Shannon McDonald is a Melbourne-based photographer specialising in family photography, wedding photography, portraiture and photographic art. She describes her style the way she describes herself: original, colourful, artistic, down-to-earth and full of humour and realness.

Shannon’s photographs are more than just pictures. They are a celebration of relationships. As an artist and mother she understands the bewildering ride of family life including the tears, tantrums, joy, laughter and everything in between. And she often sees all this and more on a shoot!

See what a recent bride had to say:

“Oh Shannon. Really. What can I say. Each time I see more photos of our wedding I am speechless by how utterly beautiful each shot is. I feel truly blessed to have had you as our wedding photographer. Your love of the photographic craft shines so brightly and I can only say to others “run, don’t walk” to book you for any special event they may have.” Caroline

What I love most about the photos taken at this wedding is that you can see that the bride and groom are completely at ease with Shannon, their love shines through. It’s a beautiful intimate wedding and my, isn’t the bride stunning. I am truly looking forward to seeing more wedding photography from Shannon. See her website for more stunning work www.shannonmcdonald.com.au

And now for a few snippets of what Shannon gets up to in her down time:

1). What’s your favourite way to relax at the weekend?

Uh, we have a very active 3-year old boy so relaxing is not really on our radar at the moment! Weekends generally mean family time so we take trips to parks, playgrounds, museums, cafe’s, hang out with friends, grab the Saturday Age somewhere in between and maybe enjoy a shandy or two once the little guy is in bed.

2). Favourite restaurant?

Uh, see above! Restaurants and 3-year olds are no fun for anyone. What I am dying to do again though is Melbourne’s Restaurant Tram. It’s probably not one for the foodies but it’s so much fun watching Melbourne’s amazing views slide past your window whilst you wine and dine with your favourite people. Hilarious.

3). What book are you reading at the moment?

I’ve just started Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. I also always have ‘At Work’ by Annie Leibovitz on my bedside table for a quick burst of inspiration at night.

4). What did you last go and see at the cinema?

Black Swan. I went with a group of girlfriends and we frequently winced at each other in the dark.

5). What is your favourite wedding story?

Probably my own! The dressmaker finished the dress hours before the wedding, my husband’s ring got left in the limo, one bridesmaid had drunk one-and-a-half bottles of champagne before we even got to the ceremony (bad boy), and I felt nauseous all night … probably from too much stress. Apart from all of that we had friends and family fly in from all over the world to celebrate with us in a gorgeous little cabaret bar in South Melbourne and that meant everything to us. And, although our wedding day was a bit shaky, our marriage is as solid as rock and that’s the most important thing.

Thanks Shannon, it’s been awesome!