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

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Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Art show alert! I wrote a few weeks ago about this show, and have finally had time to let it all sink in. It took me a while because this was the first time I had seen my personal work in this context. I did a polaroid show a few years ago, but this was the first time that I've had real live photographs in real frames. Real mats. A real wall. Guys, you're laughing.... but a real wall is a lot different than the internet! I loved this opportunity and feel really proud of it. Well... it was actually really hard at first. The first time I saw it, I felt like I was about to hurl. It was awful. To see these photographs on the wall honestly made me feel so exposed and vulnerable. I wondered if these eight little photos on the wall was enough. It felt small for some reason. I processed everything on my own, I wrote about each image and that really helped. So. Deep breath. Enjoy looking :)

As I sat with each of the images, I realized this one was the most representative of my life this past year. This is my 2010 self portrait I think.

Everyone had NO idea what was in that yellow and white image. Don't they remember the pie crust blog post?

And here's a gallery of the images i showed so you can see them up close. Just scroll over the thumbnails,

So there you go!

And it was even written up in the South Pasadena paper.

I got two copies.

The show is coming down on March 13th, and there is a closing STORY NIGHT on Saturday March 12th! I will be there! Apparently they are having a writer write stories based on inspiration from the photos. What! Should be rad. Want to come?

SPACE art gallery, 8pm

1506 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030

9 comments so far

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Anonymous says:

love the lighting in all of your photos

(03.02.11 @ 05:41 AM)

Jessie says:

love the lighting in your photos.

(03.02.11 @ 05:42 AM)

Christen says:

beautiful. i am so thankful I was able to see this display in person because each piece of art is so sacred. I love that they are having a story night when the show ends... how perfect for you!

(03.02.11 @ 07:10 AM)

Michelle says:

How exciting! They're beautiful, Shannon! Really, I love your work. I want every single one. :)

(03.02.11 @ 09:10 AM)

Carson Leith says:

I was moved by your description of seeing your own photos on the wall at SPACE. The fact that you felt so vulnerable you wanted to hurl tells me what it's like for an artist to come to terms with her own work. Thanks, Shan.

(03.02.11 @ 05:54 PM)

Katy says:

Maybe because it has something to do with the fact that I just finished watching Romeo & Juliet (Leo & Claire) for the FIRST TIME literally 5 minutes ago... but this post brought me to tears. Gorgeous and so special!

(03.03.11 @ 08:12 PM)

Katy says:

aaand I didn't proof read my post. "maybe it has something to do with the fact..." is what it should read. :)

(03.03.11 @ 08:15 PM)

hollie says:

well i just LOVE LOVE LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE your "self-portrait". that light. amazing.

(03.04.11 @ 08:33 AM)

Christine says:

I want to go! Maybe I will... :)

(03.04.11 @ 10:41 AM)

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SEEING::: sign ups for the next class!

daily life

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Sunday, February 27, 2011

Thought you might enjoy seeing the weird ways i contort my body while photographing people. I will say this: my yoga comes in handy.

Also, I am announcing the dates for the third SEEING class!

This one will start on Saturday April 2nd. It's an eight week experience where we meet twice as a group and twice in one-on-one private mentoring sessions.

I have a special change happening with this class: the whole thing will be held at the Pink House.

I did the first class at an art gallery, the second class at a cool hip loft, and am realizing that it's just not me. I wanted to be more authentic to who I am and how I work, so I decided to invite you guys into my home studio. I want to show you exactly how to make the most ordinary spaces look interesting and bright and lovely. Yes, art galleries and lofts are cool..... but what happens when you get back to your house which probably... isn't as cool? I think that this will inspire you to go home and do the same thing in your own space. So. Want to come over? Want an experience that will help you tap into your own unique vision and learn how to see light? Want to expand your way of seeing your world? Sign up here. There are 7 spots available, and only 5 left.

Here are the photos i took of everyone while we were learning about portraits. I believe that the best way to learn about photographing people is to experience what it's like to be in front of the camera. It's nerve-wracking, which is exactly why it helps! You need to know what you're doing to other people when you're the one with the camera. You know? So, these are the images I took of each person as I explained exactly how my eyes were seeing each lighting situation.

here is, Monica,

JB,

Kendra,

Gina,

Janna,

Daniel,

Jason,

Ketti,

& Allison,

Does this spark your interest?

Want to be part of this?

Sign up here.

Hope you can come :)

Email me with any questions. yes@shannonleith.com

---- shannon

p.s., want to know about past students' experiences?

