Hello! My name is Shannon Vizeau and I am a family and children’s lifestyle photographer. Although I have only been in business for myself for 2 years, photography has always been a constant in my life. I remember in seventh grade learning how to use a darkroom to develop film, I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I have always been creative and loved drawing but there was something about seeing an image come to life in a photograph! Time passed and I ended up going to school for Graphic Design and Fine Art in Medicine Hat, Alberta – although my focus wasn’t on photography, I took as many classes in photography as I could during that time. I then went on to take Technical Theatre at Mount Royal College in Calgary. Through all of my years of schooling, I never really felt like my heart was fully in it, and I floundered a bit after graduation when I moved home. The one thing that I never gave up on was taking photographs. I packed around my Dad’s old Canon TLb film camera, taking photos where ever I could. I think he has given up on the fact that he will never get that old camera back! ;)

Realizing that I should really be an adult, I got a job. So once again throughout my different job choices over the years I never felt content or that it was what I was meant to be doing. I wanted to be doing something creative which lead me to getting a job at a Photo studio in West Edmonton Mall, I loved it! It wasn’t your classic portrait studio and I could feel my creative side starting to resurface. Sadly the company didn’t last long, I was able to find another photography job but on the editing side of things. Fast forward to 3 years ago, I was off work on maternity leave with my second child. I had been taking photos here and there for friends and family, never thinking I could actually go anywhere with it. After a lot of encouragement from my husband, friends and family I got my business license upgraded my equipment and Shannon Vizeau Photography was formed!

After having my son, I was able to stay home full time. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to do this. I went back to work after I had my daughter, so this has been a pretty amazing experience being home with him. Not always easy, don’t get me wrong! There are tough days for sure. I don’t know if it’s because he’s my last baby or because I can see how fast time is going, I want to document everything, all the little details. I started doing a 365 day project and I focused on different lighting in my home throughout the day. Using my kids as my subject, something clicked. I started creating interesting images for myself that made my creative heart sing. I began wanting to translate this to my family sessions. During that time I also attended a workshop called ‘Life Unposed’ hosted by Shantal Marie Creative. Meeting Shantal, and the 4 other photographers was such an amazing experience. Not only did I learn a lot, make new friends in the industry, but it reaffirmed the type of images I want to create – ones with connection and emotion.

I had the chance to be a part of a newborn photoshoot a little over 6 months ago, not only was this photo shoot for one of my very best friends, but she is also a very talented photographer. I was a little nervous to say the least! But that photo shoot is one that I am very proud of. I captured the emotion and connection I had always wanted to portray in my photographs.

That’s why I love photographing families and children. Capturing those little moments and details is so important. Laughter, joy, (sometimes tears) little hands and feet, a small caress or a sweet little hug. I know as a Mom I will love looking back at all the photos of my kids and remember what it felt like in that moment. I love having the ability to capture these memories for others.

I have a lot to learn on the business side of things, my creative side takes over and I forget that there’s a whole other aspect to this whole entrepreneurial world! (insert face palm emoji here!) I often have to be reminded that it can be a slow growth. I just get so excited to take photos that I want to be doing it all the time! So, slow steps keep working hard and pushing forward. It’s easy to want to just give up at times. Being so new in the industry professionally, I have moments of self-doubt quite often, moments when I feel like an imposter. Why would people get me to take their photos when there are so many talented photographers out there?!

‘What if I fall? Oh my darling, what if you fly’- Erin Hanson.

I often think of this quote when it comes to my daughter but it speaks loudly to me also. In times like this I pick up my camera and keep going. I go back to my 365 project and take photos for myself. I am lucky that I have a lot of support, my husband, friends and my photog tribe. They push me to keep going. I love learning so I am constantly watching videos, reading or taking online courses about different aspects of photography.

Instagram has been a really fun platform for me to share my work. I really enjoy being part of the photography community, seeing other photographers work is a great motivation and inspiration. I know that there are still a lot of tips and tricks I can be using to boost up my presence on Facebook but honestly my days go fast and I can be a bit of a procrastinator. It’s hard to focus everyday on all aspects that are required to run a business from home. Blogging, live posts, stories, editing, updating my website...it can become very overwhelming, especially when you have a 3 year old asking you to play all day! The mom side usually wins out which in turn means late hours into the night trying to catch up on work. Times that I really need to focus, grandparents are usually more than happy to occupy my kids’ time ;)

I am so happy to be a part of this YEGBOSSBABES community! It was such an awesome experience being at the Spring Mixer. Meeting other women running their own businesses was an inspiration. Knowing that no matter what industry you’re in there are always struggles but in return there are successes, and that’s something to look forward to. <3

Thank you for taking the time to learn about me!

Instagram - @shannonvizeauphotography Facebook – Shannon Vizeau Photography Website – www.shannonvizeauphotography.ca