The Ebb and Flow of Creative Living

I know weekends are supposed to be restful, but I am happy that it's Monday! This past weekend was a bit of a doozy with an end of the school year concert and dance recital. I found myself sitting on our deck yesterday afternoon as the sun was getting low, trying to relax, and thinking about how long it's been since I've painted…

Almost two weeks. It feels like it has been longer.

My first instinct was to feel disappointed. We've been busy, and even though I have had time here and there to paint in the less busy moments, I've turned to things that don't take as much mental and emotional energy.

As much as I preach that art and creating can and should be relaxing at times, it's different when it's your work, accompanied with the pressure to constantly produce. We all have on and off switches when it comes to work and how much we think about it, even in “off” hours (so maybe it's more like a dimmer?). And working at home, seeing my art space while I'm sitting on the couch at night? It can take over every waking moment, further blurring the line between work and personal time.

I needed rest in the midst of all the other stuff I had going on, but I still found myself tempted to make my rest more productive. Like, shouldn't I want to sit down and paint to feel more relaxed? Is it “bad” that I don't want to right now?

Creative FOMO is quite a thing.

I left the corporate world 7 years ago to find my own way of doing life, work, and creativity, and what I'm finding is the ebb and flow of creative energy is like an ocean tide. It’s constantly rising and falling in its own natural rhythm. And I'm still figuring out what my own creative rhythm is each day, in addition to learning about and navigating this ADHD journey.

Every tide has a purpose. At the present moment for me, it’s symbolically low and calm. Think about how it feels standing on a beach or shoreline at low tide; there’s space, stretching out in front of you, for what seems like miles and miles. And even though there's noise, it feels quiet in that moment.

When we feel overwhelmed and tired and cluttered, and like things have been relentlessly moving too fast…we need that span of time and space, especially in our brains and creative living, to rest, breathe, and lean into the expansiveness that is stretched out before us. This quiet, calm time in between the powerful rush and energy of the creative flow helps us gain fresh perspective and room to let go of what is not helping, working, or serving us.

That's why we need evenings, weekends, vacations, time away from work and change of scenery from our typical day to day environments. We need to let our minds rest and wander and play and imagine - like kids! There's a reason we might feel more inspired or have our best ideas after taking a relaxing shower, going on a trip, or maybe taking a long drive or walk outside. The noise, blocks, and walls that clutter the brain fall away and make room to plant the seeds for our next great ideas.

No one can operate at 100% all the time. That creates burnout. And it's simply not how we're built to exist. We can't rush the timing of the tides, the phases of the moon, the seasons of the year…even when we are hoping for these times to move at a faster pace, nature will continue cycling on as it always has.

So does the creative cycle. Because don't forget, we are nature, too.

Allow for the quiet and calm, the dark and still, the retreating and restful times. Learn to say no and set boundaries when you feel the energetic tide getting low.

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Changing Tides, 18x24 acrylic on loose canvas.

Shannon Sorensen is a contemporary fine art painter, sharing her art, writing, and creative living ideas through this blog, her podcast Creative Happy Life, and her YouTube channel. She works out of her home art studio in Connecticut creating paintings that reflect her love of nature and growing up on a dirt road in the woods of coastal New England.

The World is Wide :: New Painting by Connecticut Artist

“The World is Wide”, a new post-impressionist dreamscape painting by Connecticut artist, Shannon Sorensen, inspired by Tolkien-esque fantastical landscapes that feel like a place we’ve known or seen. Within these worlds, great distances look close, new terrain and growth is revealed around every corner. Water flows and you’re not sure if you’re seeing fire or flowers.

Every time I am working on a painting, I reach a point where it needs to start taking shape and looking more finished. And some paintings progress quickly through this stage, while others, like this one, take a bit more time and work.

I started an 18x12” canvas painting on Monday, February 14, and it was full of warmth and felt very playful. The next day, I sat down again, and started adding some cooler tones, following the shapes and lines that I had established, and it felt good, but far from finished.

Over the next two days, I kept adding marks and layers, growing increasingly frustrated because I didn’t have any direction. At that point, I wanted to set it aside and give myself some time working on something new and fresh, because it was feeling overworked and stuck.

Evolution of a Painting

To store it in my small art space, I put a board up on my easel that another finished painting of the same dimension was still clipped to, and set the current piece under it while I figured out my storage solution.

I stepped back and just glanced at the two pieces lined up together on the board, blinked a couple times, and everything shifted.

One finished piece on top, displayed with this unfinished, overworked piece below it, it became clear to me that these two could and would work well together as a larger piece. The shapes started to make sense, and I was immediately excited to dig back into it again.

