Shannon Marlow du Plessis Photography

My photography is at the intersection of art and advocacy. My images, whether they be of pollinators, people, or places, share a theme of awareness. I'm drawn to images that shine a light on issues I care about, scare me or enchant me (or both at the same time), or situations that piss me off.

Macro photography is my favorite. I love the precision and the challenge. Becoming immersed in nature at that level means I say, "oh, wow" a lot.

To explain my creative process would require preternatural self-awareness and analytical ability. I spent my first and second acts indoors, first putting my finance degree to good use, and second as a freelance technical writer, so I'm done analyzing.

My third act is about getting outside and not thinking so much. I began photography to avoid having a midlife crisis when I turned 50. Creating an image induces in me a hyper-focused (sorry) state—time slows, and the noise inside my head quiets. I'm most comfortable behind the lens.

I must be the word's slowest post-processor. I don't apply quick presets or adopt the current over-saturation trend. I review my photos in DxO PhotoLab. When the adrenalin kicks in, I know the image is a keeper, and I post-process like I shoot, full on manual mode. While most of my photography is representational, I'm having fun turning some of my photos into digital art.

Do I want to be famous? Oh hell no, not in today's society that enjoys eating its own on social media. Do I want my art to make a difference? That would be lovely.

“Some photographers take reality...and impose the domination of their own thought and spirit. Others come before reality more tenderly and a photograph to them is an instrument of love and revelation." ~ Ansel Adams