Shauna
I got to welcome home a soldier today. It has been 6 months since Brandon last saw his family in person. Since he last saw them, his daughter has turned 3 and his son is due in a little over 1 week! Here are some pics just before he was deployed. Fast forward approximately 6 months to a few days ago. His return date was always approximate, but we got confirmation that he would be returning today FOR SURE! We got to the gate and watched for Brandon's plane to arrive, flags in hand :) This is where Taylor first spots her daddy coming off the plane and I started to tear up... She was so excited, her feet were off the floor! Watching how excited she was made me tear up more... And at this point, I am completely relying on my camera's autofocus as I am full on crying like a baby... And now it's mommy's turn for a hug! I can just feel the huge sigh of relief that he is back home... And daddy brought Taylor a present, but nothing was gonna beat the best present of all of having daddy back home! Pure JOY! Some of Brandon's friends were there to welcome him home as well... The monkey was part of the send off, and now the monkey was there for the return home ;) This is one happy, little girl and one happy daddy! I love this picture. It says: I survived, I am relieved, I am loved, my family is whole again, the father of my unborn child will get to welcome his son into the world with me, our daughter has 2 parents under one roof again, I missed you, I REALLY missed you, you are a hero, you are amazing, we are a team, we are a family, WE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XOXO,
Shauna
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As my family and I are gearing up for the big move from Ohio back to our home state of Missouri, I find myself coming full circle here in many ways. I credit many people and events (and God) for how my life has been directed, in particular, regarding my career. I credit my sister for interesting me in all things photography, especially DSLR cameras and lenses and how to use Photoshop. Basically it all started with her. I received my first DSLR camera as a Christmas present in 2009. I immediately became obsessed with taking pictures of my twins, pretty much on a daily basis, and posting many of them to Facebook. I credit my children for being cute and allowing me to do this ;) I credit my college friend Gigi, for recommending me to photograph an event that the company she worked for was putting on in Cincinnati. For that reason, I had to become an official business (getting my tax ID number, registering with the state of Ohio, setting up a business checking account, etc, etc). I had to do all those things if I wanted to get paid! :) I credit my husband for allowing me the time to take many pictures for free for friends/family/neighbors, not knowing how serious I may actually be about making this a career. I credit my friends (and also neighbors) for gifting me with their Photoshop CS3 (and I still use this version) that they never used. And last, but not least, I credit my friend Shelly, for being my VERY FIRSTpaying customer. I will always refer to her as "Customer Zero". "Would anyone like to take pictures of my 6 month old?" she posted one day on Facebook. "Hmmm, maybe this could be my first gig. Would anyone pay me? I don't really have any experience. I've never even taken a photography class," I thought. I only had the Nikon D5000 and my kit lens at the time. "How do you feel about a possible, aspiring photographer coming over to take them for $20?" I was worried my price was too high. "Sure!" she said, only going off of the pictures I had posted on FB of my kids, and taking a huge leap of faith on me. We made a date, and I headed over to her house (probably with an obscene amount of props) and hoping she wouldn't notice that I had no idea what I was doing. Here's one of the shots that was taken on that day of her then 6 month old little girl, Taylor. Again, I have to credit my sister with referring me to a website just a few days before with this idea of the baby on the clothesline! Since that shot, I went on to photograph many milestones in this family's life. I had no idea at the time what being a Photographer really meant. I thought it was going to be playing with my camera and having fun editing in Photoshop. I had no idea it meant becoming a real intimate part of peoples' lives, which is the most amazing and rewarding part about my job! Shelly then asked me to take family pics a few months after I did Taylor's 6 month pics. This was in the Fall of 2010... And I happen to know they turned that picture into a canvas for their wall! A few months after that, Miss Taylor was turning ONE! And when summer rolled around, they asked me to do some more family pics! Months quickly passed, and fall was here again. This pic was taken Fall of 2011 with Taylor sitting in her daddy's childhood chair. Next thing you know, Miss Taylor was turning TWO! I got to be part of her 2nd birthday party, which was Betty Boop themed :) Sometime last summer, Shelly asked me to take some boudoirs for a special present for her hubby. Boudoirs are some of the most fun pictures to take! Of course, for the sake of privacy, I can not post any of these pics, but trust me when I say, they were SMOKIN' HOT! In fact, I would like to take full credit for what happened very shortly after her husband received the boudoir pics......Baby Number 2 is on the way! So those in the military can tell you, it's a little harder for them to plan their lives out. Soon after Shelly got pregnant, her hubby was to be deployed overseas for 6 months! Shelly had a dress made for Taylor out of a uniform. One of the cutest ideas I've ever seen! And one of my fave pics ever was taken on this day... A lot has been happening while daddy's been gone! Miss Taylor is now THREE years old! And mommy's belly has been growing! They learned they were having a boy, and she decided to do an announcement for baby brother's name. Shelly and I both have a love of chalkboards, and she has a super cool one I asked her to bring for the announcement. It finally came time to do maternity pictures. Daddy is still away, but Taylor was there to offer her full support! And I'm so happy that I know I still have at least two more photo shoots involving this sweet family before we move, and they will both be firsts for me! The first one (hopefully this one happens first) will be welcoming daddy home from deployment. The 2nd one will be Chance's birth! I am SO excited to do birth pictures and extremely honored that they want me to be part of that amazing moment with them!