So here’s the finished piece, which I’ve called “The World is Wide”, inspired by Tolkien-esque fantastical landscapes that feel like a place we’ve known or seen. Within these worlds, great distances look close, new terrain and growth is revealed around every corner. Water flows and you’re not sure if you’re seeing fire or flowers.

The overall piece is 18” wide by 24” tall, two separate pieces of canvas attached and blended in the middle. I used acrylics, and both pieces of canvas were the last two pieces of recycled material that I had in my studio stash from another local artist.

Can you picture this in your home?

Prints and other home decor, lifestyle, stationary and accessories are available here.

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Thanks for visiting! I hope you enjoy seeing my art, learning about my process, and feel inspired to explore your own creativity!

Shannon Sorensen is a full-time painter working from her home studio in Newington, Connecticut. If you are interested in showing her art through your gallery, place of business, or event, please contact Shannon with your inquiry.

January Recap :: New Art and Paint With Me on YouTube

Why does January always feel like it stretches out forever? I know it’s not everyone’s favorite month, but I do always look forward to this time of year. I enjoy settling into a more quiet rhythm of life. It feels like a non-stop marathon of THINGS TO DO between the start of school in early September through the flurry of the holidays. Time stretches out a bit wider and further in front of us through January. It might make you feel a bit restless. I invite you to settle into it.

Find Your Sacred Flow

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I love that this is the card I pulled today. Finding your sacred flow can mean a lot of things . For me, it means finding my pace of creating art, my pace of living, and honoring it. My sacred flow is slower than it used to be. It’s more flexible and lighthearted. It’s more playful. It’s allowing the creativity to flow through me, through art, through my words, and trusting that I don’t have to know where I’m going at all times.

This means…

Trusting my intuition.

Growing more comfortable with saying no.

Committing to my art and making time to play, explore and evolve.

Enjoying being myself, as I am in any moment, be it serious, silly, thoughtful, sad, curious, introverted, extroverted, energetic, sleepy…

I’m done with fighting against the current of my soul. I am moving with it, embodying my whole self, and enjoying the ride.

January Recap

For a slower month, January was full of good things. It started with prepping and hanging 12 pieces of art at Balance Massage and Wellness Center here in Newington, CT. My art will be on display there through the end of March 2022.

Click through to see the virtual gallery:

I made four new pieces of art that I am in love with for many different reasons. I painted my first big painting, which is 24”x36”. I made a new digital artwork for the first time since last June. Then I painted two smaller pieces, two days in a row. Each piece woke up something new and exciting in me. I am finding my style and voice as an artist, which is an incredible feeling.

Click on each image to pop out and see bigger:

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I hit record last week on my 4th painting, and got a new process video up on YouTube! I was hoping to do this with my big painting, but I wasn’t well prepared for how long the painting would take and how to capture that scale of a project. So I’m taking baby steps back into the painting video world, instead of biting off more than I can chew at this point. I hope you give it a watch, subscribe, and hit the thumbs up! I plan to do these at least every other week going forward.

In addition to all of that, I am planning on a shop update later this week, as I have about 16 new pairs of painted earrings almost ready to go! So keep an eye out for the date and time, which I’ll share across my social feeds, and get ready to shop some wildly funky new pieces!

Thanks for catching up with me here! Wherever you are, I hope you have a beautiful week!

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Shannon Sorensen is a self-taught contemporary abstract expressionist painter based in Newington, Connecticut, specializing in vibrant artwork that evokes feelings of places you have seen in person or in dreams, inspired by music, poetry, memories and meditations. Fine art prints of select works are available through her art store, and shop other printed home goods and accessories at Pixels.com.

Follow more of Shannon’s day to day creative living on Instagram.

Check out painting and creative living videos on Youtube.

Dreamscape 2 :: Digital Abstract Expressionist Art

A theme for me this year (and probably forever, going forward) is creating these colorful dreamscapes to music. I have always been a music lover, from simple appreciation to growing up playing the flute, piano, guitar, singing…nothing has ever moved me quite like music. That is, until I started painting.

Music and painting together? I’m in heaven.

So, these dreamscapes are a glimpse into what heaven looks like in my mind. Bits and pieces of places I’ve been, sunsets I’ve witnessed, landscapes that make my heart ache, filtered through the lens of the magic and melody of whatever is playing in my ears.

I seek to paint with movement, like a dance between brush and surface. I use color to evoke the mood and energy. When it’s done, maybe it’ll take you somewhere. I invite you to stay a while and gaze. Zoom in close. Let your mind wander and your imagination frolick.

The Creative Process

For this, I pulled my color palette from my last dreamscape painting into Adobe Fresco on my iPad. I used an Apple Pencil and created lots of layers, played with texture brushes and erasers, trying to mimic how I’d work over a physical canvas. I haven’t created a digital piece since last June (“Cinque Terre”), so I’ve learned some things in that time about how I want to create.

