Hi! Thanks for visiting my page

About Shannon McGowan

Since I was a kid, I have been obsessed with the outdoors and art. Drawing animals and plants became my favorite pastime, and once I was old enough to ride a bike, it was hard for me to find a good enough reason to go back inside. These interests brought me to art school at VCUarts in 2014 and many outdoor guiding jobs over the years including paddling instruction, raft guiding, and bike touring. Combining my love for art and nature, I find photography, videography, and writing to be some of the most powerful tools in inspiring others to get outside, spreading awareness on critical environmental matters, and remembering life's most beautiful moments.

​

Camp Kesem

Photos are so special. I may be stating the obvious, especially since, "a photo speaks 1000 words," is a well-known phrase. I say it now because I didn't quite realize the depth of it until I found myself photographing at Camp Kesem back in 2015. This non-profit organization offers a free week of camp to kids whose parent/guardian has or has had cancer. The joy it brought these incredible kids to have photos of their favorite week of the year made photographing it nothing less than a privilege. Ever since, I see capturing special moments, people, and stories as an honor.