Meet Shannon Shaw! Shannon was born in Vernon but moved to Kamloops when she was two. She is a passionate photographer who loves to be surrounded by creativity!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I was born in Vernon then moved to Kamloops when I was two years old. I love it here and this is where I wanted to raise my family.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My family and very close friends
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
This is tough! Golden Buddha and Treasures for sure!
Describe yourself in one word.
Passionate.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Anywhere with sun and a beach!
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
I have been dancing and performed twice now with Femme Fatale Kamloops. I have met some amazing women and this has helped me with my self-confidence for sure! I can't wait to start back up in January!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Being surrounded by ambitious and creative women and men who also believe in empowering others and lifting each other up!
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I played baseball as a pitcher for 25 years. I have so many great memories of many great plays and many friendships that I made on the way!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I am part of my kids' school PAC and I have been volunteering my time at the school now for about 6 years. The PAC holds dances and I set up a photo booth where people can come and get a photo of them and their child/children. It is all by donation and everything that is earned goes straight back to the PAC. My favorite time is when we hold the Halloween dance! It is one of our biggest events of the year and I get to take photos of the child/children in their costumes.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Child and youth mental health system for sure! I have a son who is very special needs, as well as my two daughters, who have their own needs as well. I have been advocating for them for years but Kamloops just doesn't have enough resources. I was very lucky when my son was small to have a team of many people that came into my home and worked with my son and myself, if it wasn't for them I wouldn't know where my son would be at today. I am also very fortunate to have a team of people that work with all of my kids now and our family. As that saying goes, "it takes a village to raise a child," so true!
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
Pioneer Park, I have so many great memories there and this summer we renewed our vows there!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
Would love to see more outreach programs and psychiatrists come to Kamloops as not only my children but other child/children and families have more resources to help them deal with their child/children.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The art community is great! My friend Kaitlin M Vander Wal from Deadly Darling Design and I created a Facebook Page called Kamloops Creative Community. It's where people can come together and share their work! We have reached over 800 members!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. To expand Rebel Vision in the New Year!
2. Have one of my photos be on the cover of the Rolling Stone.
3. To do a solo performance one day!
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I suffer from severe fibromyalgia and discoid lupus.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Facebook and Instagram you can message me.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Rebel Vision Photography.
Why did you get into/start this business?
Doug bought me a very old Canon Rebel about 6 years ago I started with landscape and I really wanted to learn how to do portraits. I have had many great mentors on this journey. Practice, practice, and practice some more!
What is the goal of your business?
To expand Rebel Vision Photography and down the road find a big space to rent with my team! Most importantly keep empowering women and men with my work!
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Balancing my health for sure!
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Lens cap is on, no touchy!"
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Never stop learning!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Walt Klimasch as he was not only a good friend and mentor, but he was also a great photographer. He passed away a couple of years ago from Cancer and every day I want to call him and tell him what my plans are for Rebel Vision Photography, and show him the new studio I just opened, and hope I am making him proud with my work.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I love supporting small businesses if it wasn't for all the love and support Rebel Vision wouldn't be where it is today!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Opening up my studio! If you have been debating on doing a photoshoot go check out my studio set and book your shoot!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Crystal Derksen from Glamorous Esthetics! She is an amazing nail technician and offers so many other services!
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Dara Bond, she is an amazing hairstylist (Chapter's in Aberdeen Mall). She is also so creative and just a beautiful person inside and out! You can find her on Instagram @darabondhairlove!
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I call myself a Wander as I like to push the rules, and boundaries when it comes to her photography and images that she creates. I don't have the willingness to follow the everyday. I produced high-quality photos and make sure my clients have a great glamorous experience. I have a true passion for helping people of all different shapes, sizes, and backgrounds explore their own unique brand of beauty. We are our own worst critics, you are beautiful and enough! Push the Boundaries! Whatever stage of life, whatever size, whatever you want to express: we want to help you capture your true beauty! You can also follow us on Instagram @rebel_vision_photography.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kamloops.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great!