So 2 and 1/2 years and 199 photo shoots later, here I am. I once had a friend tell me, "You know, Shauna, life just seems to happen to you." I don't know if she meant it as a compliment or not, but she was sort of right. A lot of the things in my life have just sort of happened. Maybe it's because I lack direction. Maybe it's because I'm open-minded. Maybe it's because I don't have a lot of motivation (probably this one). It seems like every time I specifically set a goal for myself, my life will turn in a different direction, but many times (and I'm thinking really every time) the path I did not choose for myself ends up being the better one. You know what they say, "Life happens while people are making plans." I've learned SO much over the last 2 and 1/2 short years, about life, about myself, about my family, about what's important, what really makes me happy, and on and on. I had no idea that on that day in the Fall of 2010 when I decided to accept my first, official photography job, that it would change my life SO much. Since that day, I've been celebrating birthdays, christenings, baptisms, families, weddings, engagements, new babies, watching children grow up, and making many lifelong friends. I am very blessed :) XOXO, Shauna Meet Josh and Casey. He's a Superman fan, she's a Batman fan....and yet somehow, they fell madly in love. Not long after this shoot, Josh and Casey were engaged. I was SO excited when Casey asked me to do the pics for her wedding! Casey not only had to get herself ready, but she (along with the help of her mom and Maid of Honor) were in charge of getting her 2 daughters and soon to be step-daughter ready as well. You gotta love military men for SO many reasons. This was the first wedding I've ever done where the guys were all dressed and ready and at the church an hour before the ceremony. AH-mazing :) I love how the groom is taking care of his guys just like Casey was taking care of her girls. It was a sweet ceremony, incorporating their daughters, and ending with a song sung by the groom! He plays the guitar in the worship team at church, but I was surprised to learn that he could also play the piano and sing-what a talented groom! It's Official! May I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Hicks. And their girls are now officially sisters :) I love how seemlessly they have blended their 2 families. The groom's daughter skipped and sang, "I have a whole new family!" It was SO cute. The wedding party and I then headed over to the Air Force Museum to snap some pics. Can I just say that ever since moving to Dayton, OH and soon after I began shooting weddings, I SO wanted to do a wedding where at least the groom was in his uniform. I'm pretty sure I squealed out loud when Casey told me that not only the groom would be in uniform, but every one of his groomsmen! You gotta love a man in uniform! :) And even though this next pic is more of a nod to Josh's love of Superman, this is how I feel about every man (and women) that are in the military, protecting our freedom, risking their lives...they are truly amazing people. And this is undoubtedly one of my favorite pics ever! :) Finally, it was time to get the bride and groom alone...just the 3 of us haha. Pics of couples in love are my very favorite to take, so this is always my favorite part of the wedding day. All I had to say was, "You guys are married!" and it would spark these reactions.... I had painted these letters well over a year ago and was just waiting for the opportunity to use them. Something told me I had better bring them with me to this wedding. I am so glad I did! And I nearly flipped out when I got a closer look at the rings. How fun is this? :) Then we were off to the Base for the reception. This is probably the coolest cake topper ever. The Officer's Club was a really beautiful venue. One entire wall was windows that let in the most gorgeous light right next to the dance floor. And the new, big sister was already looking after her new, little sisters. It was a happy day full of love, and I was so glad to be a part of it! XOXO,
