Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Orr.
Shannon, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I always loved taking photos when I was younger but it was not something I ever pursued professionally. It was just fun. Then, I went through a lot of years where I forgot myself. Early last year, I had a minor heartbreak and I was so ridiculously sad. My husband told me to go outside. Something so simple turned into a great love for me. It started with just taking our daughter to the park every day, then going on long walks and I couldn’t stop seeing the beauty around me. Tiny mushrooms sprouting in weird places. Butterflies with wide colorful wings and fat little bumblebees visiting wildflowers. I tried to capture this beauty with my cellphone and was encouraged by friends reactions to what I shared. I took the plunge and bought my first DSLR camera off of eBay. It was a Nikon D3100. All the lettering had been worn off, it came with no lenses and no battery. Once I got that situated, I was out taking pictures constantly. Hundreds a week sometimes. I haven’t been able to stop since. I have a great love for travel and nature photography with my husband but I’ve also recently found myself growing more towards conceptual art. I’m having a great time.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s not always smooth but I always figure it out. I had problems learning the basic mechanics of my camera but was able to take a couple of classes on that. Now, I take online classes or read everything to learn more.
I do suffer from social anxiety and that is difficult if I want to take individual pictures in a crowd. However, at the same time, I’ve found the camera has given me a shield in some instances and I’m able to narrow down an overwhelming world into this tiny little window of my camera.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Shannon Orr Photography and The Adventurorrs Photography – what should we know?
The AdventurOrrs Photography is a new, small company start-up by my husband and I. We enjoy photographing our travels, hikes, and architecture. We hope to grow more of that into a side business, especially once we purchase our drone.
Shannon Orr Photography is my art. It’s a way for me to express myself and it isn’t meant for anything other than the pure pleasure of doing so. I am most proud that I am able to find ways to show the world how I see things and that it doesn’t matter if anyone gets it or not. These expressions are a form of healing for me. They’re not for anyone but me. As a people pleaser, it’s a great stride to have accomplished this little nook for me. I cherish it deeply.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
So many people have helped me. There is Barb Krass Stewart who told me I had an eye.
Mike Zapata who walked me through my eBay camera and how to buy lenses. He is extremely patient and one of the nicest, talented, guys.
There’s Ruth Ann Davis who saw me trying so hard with my photography that she gave me her old Nikon (a huge upgrade for me) and that helped me be able to take proper classes.
Liz Roads who helped me take my first class.
The Ghost Town Arts Collective. Each and every single one of them.
My husband, Aaron, for the AdventurOrrs name, for encouraging me, and for driving me all over the back roads of Texas. Also for making sudden stops if I “saw” something. And also for making sure I didn’t get run over during one of those stops where I was contemplating trespassing for the perfect picture. He is my partner and best friend through and through.
My mother and grandmother for their support.
The entire artistic community of Texoma. They are all so encouraging and inspiring.
Pricing:
- Shannon Orr Photography, please contact for pricing.
- The AdventurOrrs Photography Basic Package is 10 photos for $50
- Professional Package of Real Estate Oris $100 for 30 photos
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theadventurorrs.com
- Email: theadventurorrs@gmail.com
- Instagram: Shannonorrart / theadventurorrs
- Facebook: Shannonorrphotography/ theadventurorrs
- Twitter: ShannonOrrArt
Image Credit:
All photos by Shannon Orr
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