Hello

Welcome to a place where love is documented on your best days; proposal, engagement session, wedding day, newborn photos or a first time family client. My goal is to capture you in your favorite place with your favorite people so your photos spark memories for years to come.

I love all things dessert and wish every session started and ended with sweet treats.

More About Me

Wedding Photography
The Clubhouse at Baywood

Millsboro, Delaware

Cow Barn Events

Ridgley, Maryland

Explore MORE Weddings

We Capture YOU ...

Sprinkling petals on your flower girl's head.

Leaving the church with your cathedral length veil over his shoulders.

Laughing at your officiants jokes.

Chasing each other with pieces of cake.

Groomsmen taking shots from your gifted flasks while you throw back Imodium.

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Big Chill Beach Club tent wedding with bride and groom dancing to their first dance under Styled Delaware's floral arrangement.

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From My Clients

Flawless doesn’t even begin to describe our experience with Shannon. She is extremely efficient, while also being sweet and down to earth. She never stopped taking pictures, I was amazed at her ability to keep the day flowing smoothly for us while capturing every big smile, every hidden moment, and everything in between!

Bride Kelsey

Weddings

Capturing your wedding, one memory at a time.

Annapolis Landing Page

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Families

Where art is made and love is captured.

PROM 2025 - I started out as a family photographer and quickly learned that capturing your family having FUN is the whole point! This night was just that when my girl attended her prom.

The photography industry tells you to pick one specific thing to photograph. So I declared my family photographer and quickly learned that weddings are the MOST family (by choice) thing that happens in your life.

HUGE thank you to everyone that made this happen. @loblollyacres was the perfect setting for this special night. So many people behind the scenes made this happen and I will forever be grateful!

#delawarephotography #shannonRitterPhotography #ShannonRitterDelawareWeddings

If you post your “Picture of the Day” your photographer WILL open your gallery to look at every photo. She will then share a photo to her IG story. A 🤰client messages her and says “I NEED this photo but with my dog.” Your photographer opens another clients newborn session with the BEST dog sitting next to the baby, guarding her crib, and a solid sniff check with NO licks. She will then text both moms with the baby and 🐶 pics. @

Then your photographer will open this same family’s extended family photos from the beach this summer. 🏖️
My work is never done and I LOVE it! 🥰 #delawareBeachPhotographer
#delawareFamilyphotographer #delawarefamilyphotography #shannonritterphotography

National Dog Day! Just putting this here to make it abundantly clear that your family is who you tell me it is! This year the Petermans had their pup with them at their catholic ceremony and throughout the reception.

On deck for this year is a quiet wedding with 8 dogs guests- two of which are seeing eye dogs in training. I’m pretty sure their guests will be the happiest.

They 🐕 are welcome at your session, ceremony, reception if you are asking me! 😉
#marylandweddings #delawareweddingphotographer
#delawaredogs

A Salisbury engagement session was the perfect start to March. “Fake spring” brought warm temps so we could enjoy park bridges, their pup, laughter, loosing a shoe, and running into a few people along the way.

It is my hope that your engagement session feels like a literal walk in the park. Walking (never had a client who forgot how to walk) around with your favorite person, no rush, no where to be, no micromanaging what you are doing- just being YOU.

#marylandwedding #marylandengagement #delawareweddingphotography

Yes, bring your PUP! Engagement sessions are about YOU two. Since they are a part of your family, always adorable, and part of your story - bring them!

You know your animals best so if they need a walk to wear off energy, do it. If they are nervous around people we can choose a specific location to accommodate that. If they are the most excited about your wedding (or have no idea what we keep talking about) let’s include them in the excitement.

Tip: Most couples bring someone else to be the pup walker so that you can just enjoy them.

#marylanddogphotographer #delawareengagement #engagementphotoshoot💍

Clear UMBRELLA: rain plan
I have clear umbrellas mostly because I think they are a great insurance policy. They are helpful getting to and from as well as helping you get the walk “down the aisle” you want.

My favorite photo from this wedding is the bride putting down her umbrella after her walk through the rain. She was stunning and it was a sweet moment of pause adding the her entrance.

