Who am I?
Hi, I’m Shawn—a photographer, storm chaser, and storyteller with a passion for capturing both the wild and the human. My journey began with a fascination for lightning and has since evolved into a diverse body of work spanning environmental stories, editorial portraits, food and product photography, and photojournalism.
At the heart of everything I do is curiosity—about people, places, and the threads that connect them. Whether I’m documenting the quiet dignity of a rancher affected by drought, styling a local artisan’s handmade goods, or chasing storms across the open plains, my goal is always the same: to tell honest, compelling stories through thoughtful imagery.
My work often explores the interplay of light, texture, and emotion. I look for meaning in fleeting moments, using photography as a way to connect with others and inspire reflection. A camera, for me, isn’t just a tool—it’s a bridge between people and place, between idea and impact.
One of my most personal projects is rooted in the Badlands of South Dakota, where I’ve been documenting the fragile bighorn sheep population and the broader ecological challenges facing the region. That story, told through both imagery and writing, became the seed for my first photo book and a larger mission: to use visual storytelling to advocate for conservation.
While my heart is in the field, I also love the creative problem-solving that comes with editorial and commercial work—from dynamic portraiture to clean, expressive food and product photography. I bring the same care and eye for narrative to every project, whether it’s destined for a magazine spread, a small business campaign, or a gallery wall.
Work with Me
I’m always excited to collaborate with editors, writers, brands, nonprofits, and publications that value thoughtful, visually driven storytelling. Whether you’re commissioning an assignment, building a feature, or developing content for your organization, I bring a flexible and story-first approach to every project.
My work spans environmental and editorial portraiture, documentary photojournalism, and commercial photography—including food and product imagery. At the core of it all is a desire to create images that feel genuine, grounded, and emotionally resonant—images that do more than accompany a story; they tell one.
Clients often come to me for my ability to move fluidly between the natural world and human narratives—whether that’s photographing wildlife in the Badlands, capturing the essence of a small business, or helping a publication visually frame a story about place, identity, or climate.
Let’s Connect
If you’re looking for a creative partner who can deliver powerful images and a collaborative mindset, I’d love to hear from you.
Reach out via email, connect on Instagram, or just say hello. I’m always open to new ideas, assignments, and meaningful projects.
If your request is a bit more in depth than the contact form can handle, feel free to email me at Contact@ShawnRundbladePhoto.com