Behind the Print with Son of Squatch Photography
In this episode of Behind The Print, we’re joined by Shannon Shanks, owner of Son of Squatch Photography. As a long time West Virginia resident with many years of photography experience, Shannon Shank shares with us how he uses print and photography to spread the beauty of his home state.
Below, you’ll find the transcript of our conversation, edited for clarity to ensure easy reading. If you want the full, authentic experience, make sure to check out the video attached below.
Connor: Welcome back to the Behind the Print Podcast, where we feature industry leaders and uncover the creative minds and their businesses within the world of professional printing. Our mission is to provide you with inspiring, actionable resources that elevate your business projects and accelerate your journey to excellence in profit and in print. Today I’m joined by the owner of Son of Squash Photography, Shannon Shank. Welcome to the podcast.
Shannon: Nice to be here.
Connor: Thank you for joining us. If you’re ready, let’s dive right in. Sound good?
Shannon: Sounds good.
Connor: Tell me a little about yourself and what you do.
Shannon: In real life I’m a landscape architect, and I do photography on the side to play, explore, and express myself artistically. It has become a bit obsessive, but it brings me a lot of joy.
Connor: I’m curious about the name. Where did Son of Squash come from?
“In real life I’m a landscape architect, and I do photography on the side to play, explore, and express myself artistically. It has become a bit obsessive, but it brings me a lot of joy.”
Shannon: I had a big beard and long hair, and a friend joked that I was getting squashy. I’m only five ten, not tall enough to be a full Sasquatch, so I went with Son of Squatch. It was all for fun, and Bigfoot is pretty popular right now.
Connor: You’re based in West Virginia, right?
Shannon: Yep, that’s home. I’ve been here most of my life. It’s where I like to roam and make photos.
Connor: Favorite John Denver song?
Shannon: Country Roads, of course. I’m a WVU grad, so it plays at every football game.
Connor: Do you have a favorite subject to photograph, or is it landscapes in general?
Shannon: Mainly landscapes. I like intimate scenes, but right now I’m focused on the icons of West Virginia and putting my spin on them. I want people to see how beautiful my home is. Maybe I’ll branch out more later, but the special places here are my priority.
Connor: Tell me about your architecture and real estate photography clients.
Shannon: Often they’re the architects who designed the projects. They bring me in to create showcase photos for websites and submissions. I recently photographed A-frame cabins in a West Virginia state forest designed for stargazing. The architect saw my website and asked me to shoot in my style. Those cabins went on to win two of the highest architecture awards in the state, which was a cool moment.
“I like intimate scenes, but right now I’m focused on the icons of West Virginia and putting my spin on them. I want people to see how beautiful my home is.”
Connor: Congratulations. What problems do you help solve for these clients?
Shannon: A photo sells a product. When you have good photography, you are going to sell that product. I help them sell better by doing what I do. They reach out because they’ve seen my work and believe it fits what they need.
Connor: For hobbyists just starting out, what advice do you have?
Shannon: Don’t spend a bunch of money on gear. Learn composition. Many people take a decent photo, but composition is what makes it more than a snapshot.
Connor: What do you mean by composition?
Shannon: The rule of thirds is the most common. A photo needs to guide the eye. You can’t just raise the camera and click. Place elements in the scene so people stay engaged instead of looking quickly and tuning out. A little geometry helps.
Connor: How do you stand out from other photographers?
Shannon: In my state, I’ve developed a style people recognize. If they see a photo I made, they usually know it’s mine. Strong composition is a big part of it, and I work hard to make that strength consistent.
“The rule of thirds is the most common. A photo needs to guide the eye. You can’t just raise the camera and click. Place elements in the scene so people stay engaged instead of looking quickly and tuning out. A little geometry helps.”
Connor: Any milestones or projects that have defined your journey?
Shannon: Tamarack, the large state-owned gallery in Beckley, accepted my work on my first try after a jury process. That meant a lot. Those A-frame cabins I photographed helped the project win major architecture awards in the state. And last year West Virginia Living voted me Best Professional Scenic Photographer for 2024. Beyond awards, I started shooting at the end of 2017 and have been blessed with skies and scenes people chase for decades. Coming home with images from those conditions still feels bigger to me than any plaque.
Connor: You live in one of the most scenic places in the country.
Shannon: We sure are underrated.
Connor: What challenges are holding you or your business back?
Shannon: Working a full-time job. I’m in the office eight to five, which gives me maybe an hour in the evenings to shoot. Algorithms on social media have also been a hurdle. Engagement isn’t what it used to be.
Connor: How has print elevated your business?
Shannon: Print is the ultimate finality of photography. You can look at an image on your phone, but seeing the print match what you imagined is the best part. People appreciate the time and detail that go into a finished file when they can hold it and live with it. Prints often look better than the digital version. Those who get prints understand why they matter.
Connor: If you had a completely free day, how would you spend it?
Shannon: I’d get up early, hope for fog, chase blue hour into golden hour, grab lunch, then head back out for the last light of the day. Then I’d sleep and try to do it again tomorrow.
Connor: We’re up here in Montana and have some great spots too.
Shannon: Hopefully I’ll make it out that way.
Connor: Last question. How can listeners get in touch or collaborate with you?
Shannon: My most active platform is Facebook at Son of Squash Photography, SC Shank. I’m also on Instagram as SC Shank Shooter, and my website is sonofsquash.com. There’s a chat on the site that sends messages directly to me.
Connor: Did you have any questions for me?
Shannon: I do not.
Connor: That’s a wrap on another episode of Behind the Print. Thanks for joining us as we explore the artistry and innovation of the printing world. Remember, having a strong vision, building the right strategy, and using tools like print to amplify your message will make your brand stand out. If you enjoyed today’s episode, grab a sample pack at printingcenterusa.com and share it with your fellow business enthusiasts. Until next time, keep those creative sparks flying. There’s always more to discover behind the print.