If you want to run through puddles, dance in the rain, 📷 portraits outdoors as planned, I’m ready and my gear will be too!
#marylandoutdoorwedding #delawarewedding #rainyweddingday #shannonritterweddings

“I want to BE in the pictures with my kids.” -every mom.

We POUR and pour and pour OURSELVES into our kids (including those by choice) friends, and family. So when this mom said she just wanted to be IN the pictures with her kids I knew it would be the easiest and most rewarding session.

We met on the beach and let the girls run, play, and cuddle mom. There is always some chasing of kids and truthfully this is something I remember about my kids childhood. When the kids take off running, the giggles quickly follow. The footsteps in the sand between us. The squish in my arms and our hair everywhere. This is what life is made of.

When you head to the beach this summer, making memories in teeny tiny moments I would be honored to help you bring those giggle to the walls of your home.

#rehobothbeachphotographer #delawarebeach #vacationphotographer

It’s YOURS! Your wedding day is about what feels authentic to YOU two. Which tells the best story of your day spending your time with your favorite people.

Lots of talk right now about not wanting awkward photos. Which means do what you want to! You will feel great in planning a day you are excited about. You will have your favorite person in your hand! Literally. You will be doing what you want to do and that is what is getting documented. If you want some prompts for your formal portraits of course we can give you prompts to get you started, but we really want you being you!

That is what my job is. Compose/frame you experiencing your wedding day with your new spouse! #shannonRitterWedding
#delawarebride #delawareweddings

I’m type A and a creative! This means that I have all the gear I could possible need when I arrive. When things go wrong I am prepared. I have had a camera fail and had an immediate back up. I have had memory cards corrupt. I have had couples that want to dance instead of sunset photos.

It happens! And I’m ready. My creativity isn’t just behind the lens. Your mom can use my glasses. You don’t need that guarder for 5 more hours that is at home. I’ll ride in the trunk so we arrive together and everything is photographed. Your bridesmaids have driven my car.

#weddingdaycrisis #delawareweddingphotographer #creativephotographer

Perfection, progress, and . . . .
Everything in between.
This year was filled with amazing families and their stories! I’m the luckiest!
#delawarewedding #marylandweddingphotography #delawarephotographer

Family session SECRET!
Come, play, smile no matter what happens! I am going to get silly early in your session so your kid(s) know I want to see them do the same thing.
PLEASE
1. DONT tell your kids NOT to do something! They can touch my cameras! I usually let them take pictures 📸
2. I taught in special education classrooms through 3rd grade and worked in middle schools. Your kids won’t surprise me!! They will likely break the ice and get you laughing too. Which is part of my plan.
3. If I need your help to reign your kiddos back in I will let you know!
😘

Candid photos. The first part of your session will be when we get those looking at the camera photos (and I have a few tricks to get some candids too.) Then we move to groupings siblings, parents either kids, etc.

Then it’s all FUN! I always need to see how fast your kids can run. How high they can jump. I ask them to skip- WHICH HAS NOTHING to do with skipping and everything about movement and laughter. I want your kids personality to shine!
#familyphotographydelaware #candidfamily #skippingkids

Minis are delivered! Cards are ordered AND
I would like to formally request that “Thanksgiving” not be late as it was this year! Thank you and goodnight. 😘

Best Tip for your Eastern Shore wedding day courtesy of the Bride’s mom and dad: The work is done, ENJOY it!
The bride planned and organized from start to finish! She had it later out for the dj, the cleaners, myself. It was prepared and documented in our folders. AND then when your day arrives you get to watch it unfold. Choosing to enjoy your wedding day regardless of what happens is the BEST CHOICE you can make and I am so glad her parents reminded her.

Another thing that I would thank the brides parents for would be the charter bus that got everyone to and from the @cowbarnevents safely. This wedding had the best open bar, dance floor and song per the newest brother in law.

These two are celebrating their FIRST wedding anniversary as husband and wife today. It’s not mine to share but I will tell you I don’t know a single couple who has celebrated this way!
I will send you a $25 gift card if you guess correctly!