From there, I pulled it into Photoshop to add some surface texture as the final step.

Can you picture this in your home?

Prints coming soon! Subscribe to my weekly emails to be notified when they’re available.

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Across the Universe-Inspired Abstract Dreamscape by Connecticut Artist Shannon Sorensen

This piece was fun! It challenged me, and allowed me to get playful and try some new techniques and marks. I really enjoyed working on this size canvas, the largest I have ever worked on. It’s 24”x36”, and as you can see, it took up a substantial amount of my workspace. That was its own challenge!

I know I say this every time I finish a piece, but this is my favorite yet. It feels the most “me” in terms of the art I want to be making. It takes elements of all the work I did last year that I connected with and became “signature”, but also encouraged some surprises for myself and the viewer.

I did record the beginning stages of this painting, up until the halfway point, which I will share on Youtube once I finish getting it edited and cut together.

Here are the details, and you can pop out the individual pictures below to get a closer look at the details.

Dreamscape 1
Completed 1/15/22
Painted at home in Newington, Connecticut
Acrylic on canvas, 24”x36”

This piece was inspired by…the energy of colorful seaside villages, warm pink sunsets, listening to The Beatles “Here Comes the Sun” and “Across the Universe”.

I recently finished reading “Big Magic” by Liz Gilbert shortly before starting this painting. It was a great read for those who identify as artists and creatives, and it definitely gave me a push to further enjoy, play, and find freedom in the creating.

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Shannon Sorensen is a self-taught contemporary abstract painter based in Newington, Connecticut, specializing in vibrant, expressive pieces that evoke feelings of places you have seen in person or in dreams, inspired by music, poetry, memories and meditations. Fine art prints of select works are available through her art store, and shop other printed home goods and accessories at Pixels.com.

Follow more of Shannon’s day to day creative living on Instagram.

Check out painting and creative living videos on Youtube.

Newington Connecticut Art Display

I am excited to share that 12 pieces of my art are on display, now through the end of March, at Balance Massage and Wellness Center here in Newington, CT.

It’s hard to put into words how it feels to see my art hung up like this - not stacked against various walls of my house - for the first time as a full time artist! I’m very proud of this work and hope you get a chance to go see it in person (and book a massage)!

In selecting which pieces to display, I considered the time of year (winter), and the setting (a wellness center that offers massage, reiki, yoga and other wellness services). I chose several pieces that I consider to be soothing in color and energy - smooth blues, seascapes, warm light. I also chose a couple pieces that are more colorful, cheerful and energetic, and hung them as the first pieces you see when you enter the space.

I hope you get a chance to see them in person while getting one of their wonderful services. In case you are not local, please enjoy this virtual gallery. This is the order you experience the works as you walk down the hall.

Many thanks to Cailin McBee at Balance for her help, and for this wonderful opportunity. She rotates local artists’ work into this space every couple months, which not only keep the space feeling free and interesting, but gives artists like me an opportunity to share our work in such a space and in front of fresh eyes. I’m very grateful.

Balance Massage and Wellness Center

135 Day St.

Newington, CT 06111

www.balancemassagect.com

Top: Marmalade Skies, Bottom: Tangerine Dream

Mountainside Serenity

For You Blue

Top: It Rained All Summer 2, Bottom: It Rained All Summer 1

Mykonos

Top: Duxbury Bay, Bottom: Abstract Seascape 1

Left: Touching Heaven, Top Right: Happy Little Boats, Bottom Right: Follow the Sun

Select pieces are for sale, contact me for pricing. Fine art prints are also for sale through my shop.

October Art Challenge Day One :: Connecticut Artist and Photographer

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Happy October!

I’m going to channel my inner Donna Meagle and Tom Haverford when I sing IT’S THE BEST TIME OF THE YEEEAR!

Fall brings all sorts of monthly art, writing, photography or otherwise creative challenges, and they tend to pop up this time of year, no doubt, because it is a time where inspiration and creativity flow. The air is cooling, people start thinking cozy thoughts about what makes them happy. And spoiler alert, creativity is a shortcut to happiness. ;)

I was looking for an October art challenge, but I wasn't drawn to anything (heh...), and when I thought about it for a minute, my art tends to be off the cuff, whatever is inspiring me in the moment. The challenge for me isn't following a list of ideas, but just the act of creating something new every day. I'm feeling more called than ever to create, create, create.

So, this month, I invite you to join me as I draw, paint, and make something every day! I will do live videos or first looks each day on my Patreon’s private Facebook group. It will be 31 days of pure creativity...I'm so excited for this. And I encourage you to find time to create, just for yourself, this month!