Shauna Picture it: Fall of 1997, Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas, USA. I had just transfered there my Junior year and decided to pledge a club in order to meet more people. Little did I know, I picked the best club on campus (or I should say it picked me). Pledging a club bonded me to many of these girls in a way that cannot be described. It wasn't just joining a club, it was a whole experience. It was during this time that I met Nicole. Yes, that is gum stretched across our faces. Squigs (as we were called) were not allowed to chewed gum. It was one of the many rules of pledging. This was the first night of our many weeks of pledging. And because this was a Christian college, not only did we bond emotionally, but we bonded spiritually. We prayed together, we worshiped together and we had fun together. It was a really great time in my life. Now as many of you know, it is very hard to keep in touch with every friend you ever meet in your life, especially when you are graduating and moving to many different parts of the country, starting new jobs, creating your own family....it is just how life goes. But with the invention of Facebook, I have come back into contact with a lot of these dear friends! Fast forward 14 years to the Spring of 2011. Nicole and I had already become friends on FB a few years before, but now she was coming to Dayton for work! AND she was pregnant with her first child! And good grief, she hadn't aged a bit! Still tall, blonde and gorgeous, and so very sweet. We started catching up immediately as if 14 years hadn't gone by. After a whirlwind shoot, and a lunch at the Olive Garden with my 2 little gremlins, she flew back to her home in Texas. Now fast forward to yesterday, Spring (I use that term loosely, since it was snowing and in the 20s) 2013. I got to meet her beautiful, little girl Brielle!! She is now 20 months old and SO stinkin' cute! Since it will be Easter next week, we decided to do some Easter pics... And this more accurately describes how VERY cold it was outside, but Brielle still makes it seem bright and Spring-y! :) And while her mommy gave a talk that night at the Boonshoft, I got to spend a couple extra hours with this adorable creature. I think it's safe to say, by this pic, that mommy is in LOVE with her little cutie, and so am I! Can't wait until we get to meet up again!
XOXO, Shauna When my sister asked me to come help her shoot a wedding (excuse to come visit), I jumped at the chance! It was her husband's niece's wedding and it was in Oklahoma. I jumped on a plane, and we started shooting the next day. We met the beautiful bride, Devyn, at the salon. I have serious hair envy of this girl (move over, Carrie Underwood). Her golden ringlets were just gorgeous! This is where I noticed her gorgeous ring. It was not an actual antique, but styled as such, with saphires on each side. And her fingernails couldn't have been more perfectly manicured. From there, we went on to the church so that the bride could put on her beautiful dress. And that gorgeous ring again... As we waited for the groom to get ready, we shot some solo pics of the stunning bride. And now it was time for the bride and groom to see each other for the first time... There was this really interesting field full of christmas trees just across from the church, so we ran over to snap a few pics. And if we ever happen to be outside at a shoot just before the sun sets, I love to get this shot. We then ran back across the street to find a pretty, little row of trees... And now introducing the wedding party. This was an awesome group of groomsmen, which included the bride's older brother. And a special thanks to the bridesmaids for enduring the cold, February weather in order to get these fun shots :) And what an adorable, little thumb-sucking flower girl! It was time to go back inside and get ready for the 7PM ceremony. The bride's dress had a beautiful, detachable train. Before the ceremony, they played a sweet slideshow of the bride and groom as kids and from their courtship. Many people were in tears before the ceremony even began. Here comes the bride! Then it was time for the reception. The bride's mother put together the beautiful table arrangements. The groom's family (which are originally from Mexico) made the delicious food. It was such a loving, fun reception, complete with a mariachi band! I love this shot taken by my sister. While I was taking pics of the bouquet toss, she caught this special moment between mother and son. I spotted an interesting feature of the building that we were in, so I grabbed the bride and groom for a couple quick, last shots before they were on their way. And a special thanks to my sister who invited me out. I was always hoping I'd get to shoot a wedding with her, and she couldn't have picked a better one! I also got to spend quality time with my nephews and explore their town a bit (which included WhatABurger breakfast every day), and I got to see a movie at the theater with my sis-good times! Best of luck to the bride and groom!
