genuine moments
guided interactions
curated poses

Williston, ND based wedding and portrait photographer

capturing true to life, bright and vibrant imagery.

Here to create timeless heirlooms that reflect you. Each gallery is

thoughtfully curated to include a mix of guided and prompted interactions,

carefully styled poses and candid, genuine, natural moments,

giving you a complete and authentic story.

Taking small moments and creating big impacts.

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Testimonials

" My husband and I have known Shawna since high school, and she has always been the kindest and most personable person there is! When she started her photography business, we knew she was the one we wanted! She has done our maternity, newborn, one year milestone, family pictures, wedding, and most recently family photos and two year milestone session! She is FABULOUS! She goes above and beyond to be sure that she captures just what you want and she is so patient... especially with a little one and three pups! We have never been disappointed and hope she can continue to capture all of our precious moments!! "

Katelyn Sandberg

As we all prepare to recap the year with our business wins, goals met, lessons learned, and plans for what’s next, I can’t help but feel a little differently this time around.

This year forced a HUGE perspective check I didn’t ask for, but probably needed. It slowed me down, reminded me not to take the “normal” days for granted, and showed me just how much grace exists when you let people in.

I’m incredibly grateful for the clients who adjusted their schedules and life, and showed patience, flexibility, and kindness when my plans (and my body) didn’t cooperate. Thank you for meeting me with understanding and trusting me through it all!

Turns out slowing down teaches you a lot, including who shows up, who sticks by your side, and who steps in when help is needed, and most importantly, it’s okay. I appreciate you all more than you’ll ever know. Thank you for supporting me through a challenging year!

Don’t worry! I’m still here and still shooting. Just slowing limping my way into 2026 with a little more gratitude, a lot more stretching, and a reminder that self-care is not optional.

There is just something so sweet about capturing your new little one in the comfort of your own home💛 The quiet surroundings and peaceful atmosphere of an at-home lifestyle session are just the icing on the cake for making your newborn session extra special!

It’s been a season filled to the max! Cant wait to share them all with you🫶🏼

Thank you all for your continued patience as I navigate this new “normal”. Grateful for you all!

✨ Life Update ✨

The past couple weeks have looked a little different than I’m used to for the kick off to Fall photo sessions.

While playing volleyball, I ruptured my achilles tendon — which has meant surgery, a cast, crutches, and more immobility than I’m used to.🩼

It’s been hard learning how to move around again, rely on others, and navigate life (and stairs!) in a whole new way. I’m hopeful that with the right PT and a new routine, I can focus on recovery one step at a time. 💪🏼

To my amazing clients — thank you for your understanding and support in needing to postpone or adjust to this new normal. I’m doing my absolute best to still show up for your sessions, even if it means getting creative and switching up our accessibility with locations. I’m so grateful I still get the chance, despite the many temporary challenges that lie ahead. 📸

This isn’t the Fall season I had planned, but here’s to healing!❤️‍🩹

✨ Senior Sunday ✨

Featuring this gorgeous girl!
What a fun evening chasing sunsets and getting eat alive in a field of flowers🦟🙃

This season is all about celebrating how far you’ve come and the adventures that are still ahead🌻

This day - where to start!?
An intimate celebration on the edge of the badlands at @theodorerooseveltnps was the most perfect setting!

With personalized vows spoken under the open skies (and wind, because ya know - ND!), champagne toasts, and timeless details woven into everything, this day was nothing short of classic and unforgettable!

Scenery that took our breath away, that elegant style that will never fade, and a love story that felt right at home in the middle of it all.

Cheers to Mr. + Mrs. Nix!🥂

Happy 4th to all!🇺🇸 Hope everyone has a great weekend full of fun, family, and fireworks!✨

I’m honored to fill every frame with meaningful images like these. Today, we celebrate all of these quiet, powerful moments. Happy Mother’s Day to all of the wonderful Moms out there🤍

Whoever decided on✨fantastically✨ changing the traditional “Prom Posed” photos into I C O N I C celebrity inspired highlights of the night and full on photoshoots has my vote👏🏼

I know this word is so over used and giving “millennial”, but myyyy godddd I am OBSESSED!❤️‍🔥

☀️OOO☀️

Out Of Office—Officially trading up answering emails and checking off to-do lists for the ocean breeze and margaritas🍹We are off to the beach for our honeymoon!

