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Brothers
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Love this picture from the recent wedding I just shot. It always warms my heart to see parents caring for their children or in this case big brother helping little brother out.
Company Shoot: Byas
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Sample from yesterday’s company shoot.
RickeyT Interview
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Yesterday I had the pleasure of shooting my very first interview. I was more than thrilled at the idea of finally getting into video. A good friend of mine (he’s really more like a brother) is a wonderful music artist and recently released his second mixtape. In honor of such occasion we decided to do a promo interview. We shot this in my dining room and I came back the next day and edited the video. Hope you enjoy!
Milestones
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My family has all the best photos! I’m determined to make sure everyone that is important in my life has some sort of visual representation. As such I was thrilled when I came home with my camera to find out my little cousin is GROWING HER FRONT TEETH! I know that’s not like the biggest news ever, but I consider it such an accomplishment or milestone in a person’s life. After about 50 frames I was able to get a good picture (she is always on the move lol). I simply love this picture of my adorable cousin and her eyes are amazing! We are currently teacher her to point to her body parts something that I find sooooo cute although she can only do “nose” for now. I don’t see myself as someone who wants kids so I borrow my friends and family kids from time to time lol. They all have great pictures too. It’s always great to have a photographer in the circle.
Working Working
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The weather has been exceptionally crazy here in Memphis! The rain is enjoyable but I feel like its taking away from my fun in the sun time. Everyone knows that summer starts in April in the south. As such the weather has cause crazy internet problems in the office so I’ve been working from home. It’s been relatively quiet considering the weather and the upcoming holiday, so I’ve taken some of the down time to tweak the business. Just to shape it as well as I can to better help my clients. I’ve got a lot of things I’m looking forward to putting into play. And I’ve just recently purchased a new lens for my cam that I can’t wait to try out with a wedding. It’s amazing for portraits. I’ve taken it for a few test runs and it is simply amazing. Great for low light situations which is what I was running into with old churches in the south.
I’m also really excited about a few projects that are coming up namely the Tennessee Natural Hair Expo which will be in Memphis this year! I’ve been doing a lot of research–everyone who knows me knows I love to research. But I’ve just been researching how to shoot bigger events, angles to get with portraits, and other little tidbits to be on the lookout for with events. I swear my Google reader is just a big random jumble of photoblogs. I’m always searching for tips and advice even to just be a little better.
Pharoahs vs. Redhawks
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I spend my Friday nights working or watching Star Wars or some other documentary. This Friday I came out to shoot my boss’ basketball team that he coaches, The Memphis Pharaohs. The game was great and I was more than happy that I came even though I was incredibly sleepy from my late soccer game the night before. This was my first time really getting to test out my new Nikkor lens I got so I was ecstatic. I’d been trying to nail great pictures in low light situations and this lens did pretty well. I’m more than happy with my purchase. I didn’t even have to use my flash. Hopefully this will open the door for more sports photography.
Weddings
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Wedding season is definitely in full swing with the great change in the weather. And I’m absolutely basking in all the marital bliss! I absolutely love my career and its shots like these that remind me why I started doing this in the first place. Next thing to conquer-an OUTSIDE wedding lol! I think they are simply beautiful and you really can’t go wrong photo wise. But I suppose it will be difficult to plan around mother nature.
#1-things that make me happy
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I simply love reading! I have my mom to thank for that. Growing up she made us read over the summer and do book reports and it kinda just stuck with me. College unfortunately derailed me from leisurely reading with necessity of reading for class. Thankfully Harry Potter reignited the flame and I rediscovered just how fun reading was again. I generally take trips to the Memphis Library and I’m always excited. Recently I’ve been hovering in the classics section.
Olivia’s First Snow Day
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This winter it actually snowed in Memphis and incredibly we got a few inches! I was ecstatic to go have some snow adventures unfortunately all my friends were basking in their unexpected off day and wanted to stay in bed. Lucky for me my soror, Kim, invited me to go play with her and her tiny human, Olivia. It was Olivia’s first time to get to play in the snow. It snowed last year but she wasn’t old enough to enjoy it. This year at the awesome age of 2 she had a blast! And of course I brought my camera along for the experience.