XOXO, Shauna One of my daughter, Sydney's, favorite things to say is, "Look, I'm being careful. Like in the circus!" So, I thought it was about time to actually take her to a circus. My son came home a few days ago with coupons for the Antioch Shrine Circus at University of Dayton Arena. I said, "We're going!" So, today was the day. We showed up a little early so that the kids could ride the ponies and the elephants (first time experiences for both). We had to buy the tokens for the rides, and then we were all set! So, there was (and probably never will be ) no way that I was gonna try to bring my "big, fancy camera" (D700) to the circus. I could just see an elephant's big foot coming down and crushing it into pieces. And then I could hear my husband say, "Why on earth did you bring your nice camera to a circus??" So, I brought my D5000, my 35mm 1.8 and my 55-300 4.5-5.6 zoom lens (which is the lens I used for most of these pictures). I like to challenge myself, and I learn best by doing. So, I went all Manual with my shooting. I only had to take the ISO up to 800, used my lowest aperature, and adjusted the shutter speed accordingly. I should also note I did NOT use flash on any of these pictures. Even though it was pitch dark, the spotlights on the subjects made for plenty of light. I loved when they would shine the occasional spotlight straight towards me coming from behind the subject that I was shooting. I think my favorite act had to be the bears. They looked so serious, and would sit in chairs like a person in between doing amazing tricks, that even most PEOPLE couldn't do! I think the clowns were my son, Benjamin's, favorite act. They would fall over and bounce off a trampoline, and he would giggle like a little girl. And you can't have an Intermission without some cotton candy! After Intermission, we had more acrobats, a magic show, and the elephant act. I don't know about you, but when I think of the circus, the first thing I think of is elephants. They always surprise me how gigantic they are every time I get to see one in person. And sometimes, even when you accidentally blow out a pic's highlights and it's out of focus and grainy and a weird color, it turns outs to be one of my favorites. After all, photography is art! So all in all, it was a good day. I am exhausted, but happy. And I brought my "old" camera thinking I wouldn't get a single good picture. It's a great camera in full light, but low light is very limited with a cropped sensor camera. I ended up being glad I brought it. I also loved seeing my children experience their first circus. Circuses are such magical places, especially for children. I hope I captured some of that magic to share in my pictures with you!
XOXO, Shauna I'm trying out some slideshow software for future weddings (and I even have a birth shoot plan in a few months!!!), so I thought while I was at it, I'd give a shout out to a sweet couple celebrating their 5 month anniversary! Hope you guys have a great day!
XOXO,
Shauna Our son Benjamin just turned 5 in November (along with his twin sister, Sydney). This week, he managed to wear through THREE pairs of jeans (holes in the knee). This is what prompted me to go to Children's Place today (for their $10 jeans). While I was there, I couldn't help but buy these cute little shades and stripey tie. I mean, my son will only allow me to dress him up and take pics of him for so long, right? This whole photo shoot took exactly 5 mintues. I just talked to him and clicked away. He was also highly motivated by the candy orange slices that I promised him in exchange for a few good pics. Although many of you would look at the next picture and automatically think, "License and registration," being that we KNOW this little guy QUITE well would more accurately caption the photo as the following: "Ma'am, I'm gonna need your cake and ice cream." All in all, this kid is one smart cookie, who loves to cuddle, and we sure do love him! XOXO,
Shauna Now that we are planning our move to Missouri this summer, I am already starting to reminisce about all the amazing places Dayton has to offer, especially when it comes to Photography. When we moved here almost 4 years ago from Phoenix, AZ, I would have never thought there would be so many amazing parks, landmarks, and people. I have grown very fond of Dayton over the last 3 and 1/2 years, and we will truly miss it! One of our favorite places to visit is the Air Force Museum. Admission is free, and they are constantly changing up the exhibits to keep things interesting. If you are in the area, you must check it out! Another place we loved to visit is the Art Institute of Dayton. The art is amazing and the architecture of teh building is super interesting. They have lots of special exhibits, so be sure to keep an eye out for them. The last one we went to was a Norman Rockwell exhibit (amazing). There is also a special area for kids for a more hands on learning environment, which allows them to create their own art. This place used to be free, but now they strongly suggest a donation at the door ;) These pics were taken before I got my nice, big full frame camera, so I apologize for the quality. I need to get back there and take more pictures with my better camera! Another place we loved going (and had a membership to) was the Boonshoft Children's Museum. Again, these pics were taken with my less nice camera... Next on the list is Carillon Park. There is an admission fee, but well worth the trip. Again with the disclaimer: Pictures not taken with my nice camera ;) We ate lunch at a fun little diner on site. Hamburgers and ice cream for everyone! :) The next place is Charleston Falls. We haven't been in a couple years, and again, these pics were taken with old camera, but it is a very cool place! I had just gotten my wide-angle lens (notice the tiny people in the lefthand corner?) Oh how I love Cox Arboretum! These pictures were taken a couple years ago in the very early stages of Spring. I had just gotten a zoom lens for my old