Hi, I’m Shannon, a photographer, wife, new mom, and Bay Area native based in Pleasanton, California. I picked up a camera at 15 (shoutout to the Myspace era) and never put it down. What started as a creative outlet has become my way of documenting life’s most meaningful moments.
With a degree in English and a background in corporate marketing, my love for photography really took off in college, working for the student newspaper. I saw how powerful it was to tell real stories through images — and I was hooked.
It wasn’t long before friends started asking me to take their engagement photos. Those early sessions changed everything. I loved the intimacy of documenting love stories, the conversations we had in front of the camera, and the way the images captured something deeper than just a pretty photo.
In 2018, Shannon Alyse Photography was born — and it's been the greatest joy telling diverse, vibrant and genuine stories through my lens ever since.
New Parents and Babies in 2024
Families Captured in 2024
Weddings Captured Since 2016
Shannon Alyse by numbers
My grandma, my mom, & Grandpa's first family photo.
My Grandmother, Grandfather + Mom.
my dad's parents got married on Valentine's day in the 1930s.
My Grandparents,
Verla & Swede.
My daughter Amelia shares her middle name, Lei.
My Grandmother, Helen.
My grandparents grew up in Hawaii, and after they married, they made the difficult decision to leave the islands and move to California in search of work — bringing their three kids and generations of memories with them.
I got to know that history through photographs. My grandmother carefully curated albums filled with black-and-white prints: classmates, cousins, best friends, her everyday life. Through those photos, I connected with people I hadn’t met yet and felt like I knew them before I ever did.
That’s why I became a photographer. Because I believe everyone deserves that same connection — a way for your story to be remembered, shared, and passed down. Your life, your culture, your people — it all matters. And it would be an honor to help preserve your legacy in a way that feels personal, honest, and true to you.
Rooted in family history
why I'm a photographer
throughout the entire session."
"She has a unique ability to make you feel at ease
and keep you laughing
"I love the people I photograph. I mean, they're my friends. I've never met most of them or I don't know them at all, yet through my images I live with them."
Words I Live by
My love for a trashy summertime romance knows no bounds. Don’t ask what I’m reading unless you’re cool with smutty novels and zero shame.
03
Anytime I can photograph in natural light — I will. Whether it’s bold, direct sun or soft, golden sunset light, I’m always chasing the way light can shape a moment and transform a photo.
02
I love color, sunshine, and when everything starts to bloom — spring is hands-down my favorite season to live in and photograph. Just don’t forget the Claritin... I’ll probably need two.
01
Favorites
Personal
Whether you’re inviting me into your home to meet your new baby or spending the day with me at your wedding, I promise to make you feel comfortable and celebrated. I’ll capture the big feelings and the quiet, in-between moments too. Photography isn’t just a service — it’s a relationship. I get to know you, care about your story, and create lasting art from your most meaningful moments.
Let’s make something beautiful.
Images that celebrate
your memories.
The life you’ve created deserves to be remembered.
