Upon encountering Shannon K. Dougherty’s portrait photography, we were immediately struck by her talent in portraying strength and femininity simultaneously. Her portraits are not just images; they tell a story, inviting viewers to delve into the subjects’ inner worlds and dreams.
Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Shannon is an internationally recognized, award-winning photographer. We had the chance to discuss her approach to portrait photography, including her techniques and styling.
Shannon’s journey into photography began in the fine arts, particularly painting. Drawn to working with live models and figure painting, she found photography a less time-consuming and cleaner medium to continue her artistic expression.
Describing her photography style, Shannon emphasizes a blend of soft, dreamy elements with a strong character portrayal. Her essential equipment includes 50mm and 85mm lenses for portraits, with a 70-200mm for versatility, and a 16-35mm for wider, more artistic shots. She predominantly uses Canon cameras, occasionally incorporating old film cameras for a touch of fun. Shannon also emphasizes the use of simple lighting setups and v-flats to manipulate light.
Shannon believes in the power of creativity over expensive gear, asserting that understanding the basics of photography is crucial. She approaches her work aiming to tell a story, not just capture an image. This narrative element is often reflected in her models’ emotions, the use of props, or the chosen location. While she has a basic plan for each shoot, much of the storytelling evolves naturally during the process, adapting ideas on the spot to enhance the story or emotion.
When it comes to challenges, Shannon notes that unpredictability in locations and dealing with crowds are significant factors. She prepares for weather changes and often has to edit out people from backgrounds in busy locations.
Styling plays a vital role in Shannon’s work. She collaborates with models on wardrobe choices, often providing clothing from her studio and guiding them on the theme or vibe of the shoot. Currently, she handles most of the styling for her photoshoots herself.
Editing is another critical aspect of her workflow. Shannon prefers to edit her work to maintain control over the narrative, using it to refine elements not captured perfectly in-camera.
Shannon’s advice for photographers seeking improvement is to continually learn. She encourages engaging with books, attending conferences and events, watching tutorials, and seeking mentorship. For her, the learning process in photography is never-ending.
Let’s Take a Look at the Photographic Images by Shannon K. Dougherty:
