Ashley Obradovits
I dreamed of having a portrait like this done as soon as I became a mom 💕 Shana made my dreams come true! From the initial meeting till the final product reveal, it was an amazing experience and my daughter Piper will remember it forever. I told my husband we needed to move so I had a proper foyer for it 🙃
Lucinda Santiago
Shana is simply the best. Initially, we asked her to take Senior photos of our younger son and we were so incredibly delighted with the portraits we circled back and asked her to take photos of our older son. She really captures the person rather than just another generic posed photo. Further, both our boys came away from the experience happy and more confident (THAT was a welcomed surprise and NO grousing). I cannot recommend Shana strongly enough.
Megan Ellis Bicklein
Working with Shana has been a dream come true! We worked with Shana for my daughter’s 2-year heirloom portraits in St. Louis, and the entire experience from start to finish was seamless and luxurious- everything I could have asked for and more! Not only was she amazing and patient with our daughter (she’s a busy bee) but she captured more amazing photos of her in 30 minutes than I have in her entire life. Her in-person photo choosing session really added a layer of specialness and luxury, but as you can imagine- it was almost impossible to choose a favorite! We’re having our daughter’s heirloom photo created into one of her mixed media Love and Legacy portraits, and I couldn’t be more excited. Counting down the days until it’s In our home, and until then- recommending Shana to everyone I know!
Kayla Nahorski
I reached out to Shana about helping me create an Heirloom Portrait of my daughter. This wasn't just a photo - it was a tradition that I wanted to carry on. My mom, my sister, and myself all have a photo around the same age, wearing the same dress, and in the same chair. I really wanted to continue the tradition with my daughter, but was struggling to find someone who could match the style of these portraits from 30 years ago. Enter Shana. She was the most amazing, accommodating, compassionate, kind human being. She not only worked wonders with my daughter the day of the shoot - making it fun, relaxed, and getting her personality to shine, but afterwards, she worked so hard with me to make sure that we got the look I wanted and the end result is something that myself and my mom will cherish forever. If you are thinking about it, DO IT!!! You can thank me later ;)
Julie Greene
Shana has been our family photographer for over 16 years and we couldn't be more happy. From newborn pics, family pics, milestone year pics and even pet pics - she's simply the best! We've also had pics in her studios and at landmark STL locations. Her pictures are timeless pieces of art that fill our home and we couldn't be happier. On top of everything, she is a wonderful person who is great to work with and contributes back to the community. We look forward to future sessions and would highly recommend to all! Thanks Shana!!!
Jennifer Padrucco
I would recommend Shana as a photographer because you go in a little nervous, you think “did she get a great shot?” The kids have fun and it is over quickly and then when you go in for the reveal and you want every picture and wish to redo your home based on the pictures!!
Shana is lovely and is very easy to work with. The finished product is a showstopper. I treasure the “snapshots” in time that she has given my family.
Keri Creed
Shana took my daughter’s senior pictures and did such a great job of bringing out Olivia’s personality and beauty with her calm caring disposition. She really makes you feel comfortable during the process, not self-conscious or out of character, which is important because if you’re relaxed with your photographer, the pictures are naturally going to turn out better. Her choice of venue, outfit recommendations and overall eye for detail resulted in several timeless shots that we’ll proudly display for a lifetime. Shana is a great person and a great photographer and comes highly recommended.
Margaret Clarke
Shana Watkins Photography was amazing for my daughter’s senior pictures! Shana did her photo sessions both inside and outside and the quality of her photos really bring out the beauty in her subjects. Shana has a calm, positive demeanor that made my daughter feel comfortable, not rushed. Shana really took the time to make sure my daughter felt relaxed and confident. The photos turned out so beautiful! My daughter loved her sessions with Shana and we will use her again for sure!
Kristin Walters
I can’t say enough great things about our experiences with Shana! A few years ago she photographed our children and just last week my husband and I came to her for professional headshots. Shana asked all the right questions to make sure our time with her was efficient, relaxing and enjoyable. Her genuine ability to connect with and bring out the best in every member of our family was both skillful and effortless. Her warmth and professionalism are as classic and timeless as the beloved portraits she creates. We are so grateful to you Shana!
Juli Stumpf
We used Shana for our daughters’ senior pictures. She was awesome to work with! I love that she helped us pick the right outfits, made suggestions for hair and make up styling and found beautiful locations. The photos turned out so beautiful, very natural looking.
Shana even did a photo shoot with my daughter and her dog last holiday season! We really enjoyed working with Shana and would recommend her for any occasion.
Libby Wolf
Shana is amazing! She has shot the Senior Portraits for 3 of my children and they are beautiful! the portraits I mean!! I've always been very picky because I photograph as well and she did not disappoint!!! Truly an artist!!
Victoria Dysarz
Shana Watkins Photography first caught my attention when I was pregnant nine years ago with beautiful maternity images. Nine years and four children later she is our go to photographer for newborn and infant sessions. She captures exactly what I see when I look at my children and family. Even during sessions where my children run wild and crazy Shana captures their unique spirit and expressions perfectly. Her images are ones you will look at and remember wonderful moments with your loved ones. Every time we sit down to review our photographs from a session I tear up; each image is beautiful. The hardest part is choosing your favorites (or just take them all instead)! She is very talented. I am so glad to have met her and shared our family for the last nine years and more to come.
Karen Page
Shana does such an amazing job. We have used her several times and this year we faced some weather challenges, which you would NEVER know by the beauty of our family, which she captured in the VERY short time we had available! I've already set up our annual appointment for 11 months from now! She is part of our holiday tradition.
Danielle Hattrich
Everything about our session with Shana was perfect. We chose Shana for an in studio family portrait and one year old photo. Shana was so friendly, knowledgeable and talented. She helped with outfit choices and got all seven of us to smile and look good in the same photo. It was so hard to choose the final photos to print because they were all so good. Shana helped with that as well. I love, love , love our photos and would 100% go to Shana again.
Heather Lea
Moments turned into magic; Shana makes sure that our family’s moments in time turn into beautiful memories captured with her perfect eye, hanging on our wall. We are so grateful.