I began yesterday with some watercolor because I've had an image that’s been inspiring me. It was a bouquet of nasturtiums and the colors were golden, reds and really vibrant.

Buy a print here.

October is also my birthday month, and a time when I feel most inspired, and my creativity flows in abundance. It’s a season when I feel most connected with myself and motivated to paint, draw, crochet, or work on other creative projects like cooking, playing the piano, writing and decorating my home to make it a cozy, happy space.

This is my painting from yesterday, day one. I am loving this start to the month and wish you could see it in person. The darker pigments have this smooth sheen that catches the light *just right*.

Today for day 2, I drew the October coloring page that I do each month in a live drawing session for my Patreon page. My group members voted and the design is cozy fall Hygge themed. If you join my Patreon, you receive the monthly page free as a reward!

You can join my Patreon group anytime, and get to tune in and watch me create these pieces live each day. Like I said, today’s (day two) creation will be the monthly coloring page, which you also then receive as a member to be able top print and enjoy coloring.

Finally, friends, I want to I encourage you to let your own creativity flow. Make time each day to do what you love! Share it, celebrate it...you might be the spark that inspires someone else!

"Better Than School Portraits" Kids and Teens Mini Sessions :: Newington, CT

First thing’s first - I have missed you all so much! What a weird year, right? It has been a rollercoaster, complete with loop-dee-loops and feeling like we’d jumped the track at times. I know I’m not alone in having experienced loss in recent months, as well as unexpected joy of an incredible summer with my kids.

With two weeks to go before the school year kicks off and we starting thinking of all things fall, I am excited to have a couple fall photography session offers, as well as information about sessions in regards to Covid-19.

Covid-related Session Info

Based on recommendations and to practice safe physical distancing, all late summer and fall session for the remainder of 2020 will be held outside. This can be at your home, a beach, a park, or any other agreed upon location.

I will wear a mask and will be using zoom lenses to ensure we are keeping a safe physical distance.

I will not be available to travel to Rhode Island this fall. Sessions in Massachusetts will be limited to the South Shore area around Scituate and Duxbury. Connecticut sessions will be limited to the Newington/Hartford area or the Shoreline between New Haven and Mystic.

Now for the fun stuff!

“Better Than School Portraits” - Kids + Teens Mini Sessions

These mini sessions are available locally in Newington and West Hartford, for kids and teens ages 3-18.

This year, we’ve missed out on a lot. Let’s embrace the mess and the weirdness, and document this year for your kid(s) with an incredibly special mini session!

“Better Than School Portraits” will take place outside and I encourage you and your child to think creatively about how you’d like to remember this year. Feel free to bring a couple things to personalize your session! A few ideas:

• Bring their backpack and a first day of school outfit and make it a “back to school” session

• Wear their sports uniform or dance costume they didn’t get to wear, bring an instrument they play, a favorite book or toy

• Get dressed up and make it a special, feel good experience! First communion outfits, birthday outfits, Christmas pajamas - anything is possible!

• Keep it simple and come as you are!

Cost: $175

Includes:

• 20 minutes of photography

• Private online gallery of edited photos for viewing and sharing

• Digital files to download and keep for personal use

• $25 print credit

Additional prints are available for purchase (a la carte style) through your online gallery.

If you have more than one child, I will fit all kids into one mini (which will result in fewer pictures of each child), or you can opt to add on an extra 10 minutes to your session for $25.

Mini sessions are shorter and simpler than full hour sessions. We stick to one scenic location and maximize every minute of our time together!

“Better Than School Portraits” Mini Session Dates and Locations

Fri August 28 - Mill Pond Park, Newington 4:30pm // 5pm // 5:30pm // 6pm

Sat August 29 - Elizabeth Park, West Hartford 8am // 8:30am// 9am // 9:30am

Sat September 5 - Deming Young Farm 8am // 8:30am // 9am // 9:30am

Click here to book your mini session.

Here are some fun photos from past late summer/early fall sessions - you might recognize some of these sweet faces! And keep scrolling for fall family session info!

Fall Family Sessions - $500

Fall family sessions include:

• 60-90 minutes of photography on location

• Online gallery for viewing and sharing your photos

• Unlimited number photos

• Digital files to download and keep for personal use

• $50 print credit

Family sessions typically take place at a local park, beach or otherwise agreed upon location. During our session time, we focus on getting an assortment of relaxed portraits and playful candids, including the entire family, portraits of each individual child, siblings together, parents/partners together, parent and child.

