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Through the Lenses of Shannon Velloza
Story by Katie Elwell and Photos Courtesey of Shannon Velloza Photography
She works her way between sprinklers, her artist eye taking in every shadow and highlight, the twist of every branch and the hue of every bloom. Three rambunctious boys seem more interested in plowing through the muddy sod than posing for the camera. She points to a blossoming spindly tree on the grounds of beautiful 29 Palms Inn. “This is my favorite tree,” she says as boys begin to climb. Just as she gets the oldest situated, the baby decides he has had enough. Amidst the twig swords flying, the baby screaming and the sibling rivalries sparking, a beautiful portrait emerges. It’s all in a days work for Twentynine Palms’ premier family photographer, Shannon Velloza.
The Art of Flexibility
A mother and Marine wife, Velloza knows the art of flexibility. The baby taking a quiet moment to eat dirt or the 4-year-old jumping from a fallen palm provide the ideal backdrop for her to create one-of-a-kind portraits. Velloza began shooting professionally while her husband, Master Sgt. Brian Velloza of Food Service, was stationed in Okinawa. Even as a child, she was fascinated by photography, sneaking snapshots on her father’s Polaroid. She received her first digital camera in Okinawa and went on “picture overload,” she said. Word got around about the quality work she was doing; soon everyone was asking her to take photos. “I had no intention of starting a business,” she said, “I just got bombarded.” Velloza decided to officially open for business and to do it the right way, becoming a member of Professional Photographers of America. When Velloza learned that her family would be moving to Twentynine Palms in July of 2008, she knew she wanted to take her photography with her.
No Limits
The confines of a studio would not do Velloza’s photography justice. She chooses instead to take her custom shots in places that make Twentynine Palms unique. The 29 Palms Inn, Joshua Tree National Park, even the sand-crusted shop walls and iron sculptures that distinguish downtown become stunning backdrops in Velloza’s lens. Her Canon digital SLR, a 24 to 105mm lens and a 70 to 200mm lens named Herald, along with the occasional lollipop, washbasin or other prop, are the only tools Velloza needs. Stunning tight-cropped portraits and catch-light-brightened eyes define her style. “I’m really down to earth; I know how kids are,” said the mom of four. “They don’t understand that mom paid money to get their photos done.” The relaxed environment that she inspires allows Velloza to capture unique moments that might never occur between the rigid walls of a studio.
Giving Back
Photography has gone beyond “business as usual” for Velloza. Her connection to the Marine Corps spurred her to join Operation: Love ReUnited. Velloza offers a free photography session, a free album and discounts on prints for military members who are deploying or returning home. (Example on right.) She is also a member of Think Pink Photography and offers a similar package to those who have fought or are currently fighting cancer. In the past, Think Pink photo sessions have been the most fulfilling for Velloza. Her own mother died from cancer when Velloza was a teenager, as did all of her grandparents. Offering free photography to those living through cancer seemed like a positive way to support their fight. Her most memorable session was with a young man battling cancer, (pictured below). “You could just see the sadness, yet the love in his eyes; you could just see the love between all of them. They realize the importance of a photograph. It’s something that they’re going to have forever.”
Whether she’s capturing light in the eyes of a mother, sneaking photos of an obstinate child or posing a distinguished family portrait, Shannon Velloza is creating memories for families that will last beyond a lifetime.
Information:
Shannon Velloza Photography
For images as unique as you are.
Phone: 760.401.0306
Email: s_velloza@yahoo.com
Website: www.shannonvellozaphotography.com