I will get back to all the things when I return!
Brb, the beach is calling✌🏼

I’m so excited to start this new chapter of my life with a new last name—Mrs. Zern, at your service💁🏼‍♀️🤍

Many have asked if my business will remain the same, or if it will get a fresh new title as well.

As many of you know, the name “Thomas” holds a lot of meaning for me—it’s the name I’ve carried my whole life, both personally and professionally. It’s the name I’m known by in our wonderful community, the name tied to the business I’ve worked so hard to build, and the name that honors my dad, whose memory has influenced everything I do. For the past 19 years to the day, this name has been a reminder of his legacy and the values I try to uphold.

When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure. A treasure so precious that it’s often the very reason someone chooses the career they do. (It’s me, hi!🙋🏼‍♀️)

With this business, my goal is simple: to help you preserve the moments and memories that matter most. One day, those photos might be all you have left of the people you love—your family, your friends, the moments that make life meaningful. And maybe, just maybe, a photo of YOU will be all your loved ones have left, too.

So please, take the pictures🫶🏼 Don’t wait for the perfect sunset, the pimple to go away, the weight to fall off, or the schedules to be less busy. As Adele once said, “Let me photograph you in this light, in case it is the last time that we might be exactly as we were.”

Forever and always,
🤍Shawna Thomas Photography

Snow-kissed evergreens are one of the MANY beautiful scenery locations to add to an already cozy, snowy, winter engagement session!🌲

Ashlyn + Eli sure knew how to make this chilly session so much fun! Can’t wait to share their wedding photos with you all!

As a photographer and an Auntie, I can’t stress enough how important milestone photos are. 📸

These moments seem so small at the time, but in a blink of an eye, they’re gone. From those first smiles, little giggles, baby rolls, the first steps, and now on to birthday smiles and first bites of cake, every milestone is a chapter in their life—and capturing them helps us hold on for dear life.

But mostly, just LOOOOOOK at how much they change in just one short year! From a tan, handsome brown haired boy, to a beautiful little blondie, this guy is the perfect example of why these are so important!

So here’s to all the messy, beautiful, unforgettable moments. Take the photos, even when it’s not picture-perfect, because one day you’ll treasure them more than you can imagine🥰

Happy 1st Birthday, Noley! Love you to pieces!🤍

Kendra + Jalen
08.24.24🤍

The most beautiful scenery
The gorgeous pastels
The magnificent details
The sweetest bride & groom

Take me back💍

S E N I O R S U N D A Y
The beautiful Rylee🤎

🥂C H E E R S🥂
.
.
To the N E W Y E A R.
To the new clients gained.
To the returning clients who have been here for the long run.
To the late nights of editing.
To the long drives and distances traveled.
To the beautiful scenery.
To the helpful hands along the way.
To the clients who became friends.
To the silent battles that were fought.
To the successes that were accomplished.
To the goals that were met.
To new beginnings and dreams ahead.
To 2024 behind us.
To 2025 in front of us.
.
.
To Y O U🤍

Happy New Year!

From newborn to 1 year! Happy Birthday cutie!🧸

It’s me, HI🫶🏼

The one who you’ll hear the word “perfect” from 100+ times during our time together.

The one who will deliver you WAYYY too many photos because I simply just could not choose.

The one who will tell you over and over again how beautiful you look or how cute your kiddos are (because it’s the truth).

The one who will fix your hair or wipe lipstick off your teeth for you - so I don’t have to edit it out later, but mostly because I’m picky and do my best to notice the little things and want the absolute best for you.

The one who will spend that extra week editing your photos because I’m so picky with the little things mentioned above, and want to go above and beyond for you.

The one who will dance around, make silly noises, or make a complete fool of myself to get your kids to laugh. Or lay in a puddle to get the shot.

The one who wants to form relationships with my clients and spend more than a “small session” amount of time with you.

The one who will say “one more” and NEVER EVER mean it😜

The one who will do everything to make you feel comfortable and confident during your time with me.

The one who will always be there to help bustle up your dress, adjust your veil, strap on those heels, or get you a drink.

