Meet Shannon Von Eschen

Shannon, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Some days I wake up and think I have the most interesting life ever. Other days, it’s as normal as anyone else’s: good days, bad days, busy days, moments I’m overwhelmed, and moments of nothing but sheer joy. While I never had a “job” in mind for myself growing up (at family reunions I was bombarded with questions about what I wanted to be when I “grew up”), I always knew who I wanted to be with. It sounds crazy, but I met my husband at the ripe ol’ age of ten. And I knew it then: he was perfect for me. We didn’t date until high-school and then I moved away for college, but shortly after, at age 19, we were married. We attended the last years of our college career at CU, all the while running a small, but profitable business: A Tree Nursery. He’d started selling plants and trees like a Lemonade Stand when he was younger and it’d taken off. And since I’ve always been a lover of the outdoors, and because I just LOVE him, I couldn’t think of anything better than diving into the trees together. Though no lies, I was highly intimidated at first! But the two of us transformed the little “stand” within a few years, and it became our wildly successful, albeit crazy-at-times, livelihood.

As is my nature: I dove in headfirst, learning everything I could by physically doing it, and by studying books to memory (and, later, application), at Barnes and Noble. Those bookstore dates of ours were super commonplace for years, but I remember not wanting to wait another day before trying out my camera again and photographing all our products. I’d always loved photography–and I never shied away from having my own photo taken. But being in the trees and living the tree life we had gave me the flexibility to practice and the most creative outlet I’d been craving with photography. Entirely self-taught, I started modeling as a means of learning my light source and became close friends with the best photographers in the business. They took me under their wing and helped me learn more than any class could have taught me, and I’ve never stopped pursuing education when it comes to creative shooting or learning this art-form. Within a year of starting both modeling and photography as a hobby, I had a professional modeling contract, and a photography portfolio full of my own body of images–mostly of other models with a dream to get signed, and of course, of our trees!

For years, I shot professional models during the week and my trees on the weekends. And when I found the time, I modeled myself. But then I discovered film…and wedding photography shot on that ancient medium. I was in LOVE! I pursued anything and everything I could with regards to shooting medium format film and I switched over my camera systems to pacify my new-found passion. I took workshop after workshop, meeting the very best film photographers in the world just so I could mentor underneath them. Many of them have since become my dearest friends, which is something else altogether so profound! And yet one of the most amazing achievements I’ve held has been in shooting the weddings of a few of my most favorite models from way back when! Their trust in me all these years later has been one of my top proudest accomplishments.

But if I were to describe myself to a stranger on the airplane, they’d learn in five minutes that not only was I a professional Dendrologist who can drive huge CAT tractors, I’m an accomplished and widely published fine-art lifestyle + wedding film photographer who’s in love with the dichotomy of both lives. And to add to the complexity of my so-called careers, I’m a mother to a tiny boy who’s been in almost as many magazines as I have, and who’s allowed me to photograph him daily since the day he was born. That book of images…is on my bucket list to publish!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No road worth walking, nor life worth living, is ever smooth–at least that’s what I’ve experienced. You can’t possibly even appreciate the realization of your greatest dreams without first learning to feel the pits of despair. I’m not sure who first said it, but a mantra I find myself pondering often is this: A certain darkness is needed in order to see the stars. And I’ve lived that first-hand. In the midst of both careers, the years in which I had the lowest of lows, I also had the greatest of highs. It was during those years of unimaginable loss (both personally + professionally) that I grew and learned the most about myself. But I also learned how to overcome the darkness. The latter is likely what helped me prepare to receive some of the greatest personal achievements in both Photography and our Tree Nursery business. From being published in Martha Stewart’s magazines for both personal and professional work to planting trees for some of the most prestigious clients in Colorado, the reward (emotionally + financially) after the struggles have been worth it.

Tell us about your work – what should we know?
I’m a creative at heart, but a well-rounded individual. Most days, I’m an artist and a perfectionist. But I’m learning to grow, while still being creative, within the boundaries of a topsy-tervy life. My resume of know-hows is as long-winded as my life-experiences over the last 35 years. I’m crazy loyal to those I love and can find happiness in everything I do. And just as my mother was known by her laugh, I’ve been told it’s quickly becoming my most noticeable trait. Isn’t it wonderful that, at some point, we all turn into our parents? Ha!

If you’re wanting endless information and help with your trees or yard: I’m your girl. And if you’re wanting someone who’s attention to detail is unmatched: I’m your girl. If you’re wanting a wedding photographer who’ll dote on you and take dreamy, meaningful photos: I’m your girl. And if you’re wanting to just stay up late into the early hours of the morning talking and laughing for no reason at all: I’m your girl. I’m okay with knowing something about everything, and everything about something. I’ve not mastered anything in life, I’m afraid. Well…except maybe the art of being creative.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’m sure it’s cliche to speak to those we love as having had the most profound effect on our lives; but in my case, it’s entirely true. My husband, who often-times just seems like the male version of my own true self, has been a tireless dream-pusher and dream-realizer for me. He’s on the support wagon more often then I ever climb aboard, and there’s never enough ways to thank him for his endless love and encouragement. He’s a team player to the core of the phrase and a fiercely competent partner. I feel blessed beyond measure in just being able to access his wit, smarts, and boundless talents. And if you’ve ever wanted to meet someone who’s extraordinary in literally all the ways, it’s him. I’m so glad my ten-year-old heart never gave up. He was worth the wait. Every minute of it.