Eva :: Connecticut Newborn Photography

Shannon Sorensen March 30, 2016

Is there anything better than the peacefulness of an early morning? I will be the first to tell you I am not a morning person, yet, whenever I get my day started early, I'm reminded how nice it is to be able to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee, catch up on some reading and begin the day with a sense of calm. It really does make a world of difference. I think I need an alarm on my phone that gently whispers "Good morning, Shannon. It's going to be a beautiful day. Don't waste it by hitting snooze five more times like you did yesterday."

Here's are a few favorites from a recent newborn session here in Connecticut. I got to spend a quiet, sleepy morning with sweet little Eva and her parents at their home. I often forget what it's like having a newborn, how quickly things can go from peaceful and calm to damage control with a blowout or eruption of spit up, the burp clothes and swaddle blankets draped over every arm rest and never enough coffee (ok, the coffee part doesn't really change). While I love photos of babies wrapped in soft, cozy cloths and blankets, nothing makes me happier than seeing them in the arms of their parents, keeping each other warm, sweet kisses to the head and soaking up as many of those precious moments as possible.

I find myself trying to hold Lily in my arms, even though these days it's like trying to snuggle a golden retriever. The limbs kind of hang over my lap, one minute she's comfortable and cozy, and the next minute she's up and running around, ready to play.

What would I give to have those newborn mornings back...whats a treasure. :)

Connecticut Newborn Photographer Newington Wethersfield Farmington West Hartford Glastonbury Shannon Sorensen Photography

Four Reasons You Don't Need A Must Take Photo List

Shannon Sorensen March 7, 2016

This post is written solely from my perspective as a photographer. My thoughts and opinions are my own and not necessarily a reflection of all photographers.

If you've gotten married or are currently wedding planning, you're probably familiar with the lists.

10 Ways to Entertain Your Guests at Your Wedding

100 Things to Do Before You Walk Down the Aisle (And That's Just on the Morning of Your Wedding!)

500 Things to Do While Planning Your Wedding - THE ULTIMATE CHECKLIST

50 Cute Sayings to Include in Your Invitations, Vows, Guest Seating and Thank You Cards

10 Bridesmaid Looks to Flatter Any Body

I normally love lists. My desk is covered in notepads and sticky notes and my Evernote app is pretty impressive, too. My husband often jokes that for me, though, these lists are pointless, because I don't stick to them. They're nice in theory, but when it comes down to it, I know what I need to do and no number of bullet points is going to make a difference in how I go about getting stuff done.

See where I'm going with this?

When I was starting out in weddings, I used to sit down with my couples and go over the "must take photo list" one bullet at a time. It was absurd, looking back on it, and a waste of time. It was a list of 100 or so photos to take throughout the day and it was mostly stuff like "Wedding dress hanging in window", "Bride and her mom", "Groom putting ring on bride's finger", "Wedding cake".

I mean, obviously. Of course.

I get it, because I've been there and I remember all the lists when I was wedding planning. At first, I loved the lists! They seemed like such a great idea and I felt a sense of accomplishment checking off things like "Send gigantic deposit check to venue right after Christmas but before you get your tax return and weep real tears and eat ramen until March". I remember that very well. The first month or so was all about checking off lists and it felt great.

But then I started getting anxiety. What if I don't check all of these things off? What if I'm missing something I didn't even know I'm missing? At some point, you have to take a deep breath and trust your vendors to do the job you're hiring them to do. If you need reasons as to why you should do this, here are 4:

Connection

Why are you choosing this person/company in the first place? You've probably researched a ton of photographers, priced out who or what type of package is in your budget, but ultimately, you're choosing professionals who you connect with. You like their style, their personality, you can tell from their website and social media channels that they know what they're doing (hence the word professional), and you're excited to work with them. Nothing makes me happier than meeting a client, getting to know each other, and developing a relationship that goes deeper than "I signed a contract and paid you to take pictures today."

By the time the wedding rolls around, it's like witnessing a marriage of friends. There's mutual care and respect for your relationship and for what I love to do - photograph your union and celebration.