Connecticut dates (Hartford County or Shoreline areas only):

Sat August 29 - 5pm // Thurs Sept 3 - 5pm // Sat September 5 - 5pm

Thurs September 10 - 5pm // Fri September 11 - 5pm // Sat September 12 - 8am + 5pm

Thurs October 1 - 5pm // Fri October 16 - 5pm // Sat October 17 - 8am + 5pm

Massachusetts dates (South Shore area only):

Sat September 26 - 8am // Sun September 27 - 8am

Sat October 10 - 8am // Sun October 11 - 8am + 5pm

November will not be scheduled to allow for postponements and rescheduling as needed due to weather or other circumstances.

Click here to schedule your session.

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Shannon Sorensen is a family and small business photographer based in Central Connecticut. She is available for newborn, children and tweens, family, senior, engagement, and anniversary sessions; elopements and intimate celebrations; creative entrepreneur and small business branding; personal branding and product photography.

Love Lilacs? Here Are Three Free Stock Photos

This was a really special week, for one reason - lilacs!

I love this flower - the color, the smell, and how beautiful they look!

During this time at home, I've been finding peace in literally stopping to smell the flowers. I've been watching and listening to the birds (they are SO loud and I love it!), and I've been getting to know my neighbors a bit more. From a distance, of course!

The thing about lilacs is, they don't last very long at all. So, when the blossoms started opening up, I jumped to grab my camera. It was that beautiful time of day we call "golden hour", where the sun is low and glowing warm, soft light.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP

"Golden Hour" is the time of day that is considered ideal for taking photos, especially portraits - an hour after the sun rises, and an hour before the sun sets. The light is soft and flattering, and usually diffused because it isn't above the treeline yet. Midday sun is more difficult (but not impossible) because the light tends to be more direct, stronger and casts harsh, unflattering shadows on faces from high in the sky. If shooting in direct midday sun, I highly recommend finding an area in the shade of a tree or building.

Get Three Free Stock Photos of Lilacs

These are high res photos that you can print and display, or use them for your business to complement your social media posts, IG stories, blog post content, email newsletters - I want you to enjoy them, and share the beauty!

Credit is not required, the photos are yours to use, but if you choose to give photo credit, it’s always appreciated! You can tag me on Instagram @shannonsorensencreative and I’d love to see how you use them!

Photos at Home :: Documenting Living History from a Safe Distance

This week, I have been trying to wrap my head around how to keep my business afloat moving forward while we are all staying home and keeping a distance. It’s been a challenging week in many ways, but also inspiring in even more ways!

As a family, we have tried to get out for a walk each afternoon to get fresh air, say hello to neighbors who are also outside and walking. Connection is so important during times like this! It lifts the spirits and helps everyone feel less alone when things feel very uncertain and scary.

Seeing families outside together reminded me of all the wonderful times I have photographed families outside their homes, together. Now it feels like we are in the midst of a major time in history. Many of us with young kids probably can’t help but think they’ll grow up and talk about this the way we talked about 9/11, or our parents talked about JFK and MLK and the moon landing.

How did you spend this time? How was it challenging? How did you feel? What did we learn about each other or ourselves?

I know it’s not conventional in any sort of way, but I am offering a very small service, to families, small business owners and entrepreneurs who are now at home, to have some pictures taken, from a distance. I can work from your front yard, sidewalk, or driveway and capture you or your family, so you have memories captured of this time in our lives. Small business owners and entrepreneurs, you can use the photos to talk to your clients and audience, share with them how you’re spending these days.

So what do you think? :)

Due to the nature of these things, I think I would only be able to do this within a 20 minute drive from my own home, so Newington, Wethersfield, Rocky Hill and West Hartford.

I will not come close to your family. I won’t come in your house. You might pretend I’m like the paparazzi, just hanging out by your house.

Sound interesting? Fill out the form at the bottom of this post, or email me at hello@shannon-sorensen.com and we can figure it out!

Nora :: Stamford, Connecticut Newborn Photography

I had the joy of photographing sweet baby Nora a couple weeks ago at home in Stamford, Connecticut. She arrived several weeks early and had quite the NICU journey, by the time I met her she was about two months old! She has her mommy and daddy (and many more family and friends) wrapped around her finger and we had such a nice morning together.

Roshi, her mama, commented that it was the first time they really got to hold her and feel her skin. Since she was in the NICU for so long and it was winter, she was always dressed and covered and so they didn’t get to spend so much time doing skin to skin. It’s little things like that we might not even realize we take for granted with babies. Just feeling how soft their skin is, and getting to just spend time holding them and enjoying them.

Here are some favorites from our session together. She was awake for most of the session, so we adapted and started out with some sweet, snuggly family photos, and then headed downstairs to do her portraits once she dozed off. It’s funny, as a photographer, we talk about how we want the babies to be nice and seepy, but we are on their schedule, not the other way around! :) And I personally love getting some photos of them awake. This girl was just as enamored with her parents as they were with her.