Save the dates LOADING!
Save the dates are a great way to share your engagement photos. Although I don’t believe engagement photos are for the purpose of save the dates (more later) it will be the first big kick off to your wedding.
Engagement sessions get both parties to be comfortable in front of my 📸 which is very important. I know that it can be very hard to think about being comfortable in front of the camera 🙋‍♀️but that is what this session is all about. You both walk away feeling comfortable and ready for me to document your day.
#engagementphotos #delawarewedding #delawarephotographer

My family is ready and willing to help my vision come to life! Do I ruin fun adventures by suggesting we will return in cute outfits to any beautiful place we go, YES!? Do I suggest HUGE ideas with little time? Yup 💁‍♀️I will continue to show up BIG for this family just as you three do for me!

#gratefulphotographer #delawarefamily #delawarephotographer

BOTH! Maternity sessions are the perfect time to change your outfit!

You come dressed in the outfit that is most difficult to get into. Then you change into the outfit that is easier to get in and out of.

So which one was photographed first?!

The only time I will tell you not to change outfits is during a family session. You are welcome to ask me… or maybe even a future reel?! 🧐
#delawarematernityphotographer #delawarenewbornphotographer #delawarefamilyphotographer

My wedding clients stay with me! One of the many reasons I photograph a small number of weddings each year is because I get to know my clients. From the initial inquiry to the questions about timelines, planning throughout the year(s) to your wedding day we work together. I am here to help throughout the process and planning.

I recently got to see this previous wedding couple (and another one) for some family photos before they welcomed another baby.

Last picture is the most recent.
#shannonritterweddings #delawareweddingphotographer
#delawarebeachwedding

This question made me stop in my tracks. During a recent call with a potential bride (now booked) she asked me :Do you have two flashes for the dance floor?
YES! But the question meant so much to me.

As a wedding photographer part of my JOB has become helping brides know how to hire a photographer who will meet their expectations. In a land of so many how do you know WHAT you need to ask.

Two flashes are NEEDED for your dance floor. It means that your photographer 1. Has the needed gear. 2. Knows and is able to use Off Camera Flash (OCF) 3. Can consistently provide dance floor photos in their wedding photo galleries.

I get many questions and this was the first time that I was asked a technical OCF question. These technical questions ensure you get what you want on your wedding day.

#delawarewedding #delawareweddingphotographer #shannonritterphotography

LIES! The socials will try to have you believe that there are 3 things you have to do to enjoy your wedding day. BUT the truth is the couples that ENJOY their day THE MOST are the ones who CHOOSE to enjoy it. Soak up the people celebrating you! ENJOY your cake! Choose to do what YOU want.

I suggest talking to your fiancé about staying CLOSE together so you experience your day together. Then choose to enjoy it.

I have seen speakers for the ceremony take a swim in the ocean. The groom soaked his tux in champagne right before he was to depart for the ceremony. A smoke alarm has gone off and evacuated the entire venue during the wedding. Something might go wrong. Each of these couples enjoyed their day and let the situations fall away while they enjoyed their BEST DAY!

#delawarewedding #delawareweddingphotographer #shannonritterweddings

WHY Sneak Peek photos.
Sneak peeks photos are to remind you that all the time you spent getting outfits, haircuts, painting nails and getting to the beach are worth it. This family has done photos year after year and they always question if they will get good photos.
In fairness they have been attached by bugs ferociously at two different sessions and we STILL got great photos. This session the wind was trying to chase us off the beach BUT we got great photos. #delawarefamilyphotographer #delawarephotographer #delawarebeaches

Engagement sessions TIPS.
Wear something you feel GREAT IN!
Bring a second outfit.
Have a cocktail or not.

I know it can be intimidating to be in front of the camera. I get nervous for my headshots and family photos EVERY SINGLE time. Engagement sessions are an opportunity to hang out with your best friend and future life partner and have a little fun. I will coach you along the way while you realize all you need to be is YOURSELF!
#delawareengagement #delawarecouplesphotographer #delawareweddingvenue

Micro weddings are PERFECT! Reasons why 👇🏽 This couple got married with the grandparents in mind. The bride’s grandparents were at this wedding and the grooms grandparent was at their wedding in St. Vincent.