Communication

I'm not saying the wedding day is a complete photographic free for all, but communication should be open and clear. Discuss your vision for the day. Talk about what's important to you. For some, it's details and gorgeous portraits. For others, it's ensuring that there are photos of grandparents or relatives who flew in from overseas or a special tradition that'll take place.

The area that I do encourage a list is for family portraits, to ensure that no one is missed, and to discuss any relationship dynamics that I should be aware of.

Expectations

When I got married, I didn't have Pinterest. There were a couple popular wedding blogs, but for the most part, my expectations were set by what I saw in my photographers portfolio and what I ultimately fell in love with, her ability to beautifully photograph emotional moments.

Now if you do a quick search for "Wedding Photo Ideas" you'll be bombarded with list after list and blog post after blog post of what's pretty, what's popular, don't miss this, make sure you do that. It's a lot of pressure all around, and if I'm being honest, it's going to detract from enjoying your wedding day as it unfolds. A pre-determined checklist can't be a cookie cutter guideline for a wedding day because every wedding is different. Trust me, you'd rather be enjoying yourself than worrying about if your father shed a lone tear when he first saw you, if there was a gorgeous flare of sunlight behind you as you entered the church, or if your bridal party really committed to that running-away-from-the-T-rex shot.

Trust

You need to hire a person that you trust to do their job. You've made a great connection, you're excited for them to capture your day and to be there with you from start to finish, so let them work their magic. A professional doesn't need that Top 100 Wedding Photos checklist because they have the experience, they know the general flow for the day and what to look out for. You've communicated what is really important to you when it comes to the photos you want, and they're going to use that knowledge to navigate the day.

The last thing you want is your photographer spending their time checking a list on their phone to make sure they didn't miss anything (while they are ironically missing stuff by checking their phone).

So that's my take on it all. Work with who you feel a strong connection to. Communicate openly before the wedding day about what's important to you. Let go of internet-crazy Pinterest-inspired expectations. Trust your photographer to know what they're doing.

When it comes down to it, your wedding day is going to be unpredictable. Things will happen you didn't plan for. You may find yourself reacting to things you thought would be no big deal. A photographer worth their weight in gold will navigate all of that with ease and grace. Because you and your photographer know that when it comes down to it, your love story and your wedding day are unique and no list can possibly dictate how to best capture it all with care, artistry and authenticity.

Shannon Sorensen is a Connecticut-based wedding and family life photographer available for commissions throughout New England, the US and abroad. Contact her for more information about photographing your beautiful story.

Victoria + Nick :: Asbury Park New Jersey Wedding

Shannon Sorensen March 6, 2016

I don't even know where to start. I didn't shoot as many weddings in 2015 for various reasons, but I am madly in love with the ones I shot. Vic and Nick's closed out the year for me in December, and it was gloriously fun. They are both from New Jersey and decided on Tim McLoone's Supper Club for their venue. I've only been to a couple places around New Jersey other than sitting on the Turnpike trying to get through New Jersey, and this wedding made me kind of love this state that I don't know much about. We were right on the boardwalk, and for early December it was gorgeous out. Like, sunny and 50s, light breeze, perfection.

Vic and Nick have great style - very retro, colorful and focused on the stuff that they enjoy. Nick is an incredibly talented illustrator (check out the Save the Date, invitations, and table numbers he made) and Vic is writer and funny as hell in the best way. They are just good people and I am so happy they asked me to be there on their wedding day!

Victoria and Nick Asbury Park Boardwalk Tim McLoone's Supper Club New Jersey Shore Wedding Shannon Sorensen Photography

Holly + Derek :: Salem Cross Inn North Brookfield Massachusetts Wedding

Shannon Sorensen February 29, 2016

Good morning, friends. I'm pretty sure I'll be setting a record today for cups of coffee consumed in between yawns. I stayed up too late last night watching the Oscars, working on photos, writing, prepping for the week ahead... Someday I'll spend Sunday evenings with my feet up and catch up on this last season of Downton Abbey, but this is not the week. Luckily, I have this gorgeous wedding to share with you as a result of this late night!

