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

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Friday, September 2, 2011

i went on the trip to the czech not knowing exactly why i was going,

i just knew i had to go.

the experience ending up making me feel more alive than i've felt in a while.

originally, i was scared that in saying yes to an experience overseas that i'd be saying no to finding enjoyment in my ordinary daily life in south pasadena. i'm the girl who photographs daily life. there was this part of me that feared getting out of the safe zone of my daily and into something new.

but what i found was that there is something deep in my soul that does really crave the new.

i really enjoy letting my eyes have new experiences.

letting my eyes soak something in for a long time.
putting myself in situations where i have sensory overload.

letting myself be so overstimulated by the shapes and colors and lines and personalities that i can't help but sit down in the middle of prague and take a deep breath and experience just one thing out of the thousands of things that i'm noticing.

its so good for who i am to get out of the CZ.

comfort zone.

i also remembered that i really really really really really really like polaroids.

its so interesting to imagine something is going to be scary, but to go for it anyway and then.... surprise! to find a part of yourself that was there all along but just needed to be let out.

hi i now like to travel.

the ocean over new york

the gift of a venti instead of a tall

that teensy plastic bag floating around

reminds me of the pleiades.'

.......there is so much to say.................!!!!

bugs that looked like stars.

((polaroid sx-70))))

4 comments so far

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janna | gould says:

those ladies!!
shan, these are great!

(09.02.11 @ 10:34 PM)

christina says:

what an awesome gift allowing yourself to experience something so amazing! polaroids...aw yeah!

(09.03.11 @ 08:00 AM)

hollie says:

I always welcome travelling friends :)

(09.07.11 @ 06:19 PM)

Jason leith says:

Um, these pictures are absolutely beautiful... You are still becoming a better photographer everyday

(09.16.11 @ 01:36 AM)

Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: whats in you. . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://shannonleith.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/371

little mini's!

polaroids

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Thursday, December 23, 2010

a comment on yesterday's post reminded me that i actually do have little mini versions of that bigger piece in the post below------ they're only $75 each: the frame is 9x9" with a 5" archival polaroid print! total deal----- they were selling for $150 each at the cafe you see in the photos! let me know if you'd like one for someone for Christmas! or..... for your office cubicle. or your room. OR YOUR KITCHEN. pretty. yes@shannonleith.com

4 comments so far

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Ruthi says:

When I saw "mini" I was picturing, like, 2-3" and I about diiiiiieeed!

I want a mini mini Shan print...

(12.23.10 @ 11:35 AM)

Anonymous says:

nice post!

(12.30.10 @ 07:15 PM)

Katy says:

OHHHHH how I want one (or 10!!) Lovely!

(01.04.11 @ 10:39 PM)

Sarah says:

I know this is a really old post, but I love those mini polaroids. Is there any way I can see them up close? It's hard to tell what some of them look like from these pictures.

(05.28.11 @ 01:33 PM)

Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: little mini's! . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://shannonleith.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/285

art on the wall,

polaroids

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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

this piece is huge.

it's a custom piece that was commissioned,

eighteen polaroid prints float mounted on a huge piece of matboard,

and all of them link up in a way that is fresh and new and exciting to me.

it's one of my favorite things i've made.

its been in printing phase and framing phase and installing phase and now its finally ready!

i went to see it in my client's home today and gasped.

somehow when i see my own work in print it feels like such an out of body experience.

i feel like i get to enjoy it in this new way.

tangible and real is so much better than digital and pixely and transient.

2011 will include lots of real, tangible pieces for me.

interested in having your own?

email me::: yes@shannonleith.com!

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Heidi Jo says:

Gorgeous, Shannon! It is perfect for that home.

(12.22.10 @ 09:18 PM)

Gretchen says:

I love it!!! Due to the size of my house I think I'd like a smaller one! Well, maybe when I get an apartment :) I love the way it's framed, I love the color of the frame and I love the prints inside... LOVE LOVE LOVE.

(12.22.10 @ 10:35 PM)

carson leith says:

how wonderful is this!

(12.23.10 @ 09:13 AM)

Angela says:

Shannon- I feel so fortunate to have worked with you on this piece. I enjoy it everyday-it makes me smile!

(12.23.10 @ 10:14 AM)

Jason Leith says:

you are rockin it these days, shan. A commissioned piece! that is so cool. i really love it.

