About the artist, Shanna Chess
I’m a proud mom of two beautiful daughters and wife to an amazing husband. My love for photography stretches back as far as I can remember. It became a true passion in high school when I enrolled in photography classes. Using 35mm manual cameras, black-and-white film, and developing images in the darkroom were the highlights of my school years. During that time, I photographed a family friend’s daughter, which sparked my love for portrait photography—especially of children.
When I was expecting our first daughter, I decided to invest in a digital DSLR camera, knowing I’d want to capture every moment of her life. My friends lovingly dubbed me “paparazzi,” and they weren’t wrong! Photography brought me so much joy. I wanted to preserve every memory, every milestone, so I could one day look back, smile, and maybe shed a tear over those priceless moments. I was determined to create better photos than I could with my phone or a point-and-shoot camera to honor the long-awaited arrival of our little girl.
After she was born, my husband and I made a life-changing decision: I didn’t return to my retail management job. While I loved my career, had great friends, and was excelling in the company, my family needed to come first. Retail wasn’t a family-friendly career path, so I chose to prioritize my role as a mom. By the time my daughter was nine months old (July 2012), I had launched my own photography business—and I’ve never looked back.
About a year into my business, I discovered my true calling: newborn photography. Capturing the fleeting, precious “newness” of a baby is unlike anything else. It’s also one of the most challenging and time-intensive types of photography, both in shooting and editing—but I’ve always loved a challenge! In March 2016, I opened my second studio, a 1,600-square-foot full-service space on our property. Having my own studio has significantly improved the efficiency of my newborn sessions and created a welcoming, comfortable environment for my clients.
In 2022, I expanded into education. I began teaching a middle school photography elective at a local private school and also launched an online group coaching program. My coaching focuses on helping portrait photographers succeed in the business side of photography. Sharing my skills and knowledge with others has been so rewarding—it allows me to spread my love of photography and strengthen the industry I care deeply about.
Thank you for visiting! I look forward to capturing your family’s most treasured memories. Feel free to reach out anytime to schedule your session. 😊
Shanna
Licensed (LLC 92119891) and insured