Holly and Derek's wedding day was gorgeously warm and sunny, the perfect end to September. The entire day took place at Salem Cross Inn in North Brookfield, Massachusetts, a new location for me, and for me it was love at first sight. I love venues that are rustic, charming, and full of that classic New England character. The Inn is set on a rural road, and from the apple trees out front to the cow pastures out back, the open grounds and barns and that's before even stepping foot in the inn, it's an amazing place for a wedding. I couldn't resist snapping some scenic shots before heading inside to find Holly and the ladies.

Holly and Derek are as sweet as can be, and I am a lucky lady to have photographed their day because Holly was the final bride of my sweet friend trifecta - first Liz's New Hampshire wedding in 2011, then Rosalind's Hanscom Air Force Base wedding in 2014. I've been blessed to watch them stand up with each other, support each other, toast each other's new marriages, and share amazing memories between their families.

I also want to add that Holly's flowers were done by Helping Hands Florist in Plainville, Massachusetts, where children and adults with developmental disabilities are supported, educated and given work experience that encourages and promotes creativity. They were absolutely gorgeous and I'd recommend them to anyone looking for a florist in Central Massachusetts. They offer services for any number of occasions. http://hmea.org/helping-hands-florist/

Holly and Derek Salem Cross In North Brookfield Massachusetts Shannon Sorensen Photography

Lauren + Eyvi :: Bascom Lodge Berkshires Wedding

Shannon Sorensen February 22, 2016

Monday, glorious, Monday...My friend Amy taught me how to make foamy milk for my coffee which has helped me cut sugar out. I enjoyed a delightful latte topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon this morning and almost finished it before it was time to bring Lil to school. It's important to have goals in life. Drinking an entire cup of coffee while it's still hot is an ongoing one of mine. Someday...

It's time to share Lauren and Eyvi's wedding! When Lauren and Eyvi contacted me about photographing their wedding, I was so excited, because it meant returning to Bascom Lodge at the top of Mt. Greylock, a favorite place of mine since shooting Tiffany and Andy's wedding there the September prior. I love the Berkshires, it's such a special part of Massachusetts and I wish I could spend more time there.

Eyvi and Lauren are such a sweet couple. They're kind, funny, and have this ease with each other that made photographing their wedding day a joy. It was important to them to spend plenty of time with their friends and family. Eyvi is from Iceland, so many of his childhood friends were there to celebrate, as well as his family. Their friends were so funny and I really enjoyed getting to spend this day around them.

There was also the most amazing sunset - I'm talking warm pink sky and a brief sprinkle that resulted in a rainbow over the summit! It was perfect. Like, a photographer's dream.

Lauren's dress was vintage that she found on Etsy, and Eyvi wore traditional Icelandic dress. There were a lot of small, personal touches to their day, things that meant a lot to them personally but also to their friends and family. It was an honor to spend this day photographing their celebration!

Lauren and Eyvi Bascom Lodge Mt. Greylock Berkshires Massachusetts Mountain Wedding Shannon Sorensen Photography

Ceci :: Gloucester Massachusetts Newborn Photography

Shannon Sorensen February 17, 2016

I am counting down the days until spring. I really can't complain, because it snows nonstop for a day and a half, and then it's 50 degrees and rains and all the snow goes away, but with no school and my husband having to drive on a sheet of ice to get home at 5am, I'm not a big fan of this winter thing right now. I need my kiddo to go to school so she can learn and become more brilliant and so I can get my house cleaned and drink my coffee while it's still hot. Too much to ask? Come on, nature, throw me a bone!

In November I had the honor of photographing Kristen and DJ's maternity photos in our hometown of Duxbury, Massachusetts, and shortly after, they welcomed sweet Cecily into the world. I will admit that I loved this session not just for photographing such a beautiful little girl, but to also getting to spend time with an old friend. Life is weird and fun and I am grateful for Facebook and technology for keeping me connected to friends from my youth who I may otherwise have never seen again after graduating high school. I love reconnecting, and getting to see my friend as a wife and now mother is such a gift.

Gloucester Massachusetts Newborn Photography by Shannon Sorensen

Shannon Sorensen is available to photograph newborns and their families throughout Connecticut, Massachuestts and Rhode Island. Click here to inquire.

Grayson :: Bethel Connecticut Newborn Photography

Shannon Sorensen February 10, 2016

I'm getting impatient. I have a confession - I miss my shows. Winter is hard, folks, and it's like adding insult to injury making me wait another week or two before The Mindy Project and Nashville come back into my life. "But Shannon, this gives you time to get more work done at night!"

Shhhhhh....

It's not all bad, I have all my superhero shows. But I miss my ladies. I miss Dr. Lahiri and Rayna James. I need to know if certain people will stay together or not, and if certain people will make a comeback from rehab, and seriously, I need some Lennon and Maisy music in my life.

Oh geez, I didn't even mention Grey's.

Distraction time! I have a sweet little baby boy to show off to you all. His name is Grayson and he has the best parents. Meg and Mike have been part of my life for close to seven years, when we met on The Knot planning our own weddings. Yup, that's the world we live in now. Many of my close friends are people I've met through online forums like The Knot and The Nest. I'm a lucky lady, too, because they've stayed an important part of my life and my life is richer because of it.

Stick around to the end and I'll share a special throwback to Meg & Mike's anniversary session at Yale....almost 6 years ago!

Back to Grayson. These pictures were taken just before Christmas, at nearly three weeks old. He was still such a little peanut! It is never a bad day when I get to snuggle and photograph a newborn. Just give me all the babies, please.

Connecticut Newborn Photography Shannon Sorensen Massachustts Boston Duxbury Scituate Newington Hartford Fairfield Danbury Rhode Island

And because I promised it, check out these lovebirds. Someday Grayson can look back and see what Mom & Dad's life was like as newlyweds. This is still a favorite. :)

Studio Announcement

Shannon Sorensen January 31, 2016

I am excited to announce that I am taking a giant leap and pursuing my photography work full time! It's been almost six years since I started this journey, and I've been looking back through my folders of weddings, families, babies...so many happy memories that have kept driving me forward to this point. I'm thankful for everyone I've had the opportunity to work with, and am excited with anticipation of what's to come!

I have always felt the pull to pursue the work that I love, that not only fulfills my creative heart, but puts something good out into the world. It has always been about making beautiful photographs that can be passed down and treasured for generations. It has always been about connecting closely with the people I work with. It's always been about celebrating love, family, relationships, joy and sorrow, friendship and individual stories of strength. It has always been about creating images that are honest, emotional, and heartfelt.

Thank you for being here, and for your continued support. It truly means the world to me.

Cheers,

Shannon

Mt. Greylock Massachusetts Wedding Sneak Peek :: Lauren + Eyvi

Shannon Sorensen September 21, 2015

What an amazing weekend. Driving up to Mt. Greylock, the skies were clear and that perfect September blue. Everything about the day was sweet and simple and wonderful. I have just a couple pictures to share as a sneak peek as I start the editing process. I can't get over their joy. It's infectious.

Kiera + Nate's Blue Hills Country Club Wedding

Shannon Sorensen September 18, 2015

Kiera and Nate were married in August last year at St. Mary of the Hills Church in Milton, Massachusetts, and their reception followed at Blue Hills Country Club. Every aspect of their day felt like a celebration, which is always the best kind of wedding to photograph! Everyone had fun, was happy, full of joy and support and love for the couple. It doesn't feel like work, I can simply be a part of the day and watch it unfold and photograph all those special moments, reactions, and emotions. And come on, a bride that does the worm? This crowd came ready to party.

Fiona :: Connecticut Newborn and Children's Photography

Shannon Sorensen September 7, 2015

I photographed her as a newborn last August at their home, and this past month, I had the joy of seeing her for her first birthday for some more photos. It's always very special to me to get to photograph and watch a family grow over the years.

Click to read more.

