Short Bio
Shana Marie is a talented storyteller and visual poet in contemporary photography, capturing the beauty of the human spirit and nature through her lens. Originally from McKinney, Texas, she grew up in Sheridan, Wyoming, near the Bighorn Mountains, where family adventures ignited her passion for art and photography.
Statement
As an artist and photographer, my work is a continuous exploration of capturing life's vibrant moments through a lens. My photography is characterized by a visually balanced and appealing composition, where I harness leading lines, the rule of thirds, symmetry, and vivid colors to create alluring images. There's no subject I shy away from; I thrive on capturing life in its genuine form, unfolding right before my eyes. Currently, I embark on my travels equipped with a Sony A6100 and rely on a Canon R5 for my portrait settings. The nifty fifty lens is my favorite, but for formal events, the Canon 70-200 mm becomes my lens of choice.
When it comes to selecting my subject matter, I believe it is not so much a choice as it is the subject choosing me. The subjects I capture typically have a story to tell, flawed yet captivating. I seek out moments that deserve to be remembered, unraveling before me in engaging and unique ways. My approach involves searching for lines that guide the audience's gaze to the core of the story I want to unveil, strategically positioning myself to assist in this visual journey.
Inspiration finds me in all facets of life. Whether it's the serene allure of nature, the complexity of animals and people, or the ever-changing formations of clouds, life in all its spontaneity and charm inspires me endlessly. It is this perpetual motion of life that never ceases to intrigue me and fuel my artistic expression.
My technique is marked by boldness in color, coupled with a deliberate choice in camera settings. I prefer setting my camera ISO to a darker setting, which allows me the freedom to bring out the vibrancy of colors later in post-processing using Lightroom. This approach not only accentuates the subject but also breathes life into the print, encouraging it to seamlessly merge with and enhance its surroundings.
Biography
In the tapestry of contemporary photography, Shana Marie emerges as a vivid storyteller and visual poet, weaving narratives through her lens that delve deep into the human condition and the enthralling beauty of the natural world. Born in McKinney, Texas, Shana's formative years unfolded in the tranquil embrace of Sheridan, Wyoming, a town nestled against the majestic Big Horn Mountains. It was in this serene landscape, amidst picturesque adventures to Yellowstone and other national parks with her outdoor-enthusiast father, that her artistic journey began. From an early age, Shana wielded a camera, fueled by an inherent desire to capture moments and immortalize them.
Self-taught and carried by an innate curiosity, Shana's artistic inclinations flourished under the influences of iconic photographers Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans, whose heart-wrenching black-and-white photos from the Great Depression ignited within her a profound appreciation for emotive storytelling. Although professionally trained in psychology, Shana ultimately found liberating expression through photography, where art became her conduit for connection and transformation.
Shana's work captivates audiences with its vibrancy and boldness, often described as unique in its nature. Her subjects—be they landscapes that speak or portraits that unveil emotions—seem to choose her, a testament to her intuitive approach. This artistic symbiosis is evidenced in her creative process, which embarks with meticulous preparation and culminates in the formation of stories, immortalized in at least a hundred images per expedition.
The accolades Shana has accrued are a testimony to her prowess—an impressive list of awards and honors highlights her impact. Her work has graced galleries ranging from AVA Gillette WY to SAGE Gallery in Sheridan, with notable achievements in national contests and features on platforms like Farmers.Gov and the Wyoming Truth magazine. Not one to rest on her laurels, her projects, particularly "90 Emotions," underscore a commitment to challenging and innovative themes that resonate deeply with her audience.
Balancing a career as an Administrative Officer at the VA, where she draws inspiration from the stories of veterans, Shana's art is both a tribute and a therapeutic endeavor. It embodies her belief in art as a societal balm, capable of stabilizing minds and forging connections. With grand aspirations to widen her audience and deepen her artistic repertoire, Shana Marie stands as a beacon of creativity, ever ready to venture into uncharted territories, camera in hand, committed to the timeless craft of storytelling through art.
Resume / CV
I possess 27 years of experience as a dedicated photographer. I specialize in capturing significant moments using DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and various lenses. Since 2021, I have received numerous awards and recognitions, yet the essence of photography transcends accolades. My passion for photography is rooted in the ability to capture moments and narrate stories that resonate deeply with viewers. I produce high-quality family portraits and provide event coverage, including weddings, sporting events, and significant high school milestones, such as prom and senior portraits. Each frame I create is imbued with emotion, forging a narrative that engages and captivates the audience. This narrative approach is also reflected in my video content for social media platforms, enhancing the dimensionality of my work. My professional journey in photography has been characterized by versatility and continuous growth. Over the years, I have refined my technical skills and recently expanded my focus to include videography, thus broadening my creative scope. I utilize Adobe Lightroom for photo editing and Clideo for video editing, consistently seeking further development and improvement. This adaptability, coupled with an unwavering commitment to advancement, ensures that I am well-prepared to address the diverse needs of my clients. In addition to my photography endeavors, I serve as the Administrative Officer of Social Work for the Department of Veterans Affairs. I coordinate and facilitate monthly VA Alumni Voices meetings throughout the year. Additionally, I engage in the role of Learning Circle leader within VA Voices while freelancing for the CSO Leadership Council Committee. I am a graduate of the LEAD program and have previously participated as a member of the National Awareness Committee for the IPVAP Raising Awareness Learning Circle Committee.
I have a social media following of over 10K on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok combined, highlighting the importance of my skills in graphic design, writing, and media relations. I have hosted many engagement sessions on social media, including "90 Days of Emotions," "Photo of the Day," and "52Frames."
Awards & Honors
2021, 1st place winner, Whispers of Home, Campbell County University of Wyoming Extension, Website Banner
2022, Featured Photographer for the Sheridan VA Medical Center for the 100th Anniversary
2023, 1st place winner, Feed Your Starving Soul, National Rural Health Day for the Wyoming Department of Rural Health
2023, 1st place winner, Settled, Weekly Contest, City and Landscape
2023, Featured Photographer, Foreboding Joy, Sweetwater Now, Photo of the Day
2023, Featured Photographer, Soiree 2023, WYO Theater & SAGE Gallery
2024, Featured Photographer for the Sheridan VA Medical Center for Secretary of the VA, Denis McDonough's visit.
2024, Featured Photographer for the XO WYO Jam in Sheridan WY
2024, Award Winning Photograph, I Am the Momma, 2025 ABS Global Calendar
2024, 1st place winner, Six & the Sun, God Save the Cowboy Contest.
2024, 2nd place winner, Six & the Sun, Rural Health Providers Contest.
2024, Award Winning Photo, Golden Burst, 2025 Pinnacle Bank Calendar
2024, 1st place winner, First Born, Rural Health Providers photo contest
2024, Featured Photographer, Diamond G. Custom Leather & Rawhide website
2024, Award Winning Photograph, Cabin in the Woods, 2025 Bear Lodge Resort Calendar
2025, People Choice Award, Six & the Sun, Sheridan Chamber of Commerce Member Plaque
2025, Honorable Mention, Six & the Sun, Wyoming Wildlife magazine photo contest
Shows & Publications
2022, Published Photographer on Farmers.Gov
2023, Featured Photographer, Wyoming Women You Should Know article published in the Wyoming Truth magazine
2024, Published Photographer in the Wyoming Landowner's Handbook, Fences & Wildlife, published by Wyoming Game & Fish
2025, Published Photograph, 307 First, Wyoming Office of Rural Health Online Newsletter