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Shannon Sorensen is a newborn and family photographer based in Newington, Connecticut, and travels throughout Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts capturing relaxed, heirloom photographs of family life and milestones. She photographs all newborns at home for your convenience and comfort. For inquiries or more information, feel free to contact Shannon anytime! Most newborns are photographed within the first 14 days after birth, and sessions can be scheduled anytime during your pregnancy leading up to the days after your little one arrives.

Family Beach Session at Harkness Memorial State Park :: Waterford, Connecticut Shoreline

I had the joy of photographing Emily and Tom's family again earlier this month to capture their growing family at Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, Connecticut. It was a gorgeous, quiet Sunday morning by the water, and I love the images from this session. We got a nice mix of family portraits and those candids you know I love, little moments of giggles, snuggles, silliness and affection.

I've photographed this family four times now, and each time has been different and wonderful. I shot Emily and Tom's engagement photos at Yale, Martin's newborn photos, a fall family session when Martin was about 5 months old, and now this spring session where the kids are 4 and almost 2. It's such a gift for me to be entrusted with documenting this time, when the kids are growing, their personalities are flourishing, Emily and Tom are right in the thick of parenting, and the days are passing so quickly. 

When I shot Martin's newborn photos, I was about 4 weeks pregnant with Andrew. 

Time flies!

Here are some favorite highlights from their session at Harkness Memorial State Park. I especially love the series of mother-daughter images at the end. It was a little cool and Emily picked up Claire to help warm her up. It was very quick, this sweet, snuggly moment as we were walking back to the cars.

If you're a Connecticut resident, parking here is free, and it's a really lovely place to spend time, for a picnic, walking along the water, fishing, or exploring the gardens. And it's a short trip from Mystic, if you are looking for more activities for the kids and sights to see. 

Spring Family Beach Session at Harkness Memorial State Park Waterford Connecticut Shoreline by Shannon Sorensen Photography

Shannon Sorensen is a Connecticut-based newborn and family documentary photographer serving families throughout Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. For more information or inquiries, contact Shannon or email hello@shannon-sorensen.com.

Ain't No Mama Like the One I've Got

What do you want for Mother's Day?

Every year my husband asks me this and every year I stammer and wrack my brain and end up mumbling "Uhhhh I don't know, breakfast something something quiet day something something I don't need anything."

I don't really need anything. We're healthy and happy. I have everything I need. But what's the point of Mother's Day but to honor the women who are so special to us, in whatever role they fill in our lives. And to be celebrated. Am I the only who for some reason feels guilty for being celebrated? How silly is that? I grew two humans! That wasn't easy! It's still not easy. haha

With Mother's Day a couple weeks away, I can think of no better gift to give than time together taking beautiful photos of mamas and their babies. Whether your babies are tiny or in high school or grown up, or you want generational pictures and include your own mom, or your babies are covered in fur and keep your feet warm at night. There are so many ways to be a mama, and they should all be celebrated and honored!

So, when you are asked what you want for Mother's Day? Send them here. Have them email me at hello@shannon-sorensen.com. Or if you are the one doing the shopping, I can send a printable or physical gift certificate to give alongside that awesome breakfast in bed!

And if you book a documentary family session with me now through the end of May for the remainder of 2018, you'll receive a free 5x5 coffee table book featuring your favorite 10 images (a $90 value) from your session! This offer is valid for family, motherhood, fatherhood, maternity and anniversary sessions - it does not include newborn sessions. Contact Shannon for session pricing and details. 

There is no better time to capture memories with your family!

I can't wait to hear from you!

Shannon Sorensen is a newborn and family photographer based in Newington, Connecticut. She joyfully serves families throughout New England. Email hello@shannon-sorensen.com for inquiries. 

Documentary Family Photography :: Fall in Wilton, Connecticut

I'm so excited to share my sweet bestie's family with you today! We spent a beautiful fall morning at their home in Wilton, Connecticut, playing outside, getting lots of snuggles, and then heading inside for some more casual, candid shots while their little guy had a snack and played.

I love at-home sessions, especially for kiddos around this age (1-2), because they are in their comfort zone. They have their stuff and familiar surroundings. They are more relaxed, and mom and dad can enjoy themselves a bit more knowing they don't need to pack a car of snacks, clothes, diapers and toys to keep the kiddo happy. They have everything they need, so they can focus on spending time together, play, snuggling, reading books and showing what their family life is all about. 

Lake Mohegan Family Photography :: Fairfield, Connecticut

One of the most fun parts of photographing families is getting to see how much kids grow and change over the years. I met Briana's family last year at Lake Mohegan in Fairfield, Connecticut for family portraits, and at the time, Briana and I were both pregnant, just a couple weeks apart. So this year, I got to meet Owen! He and big brother Christian were such a treat to spend time with. Here are a few of my favorites from our session.