Micro weddings allow you to spoil your guests.
It significantly reduces stress.
You remember more of your day.

Keaton chose this Smyrna park location that holds so many memories for him. It’s even more special now that he got to create new ones here with his incredible wife.
#ourlovestoryismyfavorite #delawarewedding #smryna

Your kids WILL have fun and will want to do it all again!
#beachdays #delawarebeachphotographer #delawarefamilyphotographer

I recently heard from the dad of the groom and these were some of HIS favorite images! 🥹
I get to know you and your family and friends. I see them give the groom a thumbs up while they wait for you at the alter. I hear you say “I didn’t know I could be this pretty.” I see your friends swoon and cheer you on. I photograph your mom sewing your veil while you put on makeup. I capture your mom on the dance floor. I photograph the FaceTime call from your grandmother who is too sick to be at your day.
#weddingmoments❤️ #shannonRitterphotography #delawareWeddingPhotographer

Thank you @theconfettifarm for making a product that is environmentally friendly! This wedding at the beach got to have confetti that didn’t leave a lasting impact on the living things around us.

#biodegradableconfetti #weddingconfetti #beachweddingideas

Yup! That’s me!
The sun was shining and the bridal party was at the church which was .3 OR .6 miles from the reception space. No one needed to WALK!

The wedding party is dressed and looking fabulous so the person with the pants who is already hot and sweaty hops in the trunk.

#deweddingphotographer #phillyweddingplanner #shannonritterweddings

Getting people comfortable in front of the camera took me years of practice. Trying and trying again! More practice and some training.

Photographers talk lots about how important light is to their job (and it is!) I think that getting people comfortable is just as important! If you are uncomfortable it will show in your photos.

I have tips and tools to make sessions start off super easy and then we run through your session allowing you to be yourself. Then as you become comfortable, we can try more and more things building on what you have already mastered.

#photographyposing #annapolisphotogrpher #delawarewedding

I have never been thanked as much by a couple as I was this weekend! I am so grateful I got to be a part of their day. They truly absorbed all the goodness, love and fun of their day!

It kicked off @gburgmajestic with a private showing of Farris Bueler’s Day Off which was the couples first date. I was there to photograph their guests welcome and celebrate them. They were married @gettysburgcollege chapel and danced the night away @gettysburghotel

Yes, I am so grateful for all of my couples! And you have all sent such gratitude my way. My JOB is the BEST!
#gettysburghotel #phillyweddings #phillybrides

My daughter could have been switched at birth because I didn’t get to see her. At least that is what I thought for six months and I told my friends this story.

That all changed, six months later when my mom showed up with a crappy photo of me feeding my daughter.

I had zero memory of the short time after delivery where she was placed next to me in the baby warmer. She was making little squeaks and my husband was standing over top of her. The nurse checked her blood sugar and told me I needed to feed her right away. The nurse told me if I couldn’t get her to eat they were taking her to the NICU.

This photo unlocked a memory in my brain that I would have testified had never happened.

Photos have so much power to freeze time and allow you to remember moments so vividly.

I know the power your wedding photos have. It’s so much more than just what hangs on your walls. #switchedatbirth #weddingphotographer #frozenmoments

Perfection was had on the beach in Maryland! This was my third time photographing this sweet family. #maternitybeachphotography #delawarebeachesphotographer #shannonritterphotography

Just like that MOTHER’S Day has made me an appreciated Mom. This day. Doesn’t ever go as planned. It’s hard. Mothering is the hardest thing I have ever done. Those scraps of love thrown your way just when you don’t know how much deeper you can dig = MOTHERHOOD.

Do we need to have an engagement session? No! AND I include it as a FREE item in wedding packages so that your wedding day is not the first time you are professionally photographed.