Carla and Ben
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This is my initial entry into the amazing world of video. Looking forward to diving head first learning an improving as much as possible. This was a recent wedding I shot in Charleston, MS. I had a ton of fun and wedding was simply amazing! This was also my first time testing out my new camera so I was super excited! I shot all the footage (in between shooting stills) and then I edited it together using an iMac and iMovie HD.
Carla and Ben from Chanell Shorter on Vimeo.
901life Interview
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Recently I was given the pleasure of doing an interview for 901life.com ! I was so thrilled. Hope you guys enjoy!
This week I welcome my good friend Chanell Shorter. Chanell is an outstanding wedding photographer based in Memphis, TN. You can see her work at www.cshorter.com
Enjoy the interview.
Hi Chanell,
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m just the geeky kid from Mississippi. *giggles* And I love being nerdy. I like being called by my last
name—Shorter. It somehow became cool in college. Not to mention I’m only 5’2” tall, which is an
added bonus. I love being short, well most of the time. I like being outside. I really don’t care for the
summer–it just gets too hot. Fall is my favorite season. I like playing tennis. I’m also a graphic designer.
I love reading books—Harry Potter in particular. I like flying kites and I’m working on learning Spanish
and Piano.
What part of town do you live in?
I live in south Memphis.
Three favorite wedding photos you have taken recently?
An engagement photo you have taken recently?
How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as photojournalistic. I believe everyone has a story to tell. My job is to
capture it.
How long have you been a professional photographer?
I shot throughout college but I’d say I began my professional career a few days after graduation.
A friend of mine asked me to shoot her wedding just to see what I’d get and it just snowballed!
How do you keep yourself motivated and your photography fresh?
I’m constantly looking at pictures. I explore other photographers and current trends and style and
personalize it to my own style. I also strive to create some type of emotional connection to my work.
I want my audience to feel the story.
Who or what inspires you in your personal life and work?
Everything! I read a lot, I sketch random ideas in my moleskine, movies, and sounds. I also have a
great group of friends and creatives that I keep in contact with and they are a great inspiration.
We may all have different mediums to express ourselves but that “expression” is what inspires me
most–the thought process behind the work and the passion to finish the project.
What’s the best part of being a photographer?
I see beauty in places most people do not. Growing up I took a lot of art classes and I remember my
teacher in junior high told me I’m not teaching you how to draw I’m teaching you how to “see.”
I’ve carried that with me thoughout my creative career.
How long have you been a photographer?
Since college so roughly 5 or 6 years. I played around with cameras in high school but once I got to
college I really got into it. It’s my passion.
What type of cameras do you shoot with?
I have a Nikon. Its my baby! Its the first professional camera I’ve purchased. I don’t think I’m ever
getting rid of it even when I upgrade.
What is your favourite photography accessory, other than your camera?
A tripod! It can really save the day.
What is your favourite computer/editing accessory, other than your computer?
Photoshop! The wonders it can achieve. My camera allows me to capture the moment photoshops
helps me to create the masterpiece.
What is your most used Photoshop tool, plug-in, action set etc…?
I have a set of wedding enhancers that I love and vintage actions. Also the healing brush.
Are you a Mac or PC lover?
TEAM MAC!!! I am a devout Mac supporter lol! If Steve Jobs made bottled water I’d probably buy it.
A website or blog you visit often?
Does twitter and facebook count? Besides those I usually visit “Price of Popularity” at
http://priceofpopularity.com pretty often. A great friend of mine is the mastermind behind it and she
always have great stuff to read. I also like “The Photo Argus” at http://www.thephotoargus.com.
They always have tons of inspiration and tips.
The hardest part of your job?
My job never seems hard mainly because it doesn’t seem like work. I’d say its more of a challenge.
I love a challenge.
What advice do you have for photographers just starting out?
Practice! A lot! Invest time in your craft. See what others are doing and how you can apply that to
your own style. Explore all venues of photography. I love weddings but its so great to see work from
photographers who specialize in fashion, or documentaries, or nature.
What piece of equipment would you most like to get but don’t have yet?
