About Shawn Connell

DOCUMENTING WITH PASSION

Shawn began at age 15 in his native Australia, and has worked for Sydney's top creative firms shooting editorial and advertising. Around 1999, when he worked as a photojournalist, Shawn’s art director asked him to shoot her wedding. And wedding bells have been ringing for his photos ever since.

Shawn learned how to master lighting while assisting a world-famous photographer when he first came to New York. Largely fashion and editorial, he honed his technical skills and focus that derives the ‘pop’ out of his every subject.

His recent work centers on capturing, not for impact, more for recording who we are as now, our fashion, style, body image, technology, and more. “I’m interested in the ordinary, the everyday normality,” he explains, about his subtle personal work. In Exhibitionism – New Yorkers, he knows “in 100 years when someone looks back at what we were taking for granted…” his work will have documented much more.

He works and lives in New York City actively pursuing his fine art; his current fine art exhibitions include South Pacific Whales, Exhibitionism – New Yorkers, narrative work in 97°F / 36°C and Cyborg, and landscapes such as in Last Breath.

His seasoned experience and relaxed Australian attitude results in a fun time at every event, creating ever more beautiful pictures. Shawn is always charming the bride, so she’s captured at her most stunning.

PRAISE

Shawn has shot campaigns for Weetabix, Enbrel and IPL Stock Library as well as several fine art and lifestyle magazines, including Australia's leading cutting-edge magazines Cream, Black and White, Inside Sports and Better Photography. Shawn's work has been in solo exhibits at Australia's premier photo black and white gallery, Point Light, and included in books published by the national Portrait Gallery of Australia.

Shooting South Pacific Whales was one of Shawn’s quietest, proudest achievements. Says Shawn: “These amazing creatures – the size of a bus – are communicative swimming around with you. If you get a happy, playful whale, full sun and crystal-clear water, you’ve got a chance for a great shot. But that could be 2-3 days out of 60 days of trying!”

Puts a new meaning to the expression finding a needle in a haystack, not to mention the possibility of being crushed during whaleplay.

"I record what unfolds before me in a low key and natural way, concentrating on the moment and making each image as beautiful as possible. My goal is to allow the couple to have an amazing time and for me to be able to capture that. What I enjoy most about wedding photography is the excitement of never knowing what's going to happen next and what images you'll find." --Shawn Connell