Vinnie + Paul's Avon Old Farms Hotel Wedding

Shannon Sorensen September 3, 2015

Ahoy! This has been a huge year of change for me and my family and I hope you don't mind if I play a little catch up in sharing some favorites from my weddings and sessions throughout the past year. You've probably seen some pictures pop up here and there, and with the start of the school calendar year, I'm making it a goal of mine to be better at keeping this blog updated and sharing my work more regularly. I have a LOT, so keep your eye out here, on my Facebook page, or give me a follow on Instagram to make sure you don't miss anything.

I am excited to (finally) share Vinnie and Paul's wedding. It was a beautiful summer wedding in Avon Connecticut at Avon Old Farms Hotel. I am so thankful they chose me to capture their wedding day. From start to finish, they were surrounded by so much love, laughter and happiness. One thing that I love about the people I work with is that they live out loud. They laugh, they cry, they embrace each moment and soak it all in. I work with amazing people. I really am so happy to do what I do.

Venue: Avon Old Farms Hotel //Invitations and Paper: Hartford Prints // Cupcakes and Rainbow Cake: NoRA Cupcake Co.

The Baby Whisperer

Shannon Sorensen March 15, 2015

Every now and then something happens during a shoot that just cracks me up. On this occasion, it was Loki. You may remember our kitty who was adopted by our good friends. They had a baby a little over a month ago and I did her newborn pictures. I set up on their kitchen floor with my blankets and pillows and drapings. Baby Olivia was wide awake, far too interested in the world around her to take a nap. Well, Loki found a comfy spot where he wanted to nap, tucked behind my draped blanket on the back end of the posing pillow. Maybe they found each other warm and comfy, but Olivia fell asleep and Loki eventually moved on with some encouragement and treats.

But not before I snapped this.

Thanks for your help, Loki. Maybe I'll bring you along on future newborn shoots as my personal assistant and baby whisperer.

5 years

Shannon Sorensen January 16, 2015

Five years ago, I woke up to a small ray of light shining on my face as the sun rose over Scituate Harbor. It was a bright, sunny winter day, unseasonably warm in the 50s, and it was the day we vowed to spend our lives together as husband and wife.

Emily + Pat :: Elizabeth Park West Hartford Connecticut Maternity Photography

Shannon Sorensen January 5, 2015

I photographed Emily + Pat's maternity session back in July at one of my favorite locations, Elizabeth Park in Hartford, Connecticut. It's a gorgeous park with a lot of beautiful photo op areas, including a huge rose garden. The roses had peaked about a week before the session, but they were still beautiful and provided a sweet, feminine setting for Emily.

I had photographed their Boston engagement session back in 2011, but then got pregnant and was due to have Lily the week after their wedding, which wouldn't allow me to travel out of state. It was a bummer because I loved working with them so much, so I was incredibly happy to hear from them again to do their maternity and newborn photos. It's always a fun experience as a photographer to capture different stages of a family's life.

Celebrating 2014

Shannon Sorensen January 1, 2015

Happy New Year! Wow - looking back over some of these highlights, I had so many special experiences in 2014 - from a foggy mountaintop wedding to capturing my cousin's proposal in Boston, I had some new challenges and a LOT of fun.

Cohasset Harbor, Cohasset, Massachusetts

Hanscom Air Force Base, Concord, Massachusetts

Blue Hills Country Club, Canton, Massachusetts

Bascom Lodge, Mt. Greylock, Lanesborough, Massachusetts

Mt. Greylock, Lanesborough, Massachusetts

Larz Anderson Park, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

Thank you to everyone who helped make the past year a beautiful success. I can't wait to see what 2015 brings!

Rosalind + Matt :: Hanscom Air Force Base Concord Massachusetts Wedding Photography

Shannon Sorensen December 17, 2014

Rosalind and Matt's June wedding was so lovely. The ceremony took place at Rosalind's home church, and the reception was at Hanscom Air Force Base in Concord, MA. Here are some of my favorites from their day!

I just love the softness of her veil in that picture. Her church had this sweet little garden area out back and this was the last shot before we left for the reception. Everyone else had gotten into their cars and the limo and this was just a sweet, quiet moment for just the two of them. And me, hiding behind fences.

