I’m Shawnia—owner of Oh Shoot Photography, wife, mom, and lover of stories, memories, and real moments. Whether I’m photographing a wedding, a graduating senior, or a family just being themselves, I put my whole heart into every frame.


I was born in Kansas and raised in Michigan, right in the middle of a big family with four siblings. As a teenager, I was happiest spending time with the people I loved or diving into a good book (something I still enjoy when I get the chance).


Outside of photography, my heart belongs to my family, our dogs, and chasing moments worth remembering—whether that’s a spontaneous day trip or a week-long vacation. Making memories is my favorite thing.


Here’s something most people don’t know: I once dreamed of becoming a nurse. I wanted to help people. And in a way, I still do—but now through the art of photography.

The Moment I Found Photography




I picked up a camera in my teen years and fell head over heels in love with freezing time. Whether it was my friend’s laughter, someone opening a gift, or a fleeting facial expression—I wanted to hold onto it all.


Once I figured out how to use my camera, it never left my hand. I wished I could do it every day. I just didn’t know yet how it could become more than a hobby.

A photographer with blonde hair in a ponytail uses a professional DSLR camera outdoors on a sunny day.

A New Chapter: Motherhood & Finding My Passion Again




Years later, after having my boys, I found myself behind the camera constantly—especially at their sports games and special milestones. When my oldest was preparing to graduate in 2016, I wanted to have senior photos taken. But like so many families, the cost felt out of reach.


So I thought, I take photos all the time—maybe I can do this.

I tried… and let’s just say, they didn’t come out quite like I imagined.


But my son liked a few, and that gave me the courage to keep going.


Soon after, a few parents asked if I’d take senior photos for their kids. I offered to try—completely free and full of nerves. I had no idea how to edit. I shot in JPEG. I started binging YouTube videos, learning everything I could.


The truth? It was messy and full of ups and downs.

But I was learning. And something in me said don’t stop.

Student athlete wearing a maroon and black Palmyra Mens Soccer team jacket poses outdoors on grass.
Person wearing a gray hoodie and jeans leans against rustic wooden wall in casual pose.

The Road Wasn’t Easy


I didn’t have a mentor. In fact, instead of support, I was put down by a local photographer. There were many moments I questioned if I should keep going.


But then in 2018, I offered to take sports-style photos for a group of girls—friends of my youngest. Some parents thought I was being taken advantage of, but I felt something shift in that session. The photos felt right.


Then something amazing happened. One of the dads who was skeptical called me after the shoot—just to say how much the images meant to him. That call… it gave me the validation I didn’t know I needed.

Three people in formal dresses play a fun game of baseball on an outdoor court.

Paying It Forward


When I was starting out, I didn’t have anyone to guide me. In fact, I was met with more discouragement than support. That’s why it means so much to me now to help others who are just beginning their photography journey.


Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to teach a few aspiring photographers—young women who were passionate, determined, and ready to learn. Watching them grow and succeed has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. It’s proof that community over competition really does matter.

When It All Clicked


When COVID hit, I used the extra time to educate myself. I found an amazing online mentor, purchased her courses, and dove deep into learning my craft.


Then in 2021, a couple took a chance on me to photograph their wedding. I had done a few small weddings before, but this was my first big paid one. I was terrified. I spent a week watching YouTube videos every night just to prepare.


But once the day came… I was in my element. I fell completely in love with wedding photography.

Wedding rings displayed on wooden table with chalkboard menu and vintage decor in soft lighting.
A couple in wedding attire stands together against a rustic wooden barn door background.
A couple in wedding attire poses together against a rustic red barn wall in a romantic countryside setting.

From Seniors to Weddings (and Everything In Between)




While weddings have absolutely stolen my heart, my first love was senior photography—and that passion hasn’t gone anywhere.


I still photograph seniors and families every year, and there’s just something special about capturing these once-in-a-lifetime milestones. Whether it's a senior about to step into a whole new chapter or a family freezing a season of life they’ll never get back—those sessions still light me up.

Why I Photograph Love




When I got married 25 years ago, we couldn’t afford a wedding photographer. That’s something that’s stayed with me—and it’s why I approach every wedding with deep intention.


I think about every moment I wish I had captured at my own wedding, and I show up to give my couples that and more.


Some people say weddings are too stressful—I say they’re magic. I love love. I love the chaos, the quiet, the laughter, the tears. I’ve even played music when a DJ didn’t show up and held a bride until the exact second she was ready to walk down the aisle.


I listen. I care. I show up ready to do whatever it takes to make your day feel just as it should.

My Style & What You Can Expect


I’m a true-to-color photographer with a bold pop. That style took years to develop, but now it feels like home. I want my clients to feel their photos—to relive every moment.


I aim to capture the candid, emotional, and often unnoticed details that make your story yours. I want my clients to laugh, cry, and be transported back to the very moment the shutter clicked.


When I’m not photographing love stories, you’ll probably find me having dinner with my boys, planning our next adventure, or lounging by the pool.

Small child in blue overalls and floral shirt sits happily on a white wooden rocking chair on hardwood floor.
Newborn wrapped in pink fabric lies on fluffy grey fur blanket in rustic photography setup.
A figure in a flowing red dress stands in a snowy forest path with tall trees and golden sunlight filtering through.
Couple sitting on wooden floor looking at ultrasound photo together during pregnancy announcement moment.
Couple standing together in tall autumn grass field with person wearing white sweater and plaid flannel shirt.
Someone standing on concrete stairs outside a brick building wearing plaid shirt, jeans and sneakers.
A woman in a flowy white dress poses joyfully on the beach at sunset by the ocean waves.
A playful couple shares an affectionate moment outdoors on a winter day with brick buildings in the background.

What My Couples Say




“Working with Shawnia and Oh Shoot Photography was the best experience I could have asked for! All the added stress of planning a wedding and planning a future, it was a relief to be able to lean on Shawnia as more than a photographer but also just a professional in the field that could offer me advice and help guide me.

The day of our wedding I couldn't have been more pleased with my experience with both photographers and videographer. They were never in anyone's face or interrupting the day. They blended right in and got all the shots I wanted and then some without any micro-managing. Everything felt so natural and some moments captured I never even realized until going through the photos and video.

It was a wonderful experience. All the brides and grooms for 2025 and beyond—just know you are in amazing hands 🩷”

— Kelly & Nick

Romantic wedding couple embraces while holding a lush pastel bouquet of pink and white flowers with eucalyptus.