let's get to know each other
My name is Shawnie Rutherford.
I'm a portrait photographer, living in Elkhart, IN. I specialize in family photography, portrait, and lifestyle. This includes everything from newborns to weddings. I prefer working in natural light settings, however, I do offer in studio options and have mobile lighting to enhance images in your home, for a more personal setting.
I am blessed by a large blended family. I have 9 children and 6 grandchildren so far! So, understanding the workings of families and their needs is especially important to me.

Life is all about people, moments, & emotions that we want to hold on to..
Everyone has a vision for their photography session. It is my job to make that vision come to life. I welcome your input, thoughts, and opinions on all aspects of our time together, from the booking process to the final product. YOU should be the MAIN FOCUS of YOUR session.
In a world where everyone has a camera on them at all times many people wonder why a professional session is beneficial. However, images taken on our phones degrade over time, each time we edit, share, screen shot, post, or move an image the quality decreases. Printing your images and saving original high resolution images is the only way to properly preserve them.
Notes From My Clients
Brittany

Definitely book your session with Brabee! I thought I could take pictures of my one year old and they would be easy... I don't have props or backdrops or any editing skills lol My daughter was so tired the first day and we did our best but she allowed us to come back another day to finish and al the photos turned out perfect! She even captured the vision that my daughter's father wanted incorporating a mirror.
1 / 8
Notes From My Clients
Laura & Jeremy

Our first session was for my daughter's senior pictures. They were amazing. Shawnie's use of the backgrounds and compositions was fantastic. We then hired her to do our engagement and wedding photos. I am so glad we found a fun and caring photographer who really helps you ALL THE WAY through the process.
2 / 8
Notes From My Clients
Christina & Family

We had an awesome experience doing family photos with Brabee Photography! Having 3 kiddos two and under, we were wondering if any would even turn out... but they are all perfect! Shawnie was amazing with the kids and knew how to keep us laughing the whole time! Thanks
3 / 8
Notes From My Clients
Erin & Family

We loved our photos! We have a baby with Cystic Fibrosis so trusting the photographer was really important to us. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to handle their baby with care and professionalism.
4 / 8
Notes From My Clients
Janet

We had the BEST experience with our Senior photo shoot.
Not only was it fun, and relaxed, the end results are absolutely amazing!!!
I highly recommend everyone to use Brabee Photography. Whether you need baby, family or senior photos taken.
Thank you Shawnie!!
5 / 8
Notes From My Clients
Becca & Tony

10/10 Shawnie is amazing at what she does, very personable, and finds amazing candid opportunities to get great photos. She is technically skilled and knows the importance of good composition, and she does the editing very well. Our wedding was perfect. If you need a photo session done, I highly recommend her. You won't be disappointed.
6 / 8
Notes From My Clients
Haggart Family

Shawnie is super friendly, easy going & really interacted with my boys. We have done sessions with other photographers but she really is wonderful with kids. The pictures were awesome & the turn around time in seeing the gallery was amazingly fast. We will definitely be going going back!!!
7 / 8
Notes From My Clients
Jenni

Super easygoing. Shawnie captured our kids personalities- she even got my son to smile nicely (an accomplishment on its own)!! She was even able to update a picture I loved where my son wasn’t smiling with another that he was (face swap) and I’m thrilled with the result!
8 / 8