometimes, there is only so much you can do to control and direct them to give you what you need for your photos. My motto is to just roll with it! Let them be the boss and your pictures will accurately portray their personalities.
The best photo sessions are where you make memories and the camera captures those moments. When it comes to rescue dogs – yes, I have my “bag of tricks” to get them to “cooperate” – but, my goal isn’t to make them look like the most beautiful or well-behaved dog. I focus my lens on their eyes. It may sound cheesy, but their eyes really are windows into their souls. Their story and personality really come through their eyes.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
Dogs are my passion. So, when someone sees one of my pictures of a rescue dog and it inspires them to adopt or support the rescue… SUCCESS! Much of my correspondence with my clients after the session is via email/text. We all know that it can be hard to “read” someone’s emotions through writing. But, when I get those excited, happy reactions when clients see their photos, that is when I experience success. That is when I will get future business because they will come back for more and recommend to others to hire me as their photographer.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Much of my people – work can be found through Bebe Luxe Photography. Check it out on Facebook and Instagram @bebeluxephotography, and the website www.bebeluxephotography.com. For the animal lovers out there, you can enjoy my “petography” work on Facebook and Instagram @shaunakiely_petography, and my website (currently under construction) www.shaunakielypetography.com. Also, my dog rescue work for Westbury CARE is frequently posted on Facebook and Instagram. One way to support my work is to actually donate to this wonderful rescue! www.westburycare.com/donate.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bebeluxephotography.com | www.shaunakielypetography.com
- Phone: (206)799-0623
- Email: info@shaunakielypetography.com
- Instagram: @bebeluxephotography @shaunakiely_petography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaunakielypetography/ https://www.facebook.com/bebeluxephotography/
- Other: Support Westbury CARE Rescue!!! https://www.facebook.com/WestburyCARE/
Image Credit:
@ShaunaKiely_petograhy @bebeluxephotography
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