2017 Fall Family Photography Sessions Are Open!

Happy September, ya'll!

I am so excited for fall. I know there are many out there who refuse to acknowledge pumpkin anything before September 22....but I'm not one of those people! I practically tapdanced when I woke up to a chilly 55 degree morning. It's supposed to be in the 80s next week for a couple days and I will be confused and grumbling about New England weather and not knowing if I need a sweater or a bathing suit.

It's. All. Good. 

Fall is an exciting time of year! The leaves are changing, kids are back to school, we start thinking about the holidays (and holiday card photos)! For me, it's busy season and I go go go until Thanksgiving. Last year was amazing, and I learned a few things along the way to make some adjustments this year that I believe will benefit everyone!

Fall Schedule

At the moment, I am only planning on September and October travel dates. I will open up November in a couple weeks. 

9/2-9/4 Connecticut - available for full sessions local to Hartford County.

9/9-9/10 Connecticut - available for full sessions throughout the state.

9/16-9/17 not available.

9/23-9/24 Connecticut - not available 9/23. Available for full sessions local to Hartford the morning of 9/24.

9/30 Connecticut Mini Sessions in the morning at Elizabeth Park in West Hartford; 10/1 Connecticut Mini Sessions in the morning at Lake Mohegan in Fairfield. Contact me for times and availability if interested.

10/7-10/9 Connecticut - not available 10/7. Available for full sessions throughout the state on 10/8 and 10/9.

10/14-10/15 Massachusetts - available for full sessions local to Scituate, Duxbury, and Plymouth.

10/21 Massachusetts Woodsy Mini Sessions in the afternoon at Bird Park in Walpole; 10/22 Massachusetts Mini Seaside Sessions in the morning at Scituate Harbor. Contact me for times and availability if interested. 

10/28-10/29 Connecticut - available for full sessions throughout the state.

Mini Sessions - quick and (fingers crossed) easy!

As you can see, I am planning one weekend of mini sessions in Connecticut and one weekend in Massachusetts. Other than those dates, I will not be booking any other mini session dates this fall. If you are not able to book a mini session on those dates, I would love to chat about scheduling a full session! 

Mini sessions are a great opportunity to get a few updated family photos, or to capture a milestone such as maternity, engagement or senior portrait. Mini sessions exclude newborn photography. Newborn babies may be included in a family mini session, but will not be posed and photographed on their own. 

Mini session investment - $200

Includes: 15 minutes of photography, online gallery of 10 fully edited photos, $50 print credit to be used through your gallery towards any print products, and (this is new!) any image you order as a print, you will also receive the digital file of that image. 

Full Family Sessions - fresh, modern and personal

Gone are the days of stiff posing and plastered smiles! I work closely with each family to plan a session that is personal and tailored to her or his interests or family dynamics. From location to wardrobe, including pets or some fun personal props (think little red wagons, bikes, a trip to go apple picking or to the pumpkin patch), these sessions are less formal and more documentary style. I will guide you through your session so that you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. I want to see laughter, snuggles, play and JOY!

Click for more info on pricing: senior portraits // newborns

Full family session investment - $350

Includes: 60 minutes of photography, online gallery of fully edited photos, $100 print credit to be used through your gallery towards any print products, and (this is new!) any image you order as a print, you will also receive the digital file of that image. 

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Contact me as soon as possible to book your session! You can email me at hello@shannon-sorensen.com, or use this contact form. I am SO excited for this season and look forward to seeing your beautiful families!

Barbara + James :: Elizabeth Park West Hartford Connecticut Engagement Photography

These dear ones are set to get married in early May up in Massachusetts, where I will gladly put on my wedding guest hat and dance my post-baby booty off. But first, let me share my favorites from their Elizabeth Park engagement session in West Hartford. Barbara has been a dear friend since the summer of 2001, the same summer I met Sean, and I am so thankful I can call her a friend. She and James are so sweet and funny and natural together, which made our time hanging out doing photos super easy for me.

Go over there and snuggle? No problem.

Twirl her around and make her laugh that big Barbara laugh. Got it. 

Look at each other like you simply adore each other. Oh, you're already doing that. Yay!

I was pumped to spend a beautiful September day with them at one of my favorite local parks. Even though it was technically fall, the air was warm, the sun was golden and there were still gorgeous blooms everywhere we turned. I swear, this park is magic. 

Fiona :: Northwest Park Windsor Connecticut Family Photographer

It's a new week, and I have a sweet birthday session to share with you. I am excited to share this (finally!) because in a few short weeks, I get to hang with this sweet family again when they welcome their newest baby girl!