4 comments so far

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Katy says:

I know JB!!!

(02.28.11 @ 10:28 AM)

Stevie says:

My fingers are crossed that you will host another class in June/July. I'll be in CA for most of that time and would LOVE the opportunity to take this class. You are such an inspiration!

(03.02.11 @ 02:09 PM)

blythe says:

shan. that first picture made me gasp. the lines! the light!
swoonage.

(03.02.11 @ 02:30 PM)

Morgan Wilson says:

WOW! I live in DC but would love love love to take this class - That pic of Daniel (who I don't know, BTW) is awesome! Love your work Shannon!!!

(03.05.11 @ 01:27 PM)

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shifting & image selection,

daily life

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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Choosing images is sometimes hard.

In my work, i normally force myself to keep editing down my image choices: shaving off the ones that just don't do anything to my heart. Today though, i surprised myself by being indecisive. I want them all in. So here are 4 pairs. I like the shifts that happen with each set. And the white! And, surprisingly, I think I like using capitals.

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april says:

I love the "hot coral pink" of your shirt peeking into the one photo. :)

(02.23.11 @ 10:13 AM)

hollie says:

the one with the blinds reminds me of your freshman photo project where you realized you were perfectionistic... and embraced it. Love it.

(02.23.11 @ 11:11 AM)

blythe says:

room shots are my favorite lately.

these ones are pretty :]

(02.23.11 @ 12:07 PM)

Szymon fotograf says:

unmade beds - love it!

(02.24.11 @ 03:56 AM)

Lynn says:

i'm so happy you didn't edit down this series, it really captures the flow so well!

of course, if you took photos of a thumb tack, a ruler and some tape, I’d be into it too. your photography is stellar lades.

(02.24.11 @ 07:52 AM)

Tracey says:

Second from the top. And seriously...do you enjoy that special pillow? I have been looking at those wondering if they were all that good? I need some neck therapy.

(02.25.11 @ 11:23 AM)

Tracey says:

Second from the top. And seriously...do you enjoy that special pillow? I have been looking at those wondering if they were all that good? I need some neck therapy.

(02.25.11 @ 11:23 AM)

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teaching at SPACE::: photo class for high schoolers!

daily life

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Monday, February 21, 2011

Right now i'm teaching an eight week photography class for kids 12 and up.

I, LOVE, IT.

I love this!

Can't say it enough.

The class is held through my favorite gallery in Pasadena, SPACE. They have tons of workshops for both kids and adults. I am also practicing typing in real capitals right now. Proper sentences. It doesn't feel right but I'm experimenting.

Anyway.

We're on week 4 in the class, and I decided to take them to Chinatown to practice what we learned about documentary photography. We took the Metro, loved our lives, took millions of pictures, and got boba at the end. I brought my roommate with me to help keep everyone alive, and I wore my tennis shoes because I think I expected to be chasing children the whole time. Nope, they're 13. No chasing.

So! Just wanted to share :)

end of the day smiles. again, shaina was my lifeline.

13 comments so far

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jannagould says:

this whole entry makes me so happy.

(02.21.11 @ 01:44 PM)

Allison says:

I love the kid with his skateboard...just darling.

(02.21.11 @ 02:04 PM)

Lindsey Swedzinski says:

oh my word lady! this all makes me so happy! love seeing you do this! and your photos are fantastic....love the one of the girl on her skateboard being so hip. lol or guy...not sure. lol seems like it was a ton of fun!

(02.21.11 @ 02:35 PM)

Kc says:

These are some of my FAVORITE IMAGES YOU HAVE EVER TAKEN! No lie :)

(02.21.11 @ 03:06 PM)

carson leith says:

i love this!
i love that you chose to teach this age level and share your knowledge with them. looks like a lot of fun! and the way you captured them is perf.
keep working on all caps :)

(02.21.11 @ 06:28 PM)

carson leith says:

i love this!
i like that you chose to teach a class to younger people. the way you captured their personalities is perf.
and congrats on the all caps! keep going :)

(02.21.11 @ 06:30 PM)

shannon leith says:

i love that this entry is such a hit! and yeah, cars...... apparently the caps thing didn't stick because look at this comment. none. shooters.

(02.21.11 @ 06:34 PM)

greg leith says:

Shannon...possibly never have i been more proud of you. This is sharing your gift at such a high level. These kids will have a mile marker etched on the road of their lives forever. Keep giving!

(02.22.11 @ 07:12 AM)

teri says:

loved reading this! i recently taught a 3 part photography workshop at a middle-school. loved every minute. your photo of the kid on his skateboard is awesome, btw. :)

(02.22.11 @ 08:20 AM)

blaire says:

cool kid on a skateboard...

