Shannon Hemauer Photography has closed their doors as of March 23, 2024.

March 23, 2024

After months of thinking about it, I have decided that it’s time for me to close my boudoir photography business. While I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE shooting boudoir, I’m ready to leave the business side of things. I have given my heart and soul to my business for ten years, and I am ready to put down the stress being a business owner brings.

On March 1st, I accepted the Director of Outreach and Marketing role with the Polar Bear Foundation, the educational foundation of the Northern York County School District. I am responsible for revamping their website and marketing material, creating solid workflows, and streamlining communication between board members and supporters. I am in my element!

Don’t be sad that I’m closing my business! I have accomplished more than I ever thought possible as a photographer and business owner. I never expected to own a business; however, my passion for boudoir photography was larger than my fear of failing. I went into business when this genre wasn’t well known, and some thought I was silly to shoot exclusively boudoir because I was limiting myself…

“What if I fall?” “Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?” ~ Erin Hanson

I have soared!

I went from knowing only how to use the camera’s ‘auto’ mode to mastering the camera in manual mode and understanding lighting. I have earned awards from The Portrait Masters and the Association of International Boudoir Photographers. I have helped hundreds of women see themselves positively, and hundreds of women have moved me with their stories of strength, courage, and perseverance.

I set out to be a part of something bigger than “me,” and I have accomplished that. Now, it’s time to move on to even bigger things. I will continue to make a positive difference in this world, just in a different manner.

Before photography, I earned a BA in professional writing—I was a tech editor/writer for ten years. I love writing/editing. I get a lot of joy from taking something good and making it great. How lucky am I to leave one career I love to return to another I love?

I want to thank my clients—you are why I did what I did. I want to thank the stylists I’ve had on my team over the year—Ashly, Nath, and Athena. I want to thank my two assistants—Alisha and Dianna. I want to thank my photo retoucher, Allie. I want to thank everyone who has supported me, loved me, shared my posts.

My heart is happy. I am at peace with my decision. I’m going out on top, Baby!

My last booked session is May 29, 2024.

Sincerely and with love,

Shannon Hemauer