Meet your photographer.
I am Shannon, John's Daughter
John Kuratli was my father.
A gifted and successful commercial photographer, he taught me that natural, candid shots are often the most inspiring, and usually turn out to be everyone's favorites. They're definitely mine. And, no matter what a client asks for, they're always surprised by the candids, and ask for them, too, because I caught them or their loved ones "between" shots; relaxed, un-posed and unaware of me. I've had so many people say, "Wow. I don't usually like my picture, but I actually look good in these!" Yes. I know. I'm simply giving you a chance to see yourself as everyone else already does. Believe it or not, you're beautiful, and I'll show you.
Whether it be an exhausted football player limping off the field, or a couple deep in conversation, or a child lost in play, those are the shots to catch; and when it comes to a great picture, very often, less is so much more.
So, while I appreciate and utilize the modern world of photo editing, I still try to keep a shot as pure as I can, like my father did. He'd say, "Kid, this is how you take a picture." Nobody could take a picture like he did, but through trial and error and the desire to make him proud, I'm getting closer.
Today, my business is in honor of him.
Photography You Can Feel
I specialize in candid event photography, getting those "behind the scenes" moments. I see and capture those special shots like family reuniting after years apart, or two brothers laughing at an inside joke at a party, and a Mommy buttoning the collar of the little ring bearer before he walks down the isle.
Those are the memory trigger shots that take you right back to that special event.
At sporting events, I capture the people in the stands, thumbing through programs, coaches arguing with the ref, teenagers with their faces painted for their team, taking selfies. When a player is injured, I catch them getting wrapped and iced, their disappointment tangible. I've shot football games in pouring rainstorms, and caught drenched cheerleaders laughing at the absurdity of the moment. These albums are unfiltered, real life. As a matter of fact, I've had as many requests for the candid albums, as the game, itself.
I like to deliver photographs that are so in the moment, you can almost hear them. That's what I love to do.
Sharing Your Story, Told by You
I'll photograph you saying yes to the dress, going for fittings, choosing your cake... or whatever day means something to you. All of the exciting days leading up to your wedding deserve just as much preservation and attention as the big day, itself.
Prom night prep with hair and makeup, graduation dinners, retirement celebrations, birthday parties, housewarming events ... these are just a few of the special milestones in our lives to save forever.
If you are looking for a family photo shoot, I'll get your family being completely true to who you are, in your environment, in your own comfortable glow. Some families stand in front of a mantle in matching clothes, some families pile on a bed and cuddle up together while Dad reads a story, and some families mercilessly tease each other throughout the whole shoot. With me, your family vibe always comes through.
I am unconventional, creative to a fault and deeply sentimental. If it's important to you, it will be important to me.
*Families with special needs:
I have been working with special needs children for 16 years, as a behavior therapist, and with multi-disabled people. If you have a loved one with special needs and they are challenging to photograph, I can ensure they are included seamlessly and with dignity. My candid style has proven to be the key to capturing beautiful pictures of even the most camera shy.