Rosalind Matt Wedding Portraits at Sunset

Rosalind and Matt Black and White Sunset Portraits

Ros + Matt, you two are wonderful, and your families and friends are wonderful. I wish you so much happiness and fun in your life together. It was an honor to photograph your wedding, and I look forward to getting to work together again someday!

Tiffany + Andy's Bascom Lodge Mountain Wedding :: Berkshires Massachusetts

Shannon Sorensen November 24, 2014

I love photographing mountain weddings.

I just need to put that out there. I've photographed two now at Mt. Greylock's Bascom Lodge in Massachusetts, and they have been favorites. There's something so fun and adventurous about photographing a mountain wedding. The drive up the mountain, away from everything, where the air is crisp and clean and energizing.

And from a photographer's standpoint, any wedding that doesn't require travel from getting ready to ceremony to reception makes for a much more relaxing day for all. Less time in the car, futzing with GPS and packing equipment and dresses and bouquets into cars and limos.

But those mountains....it's more than a destination wedding. It's an experience. It allows guests to truly get away and focus on the event at hand. And also? No cell service - which you might think is awful, especially if you like posting dance floor selfies - but it does help guests put their phones away for the day and just enjoy themselves.

So Tiffany + Andy's wedding was in September 2014, and the whole day was so lovely. Lots of love, laughter, and beautiful moments for not just the couple, but for their loved ones who surrounded them with so much support, kindness and joy. Tiffany and Andy are individually, incredible people. Together? It's hard to put into words, except that when you're with them, you feel like you're in the presence of a bond that's truly special.

I'm so happy to share their day with you.

Tiffany and Andy's Bascom Lodge Mountain Wedding Wedding Mt. Greylock Berkshires Massachusetts Shannon Sorensen Photography

New Site!

Shannon Sorensen October 10, 2014

I'm so excited to launch this new site. My goal is to streamline and simplify how I share and display my wedding and portrait work. This year I will be starting a couple new, independent projects, which will also have their own home here.

My path has been a bit all over the place (at least it feels that way to me) for the past 5 years. When I wasn't sure if weddings were something I wanted to continue to photograph, Dancing Lily took shape and has been amazing. I have done a lot more family and newborn work in the past year than ever before and it holds a special place in my heart. I'll continue to operate Dancing Lily as a separate family life studio, with the hope of opening an actual physical studio space in the next year or so. With my wedding work and independent projects, however, I feel like it's best for my business to work under my own name.

This weekend I am heading into NYC for New York Comic Con. It's going to be a great weekend with a couple styled cosplay shoots planned, and a Sunday morning engagement shoot in Central Park, one of my favorite places to shoot in the fall!

I have a lot of great stuff to share in the next couple weeks. It has been an amazing year photographing some of my favorite weddings to date, including my first mountaintop wedding, where we experienced the craziest storm and I almost got struck by lightning! Thankfully, I was unharmed, there was some amazing fog, and I got some of my favorite photographs to date, like this one:

Tiffany + Andy // Bascom Lodge at the summit of Mount Greylock, Lanesborough, Massachusetts

If you have any questions or want to get in touch, please go to Info and fill out the contact form. Or leave a comment here. I feel the love when I get comments!

Cheers,

Shannon

Fiona :: Connecticut At-Home Newborn Photography

Shannon Sorensen August 29, 2014

I spent a lovely morning at Fiona's house with her mommy and daddy, Emily and Pat, who you'll recognize from this engagement session and this maternity session. She was so sleepy, which was a dream for me. A sleepy newborn, usually before they're 10 days old, is the perfect timeframe to get lots and lots of sleeping pictures. And they're more likely to let you change them and move them around without a fuss! :)

Emily did an amazing job finding beautiful little headbands and wraps to coordinate, and after we got all the pictures we wanted, we did my favorite thing, photos as a family. Whenever new parents aren't sure if they want to be in pictures, I always insist they get at least a few. No matter how tired, sleep deprived, living-in-a-fog you may feel, these are precious, fleeting days of getting to snuggle up with your burrito baby. And I'm 100% sure they will want to see these photos of being held someday. It's more than just a family picture, it's part of your family legacy.