Hi, i'm shannara
Photography has been part of my story for as long as I can remember.
I was around 10 when I first picked up a camera and began seeing the world a little differently. At 13, I was gifted my first DSLR - a moment that quietly shaped everything that followed. I started out in photojournalism and street photography, learning to observe rather than direct, to notice rather than interrupt. That foundation taught me the art of seeing - fleeting expressions, honest connections, and moments that exist only once.
As a teenager, I entered multiple photography competitions, winning awards from local to international levels. At 16, I won my first international photography competition for two of my images and travelled to Hong Kong to receive the awards. With the prize money, I bought a new DSLR - a camera I carried everywhere, using it tirelessly on photowalks and any opportunity I could find.
Later on, University life occupied much of my time and that meant my camera rested more than I would have liked. Like many creatives, I stepped away for a while but photography never truly left me. Every now and then, I’d take my camera out of storage, gently finding my way back to it again. After uni, I then invested in a smaller, lighter mirrorless camera that travelled with me, allowing me to document landscapes, animals, and the people closest to me.
From the very beginning, I’ve loved capturing moments - the quiet, meaningful, in-between ones that feel fleeting, yet somehow timeless.
c.a.m
wHAT DOES IT STAND FOR?
CAM stands for Catch A Moment - a phrase taught to me by my photography mentor, and one that has stayed with me ever since. To me, it’s more than a name; it’s a way of working. It means slowing down, paying attention, and allowing moments to unfold naturally rather than forcing them.
My approach is rooted in observation. I’m drawn to real interactions, quiet emotions, and the in-between moments that often go unnoticed. I don’t believe in over-directing or perfect poses. Instead, I focus on creating a comfortable space where you can simply be yourselves, while I document your story as it naturally happens. This way of working is reflected not only in how I shoot, but in how I edit - with warm, bright, and natural tones that feel true to the moment and timeless over time.
Living by this philosophy became even more meaningful when I found myself on the other side of the camera, taking my own engagement photos. Experiencing how vulnerable and special it felt to have those moments documented reminded me how important it is to feel at ease, seen, and understood. The response from friends and family - and even surprising myself - affirmed that this was something I wanted to return to fully and share with others.
That was the moment CAM Portraits truly began.
Today, I capture stories across different seasons of life - from family and motherhood sessions, to couples and engagements, proposals, and celebrations. I also photograph parties and events such as children’s parties, christenings, birthdays, and other meaningful gatherings, always with the same intention: to quietly observe and preserve moments as they unfold.
I’m still learning, growing, and finding my way deeper into this craft but I’m so grateful to be here, capturing moments and stories that mean something.
If you’re looking for someone who will quietly observe, genuinely care, and thoughtfully preserve your memories - I’d be honoured to catch your moments.