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Making a difference: One person, one story, one photo at a time

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Shannon Ready is a hobbyist photographer whose recent photography projects have featured real people and real emotions: “I Am Strong,” “Lasting Legacy” and “We Are Entrepreneurs.” (Photo by Correne Martin)

By Correne Martin

Shannon Ready believes everyone has a unique story of what it means to be strong. As a hobbyist photographer in Eastman, she had a black and white image of a solemn woman in her mind. She envisioned creating that still picture and also sharing the saga of the true experiences behind that strong woman. She wanted to make an impact, to make a difference in others’ lives.

So, Shannon, a 23-year-old mom of four children under age 4, put a call out on her business’ Facebook page for models and quickly received a positive response.  Then, she photographed the models, at no charge, put their images and short narratives together and published them on Facebook.

It wasn’t long before that one simple idea became a series, a storytelling photography project, through which 19 women (and one young boy) volunteered to tell their most vulnerable, personal accounts of emotional strife, physical pain, loss, fears, etc. Through the viral wonders of social media, “I Am Strong” was shared across the region.

“I believe in the evolution of society, getting people to talk about these very serious topics,” she said. “But I couldn’t believe that so many people I didn’t even know were willing to put their story out there—real people, with real struggles. Some of them were so emotional.”

Last month, Shannon hosted a booth at a local vendor event, selling “I Am Strong” calendars as well as her photography. Next week, she will make a $600 donation to the Crawford County Salvation Army, collected from her calendar sales and her business’ January photography session fees.

As “I Am Strong” wrapped up, through a close friend and one of her models, Shannon met Gladys, a local elderly woman who was diagnosed in December with cancer. During Gladys’ model session, Shannon got thinking about her own grandpa, who died when she was 3 years old. She never knew him, but learned through family that he, like her, was into photography.

“If a videographer would’ve captured him telling his stories, I would’ve had those,” she wished.

Thus, the impetus for her next goodwill project, “Lasting Legacy,” a unique video memory senior citizen models can leave behind for their loved ones.

For this one, Shannon has met with four individuals living at the Great River Care Center in McGregor. In March, she plans to meet with willing residents of Prairie Maison in Prairie du Chien.

“I have a form the families can fill out that makes it easy for [the model] and allows for any specific questions they want to ask of their loved ones,” she explained. “I can’t wait to see how this progresses. A lot of older people don’t quite understand digital photography and what can be done with videos, but I want to make it comfortable for them. They can talk about anything they wish.”

She is open to working with anyone who is interested. Of course, her family members are also participating in the “Lasting Legacy” project and their personal videos will be shared. “They have no choice,” she said.

Amid her second project, an idea for a third came along. “We Are Entrepreneurs” is another free opportunity for local citizens, this time focusing on small business owners and professionals, how they got their start as well as how they’ve grown, struggled and succeeded.

“People have gotten used to seeing that very dramatic, personal perspective on my Facebook page, so I want this to be personal too,” Shannon stated.

Again, she spread the word via social media, seeking volunteers and, so far, Computer Support Plus, Ritter’s Fish Market, The Planted Tree and Sarah’s Shear Image have been interviewed or plan to do so.

For all of Shannon’s projects, aside from her portrait work, she asks for no money in return for her subjects’ time.

“I don’t wanna charge (for these projects) because I can’t guarantee the results,” she pointed out. She's been a registered portrait photography business for a few years now, but is just, this year, working toward her photography degree online and each of these endeavors give her practice and portfolio material. But those aren’t even the inspiration or the motivation that keeps her going.

“I’m not doing this for myself,” Shannon said. “I see people hurting other people and, I figure, why not be nice and have empathy. Even if I never made a salary, I’m happy telling people’s stories.”

She’s also doing what she grew up wanting to do. She loves photography and she’s pleased she’s able to balance that passion with her personal life.

“[Photography] lets me express my artistic side and it’s rewarding. I want my kids to see me doing what I love and making the world a better place,” Shannon added. “I also hope, someday, to be the first photographer who comes to someone’s mind when they want to do something different and impactful.”

In case Shannon isn’t busy enough, she’s also dove into labor and delivery photography. Last week, she photographed her first delivery and she can’t wait to do more. “It’s an absolute honor for me to be a part of something so beautiful,” she said. “I cried the whole time. I still cry when I watch the video.”

For more information on how you can help bring similar stories to life for your family and the community, find Shannon Ready: Photographer on Facebook or visit shannonready.pro.

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