Through the Lens: The Perfection of Simplicity

As cameras get more complex and expensive and studios begin to resemble operating rooms with intense lighting systems and every other gadget you can imagine, it's easy to forget that as a portrait photographer, it's really about the simple relationship between photographer and subject. I like this stripped down way of shooting - photography's equivalent of playing acoustic. I'm a huge fan of the Holga, mostly because of its imperfection. The portraits below were taken at the end of a portrait shoot with my Holga lens, one light, and one reflector. There is a quiet intensity to the images. Thanks to my model, Meredith, for being such a great subject:)

Through the Lens: New York City from 32 Stories Up

There's always something interesting to see on the streets of New York City, but my favorite views happen well above the city streets. The play between the skyscrapers and the sky create dramatic shadows or moments of quiet beauty. 

"Honeymoon in Vegas: The Musical" and a Couple of Stage Door Johnnys!

In a play, it's all about the timing, and what great timing I had catching Tony Danza, Brynn O'Malley, and Rob McClure in the musical, "Honeymoon in Vegas" before the blizzard of 2015 that's currently shutting down New York City. The play was so much fun, and the post-show tradition of fans waiting by the stage door was even better. Not even the cold rain could dampen our spirits! Here are a few photos:

Actress Brynn O'Malley from "Honeymoon in Vegas:The Musical"

Actress Brynn O'Malley signing autographs after "Honeymoon in Vegas: The Musical"

Actor Rob McClure greeting fans after "Honeymoon in Vegas: The Musical"

The crowd cheers as actor Tony Danza greets them

Actor Tony Danza signs playbills after the Saturday matinee for "Honeymoon in Vegas: The Musical"

The Scene: The Cheerleader

One of the great things about any music scene - Portland, Seattle, NYC, Chicago, LA - is the people you meet. On a cold winter's night in Arlington, VA as I went looking to hear something new, I met Ken Roseman, a freelance reporter who's covered live music for decades. He was a frenetic ball of energy and generous with his time, even while he was on assignment. I photographed him that night and this is one is of my favorite portraits.

2014: A Year in the Life of Shannon Finney Photography

Shannon Finney Photography's Year in Review

2014 has been a wonderful year - full of happy families, symphony orchestras, rock bands, veterans of the stage and screen, brides and grooms, grooms and grooms, fashion models, fashion designers, and even a few Supreme Court justices. Here are a few of my favorite moments!

Love Meets the Great Outdoors in this Rustic Fall Wedding at River Farm, Alexandria, VA

For Ed and Rod, the beautiful grounds of the historic River Farm property in Alexandria, VA were the perfect choice for their Halloween wedding day. Sited along the banks of the Potomac River, the property is a mix of rolling hills, leafy green trees (including the largest Osage tree in all of North America), and meadows full of switch grasses and bluestem. Ed and Rod chose to incorporate some Halloween whimsy, with their orange ties and vests, and rustic, bespoke floral arrangements (made by their niece) into their wedding day. It was a lovely day for a lovely wedding:)