My name is Shannon Gaona & I've been a photographing unique stories for the last five years. A few things you should know about me: meeting new people is my fave, a good hug can recharge my battery & I am forever on the search for the perfect vanilla latte. 

I'm from the San Francisco Bay Area where I get to live out my dream of capturing the stories couples + families through colorful and natural photography. 

If you're an enneagram person, I am a Type 3, through and through. I thrive off success - and some of my biggest successes has been delivering timeless galleries to clients to look at for years to come. Keep on reading to get to know the girl behind the camera + more about my business values. 

Hey friend!

I'm so happy you're here.

things that

make me

happy. 

Next

My Husband

Joel and I got married this year on June, 11 2021! Even before marriage, Joel has been my biggest supporter as I build my business. I love him for his kindness, his charm & how people naturally gravitate to him. You'll see him time to time as my second photographer! 

Churro

Our pup Churro is a labradoodle with lots of attitude. We love taking her out to meet friends and other dog lovers! She goes by, Churro, Chorizo & The Poodle. 

Traveling

I love getting in a car, train or plane to explore the world. I've been lucky to visit many countries throughout Europe and South America - and have a long list of places I'd like to continue to explore! 

Reading

Fun fact, I got my degree in English! My love of reading has been ongoing since I was little, anything from fiction, to biographies to fantasy and romance. I pride myself in not being a book snob and will always give a book a chance! My goal is read 50 books in 2022. 

Vino

Man, do I love some wine and outdoor time! I love opening a bottle with friends & exploring new wineries. I'll try any wine once, but my go to is red wines - cabs and zins! 

Ice Cream

I am sucker for ice cream. If there is an option for ice cream at any event, wedding, restaurant - I'll end up trying it. My go to is mint chocolate chip & green tea ice cream! 

My husband

Joel and I got married on June, 11 2021! Even before marriage, Joel has been my biggest supporter as I build my business. I love him for his kindness, his charm & how people naturally gravitate to him. You'll see him time to time as my second photographer! 

things that

make me

happy. 

Churro

Our pup Churro is a labradoodle with lots of attitude. We love taking her out to meet friends and other dog lovers! She goes by, Churro, Chorizo & The Poodle. 

Reading

Fun fact, I got my degree in English! My love of reading has been ongoing since I was little, anything from fiction, to biographies to fantasy and romance. I pride myself in not being a book snob and will always give a book a chance! My goal is read 50 books each year.

I love getting in a car, train or plane to explore the world. I've been lucky to visit many countries throughout Europe and South America - and have a long list of places I'd like to continue to explore! 

Traveling

Vino! 

Man, do I love some wine and outdoor time! I love opening a bottle with friends & exploring new wineries. I'll try any wine once, but my go to is red wines - cabs and zins! 

I am sucker for ice cream. If there is an option for ice cream at any event, wedding, restaurant - I'll end up trying it. My go to is mint chocolate chip & green tea ice cream! 

Ice Cream

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A few things about me:

Favorite meal of the day? 

Breakfast & Dessert. 

Dream vacation?

Somewhere with a beach & wine. 

Next Trip?

Amsterdam, Hawaii, Italy & Switzerland.

Currently on repeat?

I'm a sucker for pop music & Whitney Houston. 

Best part of a wedding day?

Vows - I love beautiful words.

Go to Date Night?

Trying a new restaurant or brewery!

Inspired by?

Bright colors, florals & joyful moments. 

Signature cocktail?

Anything with bubbles & pineapple. 

Secret hobby?

Obsessed with gardening & plants.

Book recommendations?

The Song of Achilles

Your story deserves to be remembered. 

My grandparents grew up in Hawaii. After they got married and started their family, they made the difficult decision to leave the island with their three kids in pursuit of jobs in California.

I grew up learning my family's story through photos. My grandmother kept albums filled with pictures of her growing up, her classmates, her cousins and best friends. I got to know each of their stories and why they mattered so much to our family through hundreds of black and white images. I knew them before I ever met them. 

I'm a photographer because I believe that everyone deserves to have their history preserved. I want to help you document your legacy, so that the next generation knows you & who you loved most. You and your story deserve to be remembered - to be displayed on walls, to be folded into wallets, added to albums and shared with your family. 

Your culture, your beliefs, who you love or how you look are all parts of the story you are writing - and I would be so honored to help capture those intricate details.

Why I photograph

My grandparents grew up in Hawaii. After they got married and started their family, they made the difficult decision to leave the island with their three kids in pursuit of jobs in California. I grew up learning my families story through photos. My grandmother kept albums filled with memories. I got to know my families stories through hundreds of black and white images. 

I'm a photographer because I believe that everyone deserves to have their history preserved. I want to help you document your legacy, so that the next generation knows you & what you loved most. You and your story deserve to be remembered - to be displayed on walls, to be folded into wallets, added to albums and shared with your family. 

Your culture, your beliefs, who you love or how you look are all parts of the story you are writing - and I would be so honored to help capture those intricate details.

Diversity & Inclusion

You are celebrated here. 

I've lived in the Bay Area my entire life & believe that I have a responsibility to ensure that my photography reflects the beautiful diversity of this community. I believe in equality for all human beings, regardless of race, gender, identity, sexuality or physical & mental ability. Your culture, your beliefs, who you love or how you look are all welcomed and celebrated here. It's my job to put you at ease in front of the camera and make this an awesome experience for you! This is a safe space for all.

Come as you are - because I promise, you're beautiful as is. 

 

All Bodies Welcomed

I believe that all bodies are beautiful & everyone deserves to have gorgeous photos that celebrate who they are. That means that we skip the heavy photoshop & facetuning. Instead, let's embrace posing & styling that makes you you feel beautiful and confident in front of the camera. To help you see what I see, as we go through our session I'll share with you what some of the photos look like, so you have an idea of how things are going! Each session is a safe place, so I encourage you to tell me what your comfortable with and what you'd like to adjust. Communication enables me to deliver a gallery that you are obsessed with. 

body positive photographer.

All good things happen with hello - shoot me a message to see how we can start planning your shoot!

Get in Touch!

Contact Me

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