(12.23.10 @ 11:28 PM)

isabel furie says:

so so cool! mind if i ask what the photos are of?

(12.26.10 @ 11:50 AM)

Greg Leith (alias, DAD) says:

Shannon, your photo art is gorgeous. It's delightful to see it on a wall in someones place! How magnificent!

(12.28.10 @ 06:01 AM)

Erin says:

This is beautiful shannon! You are so creative!

(12.31.10 @ 06:23 PM)

Katy says:

A) I want to live in this house.
B) I want to buy all my art from you.

(01.04.11 @ 10:41 PM)

Lehua says:

so awesome. how would one register for this :)

(01.19.11 @ 04:44 PM)

Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: art on the wall, . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://shannonleith.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/284

show at SPACE

polaroids

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Monday, December 13, 2010

i'm really proud of this show. i've never been the window display in an art gallery before! monumental moment! what an honor. i also have those cosmo drawings in the show. the grid one sold to an architect.

this whole thing (well, mostly the drawings) was one big experiment in trying and trusting. trying out something new, and trusting that it would work out. i dont exactly love the non-grid one, but i'm practicing the art of being okay with that.

info:

SPACE art gallery

1506 Mission Street

South Pasadena, CA 91030

spaceartscenter.com

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tara says:

That pola display is killing me. Congrats!

(12.13.10 @ 11:06 AM)

Paige says:

Shannon, this is lovely! I hope I can come see it in person! How long is it running?

(12.13.10 @ 02:33 PM)

Jill K says:

Shan - these photos are amazing! I always look at your show when I drive down Mission. You got some great pics here!

(12.13.10 @ 06:52 PM)

Lindsey says:

yay yay yay! so excited for you! your drawings are wonderful as well as your photographs...obviously. :) so excited to see it in person in the next few days!!! with my family as well. :)

(12.14.10 @ 01:13 AM)

Heidi Jo says:

So amazing, Shannon. I so wish I was in SoCal so I could go to your shows.

(12.14.10 @ 09:35 AM)

blythe says:

thanks for posting these shots! LOVE the way your polies are displayed! and your biggie!

so proud of you!!

(12.15.10 @ 02:28 PM)

jennifer says:

this. is brilliant! you. are brilliant!!!

(12.16.10 @ 06:30 PM)

Paige Evans says:

What a small world - yes I live in South Pas and I love your photos dangling in the window on Mission. Very inspiring :)

(12.29.10 @ 07:49 AM)

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announcement::::: limited edition prints & an art opening!

polaroids

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Tuesday, February 9, 2010

one of my goals for SUCH A LONG TIME has been to have prints and books of my photographs available for sale. i love design, i love real, i love tactile things you can hold. therefore, to only have my work online is somewhat underwhelming for me. the internet is good for lots of things, speed, accessibility, efficiency, instant gratification, and its free! but!!!!! i love curling up on my couch and looking at books. i like hanging art on walls.

so here is my art, available to you to hang on your wall.
via my brand new etsy store!!!!! finally!
etsy.com/store/shannonleith

something else that is important to me is gallery shows.
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i'm having an art show at my YOGA STUDIO!
Saturday, February 13th, 730pm
MISSION STREET YOGA,
1017 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030.
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they have an absolutely incredible space,
painted bright orange and magenta, so it was clearly meant to be.
you are invited!
there will be music and art and wine and treats.
i would love to hang out, and meet you if we haven't met yet.
let me know if you're coming by leaving a comment below!

displayed at the art opening will be a sneak peek of my new book that i'm working on publishing! you will be one of the first to see it. i will also have the limited edition prints for sale live and in person :)

cannot wait!
email me if you have questions! yes@shannonleith.com

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blythe says:

i love you, love this.

but i do not love that i have plans this friday and will miss your show. is it at least comforting to know i'm missing it only to go to a BALL? truly.

(02.09.10 @ 04:39 PM)

Ruthi Auda says:

ok, so I am going to buy some prints from you next time I see you but only to hold me over until I can buy your book. I need it on my bookshelf for sure.

(02.09.10 @ 04:44 PM)

janna_gould says:

Shannon! I was introduced to your blog by one of my photographer friends who lives in Michigan. She told me that you live in Pasadena (I do too!) and that I would would love your stuff. She was right on. I'm excited that your stuff will be up for in-person display. Count me in! I look forward to meeting you!

