shannon leith :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: photographer of everyday life based in pasadena, california

their daily,

portraits

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Friday, May 27, 2011

i spent the day with tara whitney's family-------

just being there and photographing what i saw.

its so nice to find a kindred spirit in life,

and that's what i feel when i'm around tara.

which is hilarious and beautiful because i had been following her blog for five years before we finally met in person.

what i want to remember:

a family who is family.

a no-pressure space to grow and express.

turning on the record player and dancing in the living room,

because that's what they do

nate: shannon? thanks for coming today.

drew playing with mckenna in the pool

a dad who is so present.

he plays

jokes

laughs

is present.

anna cutting tomatoes

drew's tomato taco

tara being a mom.

seeing her kids for real

loving each.

how affectionate they are.

the multiple hugs at night.

the more multiple hugs at night.

12 comments so far

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isabel says:

o.m.g. my heart just exploded all over these photos. i can't pick a favorite. i really can't. because each one did something to me. i really, really, feel so inspired by both of you. hope someday i get upgraded from creepy internet stalker to real life friend too!

(05.27.11 @ 12:47 PM)

ketti says:

Swoon!!! I want to be a Tara-esque mom. You can see all the fun and love in their family.

(05.27.11 @ 12:51 PM)

Traci says:

Made my heart smile.

(05.27.11 @ 01:13 PM)

Ann-Marie says:

WOW. Speechless. Beyond gorgeous.

(05.27.11 @ 01:43 PM)

Gail says:

I always admire how honest and open Tara lives her life online in both words and pictures. Thanks for sharing more of it here. Your work is BEAUTIFUL!

(05.27.11 @ 01:50 PM)

Stephen says:

Shannon you have such an amazing ability to capture the joy in peoples faces and just the sense of life and joy in the the simple pieces of our life. Thanks for sharing.

(05.27.11 @ 04:05 PM)

josh solar says:

Lovely photos of a lovely family! So moving :)

(05.27.11 @ 08:12 PM)

Daniel Schwartzkopf says:

I'm being a nerd here, but what game are they playing in the second picture?

(05.27.11 @ 09:25 PM)

janna | gould says:

everything about this is so beautiful.

(05.28.11 @ 12:16 AM)

Ro says:

the swirling dancing kitchen is exquisite

(05.28.11 @ 04:59 AM)

Ginger Murray says:

Shannon, your work is beautiful:)

(06.03.11 @ 09:42 PM)

davina says:

Shannon, what a lovely snapshot of their real and beautiful life. The words you wrote at the end were so everyday and also the things that make up a real and meaningful life.

(06.16.11 @ 12:32 PM)

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charity----------

--- shine**

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Wednesday, May 25, 2011

that spectrum of color up there is a mystery to me. there was no rainbow off to the right. i guess it wanted to be there.

something i love about charity is that she gets it. she wants to explore, and be, and find meaning, and embrace mystery. we experimented and she showed me her real self. there was no makeup artist, no stylist, no perfect location.....she even left her hair wavy instead of straightening it. raw and real. this was a space where she was allowed to shine as her bold, shining, passionate, complex and layered self.

what a joy. :)

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Ketti says:

So beautiful!!

(05.26.11 @ 12:04 AM)

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+/-

daily life

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Thursday, May 19, 2011

i have felt in a bit of a photographic rut for a few weeks.

i have work that i've done that i could show, but something about having to sort through images feels like too much. something about having to choose what to show and what to write feels like too many decisions. i know that there is something within the sets of images i've done, i just dont know which path to take. there are always so many options within one session- whether it be a wedding or a portrait session or a few photos of my lunch. choosing something out of the mix would also mean clarity, and i feel like i am in a phase of gaining new clarity and direction in my work, so putting anything out in the world feels premature and exposing. it would be kind of half baked. although.............................. i do enjoy things like underbaked cookies, and lukewarm coffee, so maybe letting the raw edges show would be good. who knows. i'm trying not to think about it too much. i did want to let you know though, that my photography carries many ups and downs, many peaks and many valleys, many moments of extreme vision and others where i wish i knew what i was doing. its not all slick and easy. i'm so glad though, for being true to my seasons. there was the dish season, the white season, the walk season, lots of seasons. the next season for me feels like it might have to do with 1) people, and 2) with getting out of my box. and that's what i know for today.

there's a high possibility that the season might have something to do with,

3 comments so far

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Janee Lookerse says:

It's ok to not want to expose yourself too soon, just as long as you don't give in to fear :)

(05.20.11 @ 01:00 PM)

Katy says:

Amen Amen Amen.
I ove love love what you wrote.
I'm sure it will resonate with so many more people than you can imagine.
I know it resonated with me.
Thanks for being honest with us always!