But this shoot was all about Miss Fiona! She turned two in August, and we met up at Northwest Park in Windsor Connecticut to photograph this fun milestone. It was so much fun seeing her again since her first birthday shoot the year before. She is a very busy little girl, wanting to check out ALL THE THINGS. Lucky for us, there was a lot to see, from flowers, to animals, so open spaces that called out to be frolicked.

Emily and Pat, her sweet parents, also took a moment to let me photograph them since it was their fourth anniversary! I was so sad to miss photographing their wedding due to having Lily that same week, but I am so grateful they've come back to me for their maternity photos, Fiona's newborn photos, and now to photograph their growing family. 

I also loved getting to visit this new (to me) park, and returned in October for some family mini sessions, which will be shared soon as well! It's a great place to bring your family and walk around, especially if your kiddos love animals!

But back to the little lady of honor! Here are some of my favorites from my morning with Miss Fiona.

Carrie + Patrick | Pomfret Connecticut Wedding at Tyrone Farm | New England Wedding Photographer

Carrie and Patrick's wedding was a dream to shoot at Tyrone Farm in Pomfret, Connecticut. It is always fun photographing weddings at a new (to me) venue, and it was a perfect early September day in New England. When I met Carrie and Patrick last winter, we clicked pretty fast bonding over mutual fandom for all things geeky. The more they told me about themselves and their plans, the more excited I got. Superhero groomsmen? Yes, please. Comic book boutonnieres? Amazing. A playlist of geeky film music? I'm in love. 

The day started at the small cottage on the Tyrone Farm property where Carrie and her ladies were getting ready. It felt like an at-home wedding, very comfortable and cozy and laid back. Looking out the windows to the property, there was a gorgeous view everywhere you looked. Fields and stables and gardens and the barn...it's everything I love about rural New England. 

The ceremony took place in the back field with hilly, wildflower views. Carrie giggled in excitement and there was so much love and support in the air for these two. What I especially loved in that they included all their nieces and nephews in the wedding party along with their daughter, Roslyn, and it really felt like a special family celebration. 

We had a blast taking family and wedding party pictures, and then I happily had Carrie and Patrick all to myself to wander the grounds and give them some quiet moments together. It was like photographer heaven, everywhere I turned I wanted to shoot. And they were so kind to let me do my thing, I did my best to just guide them place to place and then let them snuggle up to each other, laughing and exchanging sweet kisses along the way. What I love about Carrie and Patrick is how easy it is to spend time with them. They're such happy, kindhearted people, and they surround themselves with equally wonderful friends and family. There was no stress, just enjoyment of the day, which is what I love. 

Carrie and Patrick danced into their barn reception to the Ghostbusters theme, and I couldn't stop smiling. That was the same song Sean and I chose for our own wedding introductions, and it just made me so happy to be around fellow nerds who know how to have fun and be themselves. Their guests were equally smitten with their music choices, cheering and laughing and gasping whenever another song came on that they recognized and enjoyed, like music from Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, or Rocky. 

There is nothing I love more than connecting with my clients so that by the time their wedding day rolls around, it truly feels like I'm hanging out with friends. I wear my heart on my sleeve and usually spend the day laughing, crying, cheering and giving people hugs because I can't help it, it's how I roll and that's how it should be. A wedding is a celebration and with all the planning and moving parts that go into making a wedding day happen, you have to love what you do and care about the people you work with. And I really do. 

Venue: Tyrone Farm // Pomfret, Connecticut

Catering, Decor, Flowers, Cake: Pranzi Catering

Videography: Classic Video Productions

Here are some of my favorite highlights from Carrie and Patrick's Tyrone Farm wedding. 

Eden :: Connecticut Newborn Photography

I got to spend a quiet morning with Eden back in July and she was such a sleepy little sweetheart! She is the youngest of three and we took some quick family shots before Cora and Finn went to school. They were so good and gentle with her, it's always fun to see big siblings loving on their littles. 

Alise got to snuggle with Eden in peace and quiet, which I'm sure is just the best. They were in their own little world for a while and I just snapped away and it was like witnessing such a special moment of peace and comfort and love. 

And then I hogged Eden all to myself. 

Talk about a great morning. 

The more in-home newborn sessions I do, the more I love them. The parents get to sit back and have a cup of coffee or conk out or get a stretch to put their feet up and relax. Everything they need is within reach. Babies are around the comfortable smells and sounds of home. And for me, it's like getting to visit friends and hang out with their baby for a couple hours. We work on the baby's schedule and we don't wrap up until we're all happy. What's not to love? 

I'd love to share some of my favorites from my morning with Eden and her family.

If you or someone you know is expecting and looking for an in-home newborn session, contact me today! I am currently booking newborn sessions for weekday mornings now through February 2017. Any newborn shoot booked during the month of September will receive a free 8x8 Signature photo book of images!