The one who wants to be as helpful and as present as possible in all of the planning processes, all the way down to your outfits, locations, meeting spots, or what snacks your bringing for bribery for your kiddos.

The one who just wants to take photos and hang out with you and your family and bring YOUR vision to life.

The one who wants the word “client” to turn into the words “friends” and “family”.

The one who is ✨SO EXTREMELY THANKFUL✨ for each and every one of you who have impacted this business of mine.

YOU are the real ones🤍

Quiet socials mean for a full calendar! Thank you to all of my amazing clients for your patience as I complete my Fall editing queue! So excited to get these beautiful images to you all!

Switching all the things from Cruel Summer to All Too Well🍂

Weddings, weddings, and more weddings!
Thank you all so much to everyone for your continued patience🤍 If you’re waiting on a gallery delivery, just know I’m working diligently to get everything finished in a timely manner! I appreciate each and every one of you!

This photo deserves its own place on the gird🤍

From belly to baby🤍
The sweetest family ever!

Welcome to the BER months.
Happy September🤎
Happy Labor Day🤍

Miss Blayke’s 🍓BERRY🍓 first birthday was a real treat! Her vibrant dress, strawberry filled fingers, animated expressions, and growing personality were just the icing on the most delicious looking cake you’ve ever seen!

Where has the time gone!? My handsome little nephew is officially 6 months old today��🥹 Time, please slow down!

Happy 2nd Birthday to Jovi Jean! Hope your day is filled with sleeve tats, all the gifts you could ever imagine, and delicious goodies! ☠️Bad TWO The Bone!☠️

✨OOO✨

We are officially in our Bride and Groom era💍
Time has gone by so fast and we are so excited to celebrate with our friends and families!

For anyone that does not know, we are getting married…IN 1 WEEK🤯

Finally making my official “Out Of Office” post for everyone! I’ll get back to all messages, texts, calls, etc., as soon as I say “I do”😉

Thank you all for your patience and understanding!🤍

📸 @twobirdsphoto

From newborn to 1 year done and gone, where does the time go🤍 Happy Birthday Miss Ailei!

Obsessed with these kiddos and everything about this candid session from last Fall🤎

Had a fun wedding weekend away with the girls🤍 Picking up where I left off and getting back to all emails and messages today. If you’re waiting on a response, check your inbox!

North Dakotans walking into this week after enjoying not having much snow this winter season❄️

Introducing my nephew!

🤍N O L A N J O H N L O P E Z🤍
January 27th, 2024
4:35pm
21.25in 6lbs 8oz

This auntie is obsessed🥹

I may be biased, but when you get to photograph your family it just hits different! If you think they look good, just wait until you see their little boy🤍

Reminiscing back on warmer weather and the most adorable families!☀️

The CUTEST sister duo you ever did see! Welcome to the world Lainey Jo, and the biggest golden birthday shout out to Quinn!💛Cant believe you are 5!

Did your significant other pop the question over the holidays!?💍
✨NOW IS THE TIME✨
Book your engagement sessions or weddings for the upcoming year! Schedules will be filling up extremely fast and I cannot wait to meet all of the newly engaged couples! Whether you are planning for an engagement session, an elegant wedding or intimate elopement, you’ve come to the right place🤍

I absolutely loved exploring this stunning farmland with these two! Enjoy these while they last before I grace you with their wedding photos🤍

PS: How about that wheat field!? Mike was very adamant about getting that to be perfect, JUST for these photos😏

✨2023✨
And just like that, there she goes!

Thank you to all of the wonderful people who played a role in this business of mine in 2023! Your continued support for me has been out of this world! Ready for 2024🤍

This handsome man is 1!🤍
Where has the time gone! So honored to be able to meet the most adorable babies when they are new to the world and continue to capture all of their milestones!

The cutest cup of hot chocolate you ever did see!☕️ Merry Christmas!🎄

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genuine moments
guided interactions
curated poses

Browse Portfolio

Testimonials

Follow Along!

Shawna Thomas

Based in Williston, ND. Available for travel worldwide.

BACK TO TOP

genuine moments guided interactions curated poses

Browse Portfolio

Testimonials

​

Follow Along!

Shawna Thomas

Based in Williston, ND. Available for travel worldwide.

BACK TO TOP

genuine moments
guided interactions
curated poses