(05.20.11 @ 07:52 PM)

Tracey says:

Something in your words I could totally relate to. Learning to travel those moments with an acceptance and peace for what they are, let them
"bake" into perfect timing. God will lead you there. :)

(05.24.11 @ 11:31 AM)

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chelsea-------------------------------

--- shine**

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Friday, May 13, 2011

so chelsea has been interning for me for the past semester, and every time she walks into my house its a joy. chatting and eating together are my favorite parts of the internship. at heart, i'm a chatter and not a worker. sometimes.

last week i had on my list of to-do's to take her portrait, and she came and asked if i could......take her portrait. i love when the stars align like that.

so, we took her portrait.

i think its a beautiful thing to soak up your own beauty and to have the space of an hour to believe it exists.

chelsea is: confident, spunky, natural, and so many more things. you can't really put a person into a box of three words.

12 comments so far

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Marilyn Paul says:

If I were Chelsea's Mother I wouldn't even begin to know which picture I would get fixed and ONTO THE WALL at home!! Magic is what these pictures feel like to me. Great girl, great photographer, great friends for each other. This looks like life-long friendship happening! love ya, gr ma

(05.13.11 @ 11:33 AM)

Marilyn Paul says:

Hi Shannon, I wrote a good comment and now can't find it! Anyway, I think I said that if I were Chelsea's Mother I wouldn't even begin to know which picture to get framed and put on the wall! Maybe all of them!!! Beautiful girl and wonderful photographer!! Looks like a life-long friendship has started.....you are both blessed! love ya, GR MA

(05.13.11 @ 11:36 AM)

Marilyn Paul says:

(05.13.11 @ 11:37 AM)

Erin says:

oooooh i like this :)

(05.13.11 @ 11:50 AM)

Erin says:

oooooh i like this :)

(05.13.11 @ 11:54 AM)

Gabi says:

Hi is beautiful! I love all the photos but I think the fourth one is my favorite. :)

(05.13.11 @ 01:00 PM)

Gabi says:

I meant : Hi Shannon, she is beautiful :) Was typing faster than I was thinking :)

(05.13.11 @ 01:02 PM)

Chelsea's Mom says:

Marilyn...you are so right. I have Cheslea's work all over the place. I need more walls...she is so far away and her work brings her home too me. I am a very proud mama

(05.13.11 @ 02:20 PM)

lauren says:

gorgeous images - i love the way you use window light - it is always so very stunning and crisp and happy.

(05.13.11 @ 02:34 PM)

Janee Lookerse says:

I love the one that is mostly the white wall. Its just so lovely and peaceful.

xoxo

(05.16.11 @ 04:03 PM)

Seth Cutter says:

Wow. The photos are really powerful. And Chelsea is stunningly good looking!

(05.17.11 @ 10:24 PM)

Leah Bean says:

Where did you get those cool jellyfish that are hanging in the corner?

Also, I'd love to read a post by you about tips for taking people's portraits.

You rock, Shannon!

(05.19.11 @ 04:20 AM)

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from today.

pink house

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Thursday, May 12, 2011

mail

some messes, (and while this was happening, didn't know whether to put tidy or disorganized on a personality quiz. HMM.)

i..........love............this................picture.

i..............am............a............#7 on the enneagram.

bag that shows up here: ketti handbags! i get so many compliments. best camera accessory ever, especially because it doubles as a purse to take mail to the post office.

11 comments so far

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Mary Robin Gibson says:

I love this, your home, your blog, creative is beautiful. Vulnerability is beauty, for truth is exposed and met with grace. I see beauty here. want to see more!!

(05.12.11 @ 11:43 PM)

Mary Robin Gibson says:

I love this, your home, your blog, creative is beautiful. Vulnerability is beauty, for truth is exposed and met with grace. I see beauty here. want to see more!!

(05.12.11 @ 11:44 PM)

isabel says:

does the ketti bag come with a cross the body strap deal? i loved it, before i even read down to know it was ketti. also, love love love your pink house.

(05.13.11 @ 04:31 AM)

Michelle | GHG says:

That bag is fab! I always feel awkward carrying around my camera bag and purse and bumping into everybody. This bag would solve lots.