(02.22.11 @ 11:20 AM)

Maria says:

The kid on the skateboard. Fave.

(02.22.11 @ 12:44 PM)

Emily says:

The 7th picture down makes me so happy! I love that kid's stance. These photos are beautiful Shannon--naturally, since what you're doing is beautiful. I hope to see more posts like this! Definitely a hit.

(02.23.11 @ 01:30 PM)

shannon leith says:

so funny because i almost didn't post the skateboard one! glad i did :) glad you guys like it.

(02.23.11 @ 02:26 PM)

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a walk i took,

daily life

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Tuesday, February 8, 2011

i need more exercise in my life. i just took a walk this morning, a simple one, just up and down my street, and i got back with so much energy. julia cameron talks in the artist's way about how taking a walk can help you feel momentum in other parts of your life. i'm a believer. it works. i've already done so much today.

the walk theme reminded me of these photos i took on my disposable camera a little while ago. there was this weird haze over lots of the images which i like. i went through and picked my favorites and realized that they all had this divide. INTERESTING.

so, hope your day is going well,

and if you have any exercise tips for me, let me know!

------------ shannon :)

p.s., i did a few interviews lately, and if you want to read or listen, go for it. i'm all for stalking.

1. with laurie beth jones, this one's a radio interview mostly about my SEEING classes

2. with brynn for The Goods magazine, details like my favorite crayon colors, how i make the mundane look elegant, and how i balance work and personal life.

enjoy :)

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carson leith says:

this semester, i'm exercising more, too! it feels amazing and it affects my whole life for the better. i agree with you---walking/running gives you so much energy.

(02.08.11 @ 01:35 PM)

jennifer says:

when in doubt, walk!

(02.08.11 @ 01:46 PM)

Jenny says:

jillian michael's home videos -- i know she's scary on tv, but they REALLY work, are motivating, educational, and she doesn't make you bleed at home. ;) i recommend the 30 day shred one - 25 min. workouts. who can't fit that in their day? love it!

(02.08.11 @ 08:43 PM)

Gregg says:

I'm really amaze to all of your shots..wonderful!

medical transcription

(05.24.11 @ 01:47 AM)

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SEEING::: a photography class & mentoring experience

daily life

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Wednesday, February 2, 2011

the second SEEING class happened! in january!

we are in the middle of the class right now, week one of their private mentoring sessions. i love meeting one-on-one with people and uncovering new connections in their images. it lights me up and makes me feel alive.

this class is all about two things.

1. learning how to see light

2. learning how to see yourself.

its all about tapping into your own unique vision of the world.

to tap into it though, you have to believe its there.

that's what the class is really shaping itself into: a place to risk, and a place to build confidence in who you are. if it sounds interesting to you, send me an email to yes@shannonleith.com and i'll put you on the mailing list to announce the next one.

anyway!

this was our first group session at an amazing loft space,

i was so thankful to have margaret jacobsen as the official photographer of the day. she took these next photos. margaret! you're the best!

at the end we took this group photo....

i'm the one who organized it....

and then i came home and all of a sudden realized: why did i arrange such a typical and kind of awkward group photo? apparently all my creativity had been spent. sorry guys. next group session we're spicing things up.

anyway :)

i absolutely love this group of people.

here are a few of their blog posts about their experience:

enjoy :)

shannon

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jannagould says:

by "spicing it up" i do hope you mean feather boas.
xoxo.

(02.02.11 @ 01:42 PM)

Anonymous says:

everyone bring feathers to session 2.

(02.02.11 @ 06:10 PM)

jennifer says:

looks soooo inspiring! that loft is phenom! where is it? or what is it?

that first image gets me...or i get it..or both.
j.

(02.02.11 @ 09:41 PM)

hollie says:

so awesome that Jason is taking your class :)

(02.03.11 @ 07:04 AM)

hollie says:

so awesome that Jason is taking your class :)

(02.03.11 @ 07:06 AM)

Janee Lookerse says:

That loft looks absolutely AMAZING!!

(02.03.11 @ 08:24 AM)

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from when it rained.

daily life

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Tuesday, January 4, 2011

the tree by my house apparently had some issues, and i looked out my windows to see lots of men in neon outfits chopping it down. and i LOVE NEON. i wonder what they thought of me taking a polaroid of them?

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Laura says:

What...no pictures from home of the holidays?

(01.05.11 @ 04:18 PM)

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