About Shawn | Elk Grove Portrait Photographer

Smiling person holding a Canon camera outdoors.

Preserving the Moments That Matter Most

Photos aren’t just pictures to me — they help us remember and hold onto moments that pass too quickly.

Whether it’s your senior standing on the edge of what’s next, a maternity session capturing the anticipation before everything changes, a brand-new baby who’s already changing everything, a milestone or cake smash marking how quickly the first year is flying by, or your family right in the middle of real life, these moments matter. They deserve to be remembered in a way that feels natural, meaningful, and true to you.

That belief is what guides everything I do.

I’m Shawn, the photographer behind Shawn Spencer Photography, based in Elk Grove, California. I photograph families, seniors, maternity sessions, newborns, and baby milestones, creating images that feel relaxed, genuine, and full of life — never stiff or forced.

Most of my sessions take place outdoors using beautiful natural light. Newborn sessions are the one exception and are held in my home studio, where I use soft, controlled lighting to create a calm, cozy environment that keeps baby comfortable and safe.

Woman writing in a planner at a desk with a camera, laptop, and stationery

Why This Matters to Me

My love for photography started young, with a camera always in my hands, but it truly deepened after becoming a mom to two daughters. Suddenly, time felt faster. Moments felt more fragile. I wanted to remember everything — the big milestones and the quiet in-between ones.

That perspective shapes the way I photograph today. I don’t rush sessions. I don’t expect perfection. And I don’t believe you need to know what you’re doing to have beautiful photos. My role is to guide you through the entire process so you can relax, feel prepared, and actually enjoy the experience.

A woman sitting cross-legged on a rug in a living room, holding a professional camera with a large lens, smiling at the camera. There is a coffee mug on a wooden coffee table nearby, and a brown couch with pillows behind her.

What It’s Like to Work With Me

From the moment you reach out, my goal is to make sure you feel confident, prepared, and excited for your session.

I walk you through planning, outfits, timing, and exactly what to expect so your questions are answered long before session day arrives. You’ll know what to bring, how to prepare, and feel confident that nothing is being overlooked.

During your session, I’ll gently guide you while still leaving space for real moments to unfold. I want you to walk away feeling like you truly enjoyed yourself — not like you just checked a photo session off your list.

Afterward, I carefully edit and personalize your gallery so your images feel cohesive, timeless, and true to your story. This isn’t just about delivering photos. It’s about creating an experience you’ll remember and images you’ll love seeing displayed in your home for years to come.

My goal is for you to feel cared for — before, during, and long after your session day.

Woman with brown hair in a casual winter outfit holding a camera, walking outdoors on a tree-lined path.

Woman sitting outdoors with a digital camera, laptop, and notebooks on a table.

My Photography Style

I’m drawn to a light and airy style with bright, true-to-life colors and beautiful light. I focus on flattering lighting, natural settings, and simple direction that allows your personality and connections to shine through. The emphasis is always on real moments and genuine expressions — not forced poses.

A Little More About Me

If we were chatting before your session, you’d probably learn a few of these things pretty quickly:

Family means everything to me
I’m a planner at heart (so you don’t have to be)
I love simple, meaningful details
I believe photo sessions should feel easy, fun, and stress-free

You’ll see a mix of my family and a few of my favorite things throughout this page, because connection matters to me. I want you to feel like you already know me before we ever meet in person.

A woman sitting on a couch, smiling, with a planner, phone, and candle on the table in front of her. The room has a cozy ambiance with neutral tones and decorative pillows.

Ready to Work Together?

If you’re looking for a photographer who will guide you, prepare you, and genuinely care about your experience from start to finish, I’d love to walk through this season with you.

You don’t have to have it all figured out — that’s what I’m here for.

Family posing in front of pink floral backdrop with balloons.

Meet My Family

I’m married to my husband, Scott, and together we have two daughters, Katelynn and Jacquelynn. They are my world and a big part of why preserving memories means so much to me.

When I think about my girls looking back at our family photos one day, I don’t hope they notice how we looked — I hope they remember how it felt. The laughter, the fun we shared, and the moments that made those days special.

That perspective shapes the way I photograph families. I focus less on perfection and more on creating an experience that feels relaxed, meaningful, and true to who you are in this moment.

We also share our home with our two furbabies, Riley and Maggie, who bring plenty of personality into our family.

A family of four posing on a wooden walkway with lush greenery and a building in the background. The members are smiling, dressed in casual and floral attire, suggesting a tropical or vacation setting.

A husband and wife sitting close together with blue backdrop wearing light blue clothing.

Two black dogs with short fur, one with a red collar and the other with a blue collar, inside a house.

A woman with brown hair, wearing a purple long-sleeve top and blue jeans, sitting outside on a rock in front of a large green shrub, holding a professional camera, smiling at the camera. To the right, a list titled 'A Few of My Favorite Things' inclu

A woman sitting at a wooden table, writing in a planner, with a laptop and various papers. She has dark hair, earrings, and is wearing a maroon long-sleeved top. The table has plants and a lit candle in a glass container.

A woman sitting at an outdoor table, holding a camera, with a laptop and open notebook in front of her, in a garden setting with greenery in the background.