camera... Fast forward a couple years to last summer (August 2012) when the butterfly house was full of Monarch butterflies! Again, I brought my old camera with the zoom lens. And last fall, they added the new addition of this beautiful wooden tower. Love it! I would like to give a shout out to the drive in theater that we have never been to because movies don't start until 10pm (but maybe this summer)... And just down the road, is Skyborn Skateland (to which we've never been, but I was practicing night photography once upon a time...) This would be another favorite view of mine in the Dayton area. When there's not a huge, super cool airplane flying over our backyard, there is the evidence that one was just there not long ago :) Next, I should mention downtown Fairborn. This is where my beloved Dodd Camera store is located, where I purchased my Nikon D700 and several of my lenses :) And here's a look at my old logo from years ago... I LOVE the buildings and history of downtown Dayton. These pics were taken a couple years ago now with my old camera and zoom lens during a warmish winter day. And here are some more recent photos taken with my new camera downtown... A very cool, lesser known, place to check out is the Packard Museum in downtown, Dayton. We went a couple years ago, but the kids loved it and the old cars were super cool! There is an admission fee, but it's not much. I shot these pics with my old camera (D5000) and a 35mm lens. A super cool place to visit during the summer, especially when they're having pow-wows and such, is Sunwatch Indian Village! There is no admission. Sydney got a mermaid painted on her arm. She was very serious about it ;) Now Cox Arboretum isn't the only beautiful garden-y Metropark around here. There is also Wegerzyn Gardens-another very popular family photo location. Again, I took these pics with my D5000 back in 2011 sometime. They also have this amazing twig-maze sculpture that was built entirely by hand, twisting twigs around each other. There is also the coolest water play area with caves, streams and waterfalls! Here are a couple more recent family photos taken at Wegerzyn. The next place I wanted to highlight may seem like an odd place to visit, but it is Woodland Cemetary. It's a beautiful, old cemetary on a hillside with an overlook of downtown Dayton. And here's that view of downtown Dayton I was talking about... The next place I want to highlight is Carriage Hill, probably my favorite place to take pictures. I'm pretty sure I could add several more places, but this blog is already the longest blog ever written, so I think I'll end it here. I will miss you, Dayton. You were a cool place to hang out for awhile :)
XOXO, Shauna Well, it's that time of year again...where I sit back and look over all of the photos I have taken over the past 12 months. And though I love each and every photo, and more importantly the people in them, a handful of photos always just stand out for me, personally. They say (to me), "Hey, that was a cool moment!" And so here they are (in no particular order) my top 45 faves of 2012! Aeryn Turns 8 Brooke begins her modeling career Brycen is 4 months The Best Family (with baby #2 on the way!) Pretty mama and daughter Porcayo The Ingolds The sweet Buatte family The darling Boyles Family Ellen is 1! First time mother and her precious baby boy, Camden Gracie newborn in her daddy's pocket Elena, futer super star Ben and Melissa, first time parents-to-be Katy and Phil and their country chic wedding Sweet Caroline A precious daddy dancing with his oldest daughter at her wedding The truly inspirational De Boer family The Saville Family getting ready to welcome their baby girl, Grace Haley and Eric's gorgeous rings! Seth and Kim's sweet, young love Kenton is too cool for school Sisters, Katie and Jadden, dancing beauties Super baby, Elijah The sugary sweet May family The super cool and talented Senior, Noah The beautiful Rivera children Beautiful Emily and her amazing parents Laila is 1 and she is trying cake for the first time :) Sweet Sadie The adorable Milush family getting ready to welcome their 2nd baby boy And one of the cutest couples ever, Cherie and Dave The always fun mother and daughter team, Chanin and Kyla I hope Tyler uses this pic for his album cover someday! The effortlessly cool Caraway family "urban style" Witnessing the anticipation of a bride and groom's "first look"-one of my favorite things ever! Baby William has arrived and now he must love dinosaurs ;) Beautiful Eden, inside and out. If only I had been half as cool as she was in high school.... Baby Samuel and his glowing mother First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes adorable baby Caroline in a wagon (ok so that doesn't rhyme, but you get the point) I credit this pose to Pinterest. The bride and groom said, "let's try it!" and I was happy to oblige :) The prettiest gypsy and pirate I ever did see! Love me some baby Laila in an owl hat! Rain can't spoil your day when you're marrying your love. This pic reminds me to try to find beauty in every situation. This is cutie patootie Taylor "Bean". Her daddy is currently deployed for 6 months. I love living in a military town and have HUGE respect for all of the military families out there. You people are truly amazing! Bring on the holidays! The fun Jacobs family! This pic reminds me to stop and take a moment to just enjoy, relax, kiss your honey and most importantly, have fun!
Thanks again to all the people who let me capture and preserve a few special moments of your lives this year. Can't wait to see what 2013 has in store for me and for all of you! XOXO, Shauna |
Shauna MaschmannPassion for all things photography, mother of 6 year old twins, Ben and Sydney, wife, daughter, sister, friend. Lover of old movies, anything chocolate, laughing, traveling, speaking Spanish and French, summer, the beach, camping (if s'mores are involved), and being with my friends and family. Archives
June 2014
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