This means you get a practice run and know what to expect on your wedding day. While it is our objective to photograph authentic moments throughout your day we do also help with prompts for your formal portraits. At the end of most engagement sessions you leave having had fun, laughed with your partner AND find my photography sessions easier than you expected.

This leads to more natural photos and the true essence of your relationship will shine in your photos.

#engagementphotos #shannonritterweddings #delawareweddingphotographer #wilmingtondelawarephotographer #lewesweddingphotographer #delawarebeachesphotographer #whyengagementshoots

You kept me BUSY this month. 🤟🏻
What a F U N month it was. #delawarephotography #delawarefamilyphotographer #delawarebeachphotographer

I only have ONE rule! Doesn’t matter the type of session!

The B E S T thing to do with your hands is keep them on your partner! Hold their hand, their butt, their waist, just keep touching them. 🤣 It’s true.

There are no magical poses. No wrong things to do! Promise. We will walk around. My sessions feel “like a walk in the park.” Even the most “camera shy” people will laugh and walk and giggle and smile.

So what is my ONE RULE? Tell me in the comments and we will gift coffee OR 🍦to one of the people who get it correct! #engagementphoto #camerashy #delawareengagement

Seeing families reunited after a LONG hard deployment. The delighted screams of “DADDY!” And even the littlest baby squealing with excitement.

Thank you to each member of this family for the sacrifices that you made over and over. Christmas apart. Holidays. Milestones. One hundred and ninety three days. 🇺🇸
#militaryhomecoming #shannonritterphotography #doverphotographer

Siblings= the ones who know you the longest. #delawareweddings #newjerseyweddingphotographer #phillyweddings

Holly & Tim 4.6.24
Tim got on his knee to promise his life to Holly.
Holly sang walking down the aisle.
Portraits were in a greenhouse.
#delawarephotographer #phillyphotographer #newjerseyweddingphotographer

She trusted me when I picked an additional
LOCATION.
During planning we had determined a location to meet and I knew what she would be wearing. As I drove through the industrial park with lots of cars, a huge cell tower, and many businesses I saw blooming trees and long golden grasses. I knew that her dress would match these perfectly.

Her maternity session included two outfits by trees, on a porch, on the beach, with a little one running around, and in front of a historic building which were all perfection.

At the very end I asked mom if she would be willing to hop out of her car for 5 more minutes after we got back into the middle of the industrial park. I am so glad that she lent me a few more minutes with the blooming trees! When I see a beautiful setting I can’t pass it up! #shannonritterphotography #annapolisfamilyphotography #delawarematernityphotographer

Editing sneak peeks now! Pumped to get these out to my clients. Spring Minis were a huge success. Thank you for showing up and dumping 100s of eggs on the floor with me! ❤️#shannonritterphotography #delawarefamilyphotographer #lewesde

85 photos were delivered as their “Sneak Peeks.”

I work so hard to get amazing photos of your wedding day and I want you to be able to share them!

How many hours after their wedding did they get their sneak peeks?
#delawarewedding #DMVwedding #shannonritterphotography

We ADDED a few spots! Maternity sessions? Yes, please! Couples, we have room for you! This ISN’T just for kids!
#delawarephotographer #defamily #springminisession

Comment LINK to get more information or register.

$125 for a 20 minute INDOOR spring session on March 16th. This is an opportunity for your littles to hang out in a whimsical flower garden created by the famous @plush_and_bloom_dover_florals

I, Shannon, use every bit of my teaching degree to connect with your kiddos and keep them smiling. Yes, there personality will shine in their pictures too!

We help with outfits, provide props, and even collect info about your greatest hope for the session. #delawarephotographers #shannonritterfamilies #despringminis

Dogs on your wedding day! Hand painted collars for both pup babies! Brides clutch made with her mom’s wedding dress.
Intimate family wedding in their home church. #shannonritterweddings #delawareweddingphotographer #weddingdogs

Take care of yourself day! Giggle. Smile. Laugh. Or help someone else do one of those things! #shannonritterdelaware #shannonritterfamilyphotographer #delawarestudiominis

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Shannon Ritter Photography

Serving Philadelphia, Delaware, & Maryland

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