(05.13.11 @ 10:10 AM)

Michelle | GHG says:

That bag is fab! I always feel awkward carrying around my camera bag and purse and bumping into everybody. This bag would solve lots.

(05.13.11 @ 10:11 AM)

Michelle | GHG says:

That bag is fab! I always feel awkward carrying around my camera bag and purse and bumping into everybody. This bag would solve lots.

(05.13.11 @ 10:11 AM)

Mom (Shelley) says:

I just received one of those colorful envelopes peeking out of your ketti handbag! I scored!

(05.13.11 @ 05:36 PM)

Ketti says:

(05.15.11 @ 01:36 PM)

Janee Lookerse says:

Ok seriously I was just going to ask you about that bag. Fantastic. Thanks for sharing Shan.

(05.16.11 @ 04:04 PM)

Kim Parker says:

I'm totally a 7 too! I love that book, lol.

(12.19.11 @ 11:04 PM)

sally2011 says:

Doctors regularly tell us we should botanical slimming soft gel lose weight to bring down our blood pressure.

(12.26.11 @ 12:40 AM)

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the light

daily life

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Tuesday, April 26, 2011

cosmo really likes being by the window. he likes looking out.

i love how as a pet owner you can dictate what your pet does and doesnt like.

i'm realizing how much "cosmo likes _________" kind of actually means that i'm the one who likes it.

so..... i like cosmo being by the window. its magic.

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Jasmine says:

You really do delight me. I'm sorry I haven't got back to you about hanging out—may not even end up with a day off this week. Craziness as per usual. But I delight in the delight you experience and share here. I really do.

(04.26.11 @ 09:43 AM)

Sarah Parro says:

This is going to sound weird. I used to go to Biola, and sort of knew your brother Jason. I don't go to Biola anymore, and I honestly don't remember how I found your blog, but I love it; it always brightens my day when you post something new. I love how light and fresh and airy all of your photos are. Also, I want to follow suit in your organization/cleansing frenzy you talk about below. Just wanted to say thank you for doing what you do, and keep it up!

(04.26.11 @ 02:18 PM)

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doing.

pink house

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Monday, April 25, 2011

you know all those magazine articles that teach you how to organize?

i took three of them this weekend and did the steps.

i have been saving the articles for a long while.

i have also been collecting images on pinterest that i liked. finally used them instead of just being "inspired" by them. ie: thinking about it and not doing it.

i also followed the steps on posts like this one and this one from my favorite blog, 3191.

the magazine articles are from the only magazine i subscribe to, whole living. (actually, i also subscribe to blind spot. love that one.)

within the past few years i've had the goal of discovering rhythms that ring true to my spirit.

so here's my version of spring cleaning:

1. replaced all my dried flowers with living plants. this was a piece of advice from the whole living article.

2. got rid of books. some books are one-time reads. i got rid of those ones. some books i just dont want to read but feel like i SHOULD read. got rid of those. some books were from college and i will never pick up on my own. got rid of those. i also used to buy old books just because they were old. got rid of those.

3. i have lots of crap. i got rid of all of it. vague, but not vague.

4, i've been cleansing my closet slowly, so i didnt have many clothes to give away, but i did find one thing to give to my sister. i love having a minimum amount of clothes and wearing things over and over.

5. made some new file folders and filed things away.

6. got a few things at ikea to help.

7. rearranged the living room 3 times until it felt right.

8. sold things on craigslist. sent an email to my friends telling them i was giving away books. dropped things off at goodwill.

after this was done, i made things functional and meaningful.

-- highlighted things that i really loved by making them stand out on a shelf or whatever .

-- hid and put away things that i dont really love but need.

-- organized according to how i use things.

this means >>>> put the books i read every morning near the chair where i read. put matches by the candles. taped up things that inspire me near my desk instead of hiding them in a folder. realized i had about 5 kinds of books and put them in their own sections. got rid of things that were there just for decoration to fill space.

so, now i feel really good.

i think the coolest part is actually having things surrounding me that are meaningful.

getting the filler-stuff out of there: the stuff i never use and am never going to touch.

i now have only what i care about.

it feels so refreshing.

* making color spectrums with books makes me feel bizarrely satisfied.

p.s., i need to tell you that this was really hard. it was emotional to let go of things that i once was really into. like my wooden box coffee table that looked like a coffin. i loved that thing. but it was time for something new. and yeah i might 'need' it 'one day', but if that day comes i'll find something new that fits me in that phase. so yeah. throwing away old crap isn't exactly fun, but it's freeing.