(02.09.10 @ 07:58 PM)

jennifer young says:

awww congrats shannon! new etsy stores are always so exciting! your photography is breathtaking! and this site is gorgeous! so inspiring :)
j.

(02.09.10 @ 10:21 PM)

Greg Leith (alias, DAD) says:

Shannon, who knew there was such a thing as an artsy version word of etch a sketch like i used to use when i was 5 years old. Etsy's & 'One Steps', wow! You are on the move in the art world! Mom & I (the business majors) are still wondering where all that art came from! We love you!!!

(02.10.10 @ 06:15 AM)

Phil says:

Hi, i'd like to come out. i happen to stumble upon your blog and have spent the past... oh quite a while looking at it. i dig it.

Can i half rsvp? i dont have a car so if i can get one i will be there.

(02.10.10 @ 07:24 PM)

chelsea says:

totally unrelated but, i found this site with some really great tape, though you might like it ;)
http://www.thetintedmint.com/default.asp

(02.12.10 @ 12:02 AM)

Shannon Leith says:

dude---------
totally just bought 3 tapes.
I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(02.12.10 @ 12:26 AM)

chelsea says:

totally unrelated but, i found this site with some really great tape, though you might like it ;)
http://www.thetintedmint.com/default.asp

(02.12.10 @ 12:26 AM)

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ism polaroid show at bergamont station---- instant gratification LA

polaroids

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Wednesday, January 13, 2010

when i walked up to the show to see hundreds and hundreds of people--------- a line an hour long-------- no room to breathe------------ i'll admit, i was excited. i submitted polaroids to this show a while ago, having no idea how big it would get. i'm sure they didn't either. polaroids were submitted from all around the world, and kevin staniec did an amazing job curating the show and putting it on. kevin! you rule.

everyone with cameras, taking pictures of pictures.

every time i saw one of my polaroids i screamed.... yelled.... screeched....
and every time i saw one of my FACE i was so surprised that i everyone around me must have thought i was nuts.

and this last one........
is my favorite........
a picture of the moon taken through a telescope with an sx-70.
what?

what it says= lawrence garret-- info@myfairpoint.net. sx-70 with microscope adapter used on 12.5 inch newtonian reflector, pizza box used for black hat shutter, unguided, blue 82a filter used.

so yay!
such an honor to be part of this.

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Fotografia Ślubna Warszawa says:

nice way to make an exposition :)

(01.14.10 @ 01:08 AM)

Julie Hibbard says:

Honored to know someone who is a part of it! Too cool!!!

(01.14.10 @ 04:47 AM)

GR MA says:

Look at that! I keep using the word amazing connected to things you do, but I'm proud and know you have quite the career ahead with your "arty talent". love ya

(01.14.10 @ 11:29 AM)

tiny twig says:

love the one of the moon, too. and your perspective--its like you were shooting through an obstacle, too. :)

(01.14.10 @ 11:31 AM)

shannon leith says:

you guys are the sweetest---------- all of you.

(01.14.10 @ 04:16 PM)

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we need some polaroids in our lives today.

polaroids

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Wednesday, January 6, 2010

....... at least i do.

enjoy :)
shannon

p.s.!!! i am in a rad polaroid show THIS SATURDAY at bergamont station. so so excited!! all are invited: just rsvp here and show up!

Saturday, January 9th, 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Bergamot Station, Copro Gallery, 2525 Michigan Ave T5, Santa Monica, CA 90404

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Laura says:

Wow, these are beautiful. I wish I didn't live on the other side of the world. I'd be at the show for sure. Love polaroids. x.

(01.06.10 @ 03:43 PM)

tiny twig says:

love the beautiful yellow tones...i still have a major crush on yellow. :)

(01.06.10 @ 05:02 PM)

tusssk says:

exciting! fyi: the show is featured on daily candy in the weekend guide :)
http://www.dailycandy.com/los-angeles/

(01.07.10 @ 11:04 AM)

Randy says:

I actually got invited to this show by a friend last week(unfortunately we can't go). So I checked out the list of contributors and saw your name. I was blown away! So cool!!! :)

(01.08.10 @ 08:26 AM)

Riley says:

Am I ever getting my camera back? :P

(01.24.10 @ 04:29 PM)

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