Even though I’m a Nikon supporter I’d love to have the new Canon 7D. The video abilities on it
are amazing! Not to mention a new iMac. Team MAC!
Do you make time for personal photographic work? If so, what do you enjoy
photographing and do you have an image you can share with us?
I’m making more of an effort to fit in time for personal work. I think its important so that I don’t ever
lose my passion. I never want photography to feel like a job. I want to do this forever!
The first photographer that comes to your mind and why?
Annie Leibovitz!!!! She is simply amazing! A professor of mine said that my work resembled hers when I
was in college. I was intrigued to see what kind of work she does and I’ve been hooked every since.
She always tells a story. I love how she can get her subjects so comfortable that they hardly notice
she has a camera.
The last workshop or seminar you attended and why?
I haven’t attended any besides college. I’m looking forward to going to one later but wedding
season approaches.
One way you market your business?
Honestly social networking helps a ton. Other than that just getting out and talking to people. I also
hand out business cards, flyers, and get ad space online. Word of mouth helps a ton.
If not a photographer you would have been?
Some type of artist. I’m also a graphic designer. I just love art!
Where would be your favorite place to shoot a wedding?
First thought–DISNEYWORLD!!!
Something you’re still learning?
Lighting. You can never learn enough of that. Also making my subjects comfortable so they don’t
notice I have a camera in my hands. Basically getting them to relax. I think that’s very important.
What do you love to indulge in?
Pastries! Cakes. Cookies. Pies. Any baked goods with frosting etc. Pastries are my weakness. I can’t
keep them in my house.
Something that is overrated?
Sleep. I’m like a kid I hate sleeping. I wish I didn’t have to sleep. You’re just wasting hours lying in one
spot lol.
Something you’re saving up for?
I’m saving up for an iMAC.
If you could have lunch with anyone who is famous who would it be?
Hmmm The cast of Grey’s Anatomy!
Where you’ll find me on a Friday night at 9 p.m.?
At the movies or somewhere with my friends. I’m a huge movies person.
Your favorite film of all time?
The best movie ever is Forrest Gump. It’s me and my dad’s favorite movie. Reminds me that no
matter what misfortunes you have in life should never be a crutch for why you aren’t successful in life.
First thing you would do if you won the lottery?
Pay off my student loans.
Three words that describe you.
Caring. Driven. Adventurous.
What would you like to be doing in 5 years from now?
Travelling the world doing photography.
What did you do before professional photography?
I was a college student.
And the last question, if you had one wish, what would it be?
To see the world
Alycia
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Hi everyone! Things are really starting to get crazy. Its that time of year again! My schedule is quickly filling up with everyone wanting to take advantage of the great weather and take pictures. I’m loving it. With that being said the other day I had the pleasure of shooting Alycia. One of my beautiful sorors, Tara, recommended me to her. She needed a pretty quick turnaround and I’m glad that my schedule is flexible enough to be able to help her out. She was an amazing subject to shoot. I really had a blast getting to know her while we were out shooting. Also she has a website, All Day Natural (www.alldaynatural.com), in which she discusses healthy living, including nutrition, natural beauty, and wholistic health.
New Little Cousin
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So last weekend my family was pleased to welcome the newest edition to our family. I had all these great shots I wanted to get but unfortunately the hospital staff was very strict and I had to basically just take a few shots before they whisked the baby girl away again. I didn’t think I got much until i got home and looked at the pictures!!! I was literally jumping for joy! Hope you enjoy!
Photo Archives: Beach Family
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I shot this picture during one of my destination weddings in Pensacola, FL. This was my first wedding that I had to travel extensively. I like to refer to it as my boot camp for wedding photography. I learned a LOT and I had a great time as well. I love this photo because you can tell just how happy this family is.
Photo Archives: Nu Awlins
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So I was going through old photos and such an came across the images I shot on my very first trip to good ole Nu Awlins. My friend Senedra, who’s the owner of Price of Popularity–a limited edition clothing and apparel line, was an awesome tour guide. I had the best time ever! They have such great food. I always seem to go overboard with eating when I go on vacation and this time was no exception. New Orleans is a great place for street photography so I gave it a shot.