22 comments so far

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ruthi says:

I love a good life cleanse!

I need to follow in your footsteps and be way more intentional about it...

(04.25.11 @ 02:45 PM)

tara says:

CUE THE ANGELS SINGING IN A CHOIR!
Congratulations. Big jobs are the most satisfying.

(04.25.11 @ 02:59 PM)

Christine says:

hmm...I feel refreshed! Really!

(04.25.11 @ 03:52 PM)

Greg Leith (alias, DAD) says:

come to my house! do you consult ?!

(04.25.11 @ 03:58 PM)

Roxy Khan says:

Shan. The PH looks so fresh! I have really been thinking about it lately. The provided housing here in Oregon is not so homey, pretty, or fresh.

Miss you. Also, the post-it still warms my heart. LOVE.

(04.25.11 @ 03:59 PM)

teri says:

i am so inspired by simplicity and minimalism, so i loved this post.. thank you!! i moved away from LA last fall and have now been living with 30 or so boxes worth of stuff packed away.. love realizing that we don't need all that we surround ourselves with. will definitely look back at this post once we move into a house and our ultimate organization project begins! :)

(04.25.11 @ 04:09 PM)

Ketti says:

I JUST leaned my horrible mess of a desk before sitting down to read this. I'm in an organizing mood right now. Love all your succulents - I really want some but just haven't gotten any yet. Perhaps today is the day!

(04.25.11 @ 04:09 PM)

jasmine says:

Your home filled me with delight today—but it is your methodologies that filled me with joy and a sense of relief-by-proxy. Incidentally, I went on a similar rampage recently. I know how great it feels. Yay, you.

(04.25.11 @ 04:16 PM)

jennifer says:

yeah! you go! you know i love this...

(04.25.11 @ 05:38 PM)

Carson Leith says:

NICE!

(04.25.11 @ 06:11 PM)

Katy says:

GOOD JOB SHANNON! All that in a weekend - I'm impressed & inspired.

(04.25.11 @ 07:09 PM)

emma says:

great post! i have to know... where is your grey couch from?

(04.26.11 @ 03:19 AM)

ella says:

this website is a breath of fresh air from the comparatively dull and un-artsy university life i'm living! your photos are wonderful :) i especially love the polaroids. cosmo is the cutest bird, and your apartment is lovely!

(04.26.11 @ 06:17 AM)

april says:

i'm going through a similar phase right now - i'm calling it "operation purge 2011" ;)
i am really inpsired by minimalist living (my home is basically the opposite right now)... but i'm also looking to 'throw away old crap' and really downsize so we can BREATHE in our home again.
an interesting woman/blog: http://www.missminimalist.com/
check it out! she's pretty hardcore...but insipring!
:)

(04.26.11 @ 08:01 AM)

april says:

(04.26.11 @ 08:03 AM)

Kate says:

Making color spectrums with books is genius.

(04.26.11 @ 09:59 AM)

gina says:

YOU HAVE FR. DE CAUSSADE ON YOUR BOOKSHELF. UNDER BROTHER LAWRENCE. You are one of my new favorite people, Shannon.

(04.26.11 @ 03:48 PM)

Tracey says:

1. Did I just read that you are on Pinterest? I am so addicted.
2. Just reading this post made me feel cleaner and fresher, like I do after I read a Real Simple magazine. In my other life I am a personal organizer. I would clean my friend's garages for free. Love it.
3. Is that The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence on your book shelf? One of my faves. I think of this book when I am doing the dishes.
4. about your p.s....this is what I tell myself when I get rid of things that I barely use but think I might want some day: if I actually wind up needing it, I can go buy it or borrow it. And yet, I have never had to do this in all my years of tossing.

So. Yeah for tossing! When you toss, you make room in your heart to usher in the new. :)

(04.26.11 @ 09:35 PM)

Tracie West says:

I love your home, it's so happy and light.

(04.27.11 @ 10:22 AM)

Sonia S. says:

I love how spacious your home is. I am in LOVE with your kitchen. I also love how you planted succulents in random jars and placed them all over your home.

(04.28.11 @ 08:29 AM)

lisa hackbarth says:

(05.04.11 @ 11:23 AM)

chris says:

I commented when I was over how much I liked the little plant on the side table, but I like the picture even more! Your apartment is awesome

(05.05.11 @ 07:38 AM)

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