I grew up on the shores of the Great South Bay on Eastern Long Island, New York. The sun was always on my face, the wind blowing through my hair, and the taste of salt in the air and on my lips.
Always an avid “picture taker” I began to explore the world of photography and light, first using a Canon dslr and currently a Nikon 750 and Nikon 810 dslr and often times, a Platypod.
Photography allows me to express myself, through the lens and use the ever changing light to allow the photograph to emerge. I love the play of light and dark, with predawn light being my favorite time of day. It is through my eyes, you too can see a brief moment of the world unfolding. It always amazes me and I hope you can explore this journey with me. I have been published in Li Advance, Newsday, Discover Long Island and had an exhibit at South Country Library as well as winning the 2019 Bellport Bay poster contest.
New Photos are always being added so check back to view the updates. I bring you Sun_Salt-Air Images as seen through my heart and soul:
The Photography of Jan Shannon
I hope you enjoy looking through my personal gallery and if you see an image here please add the digital low resolution image to the cart and download it as my gift to you so you can enjoy a piece of nature as I captured it.
If you would like to own a piece of nature to hang in your home you can visit the A Return To Nature Gallery by clicking here
You can see more of my images by clicking here. You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram



got your head in the clouds?? what better way then to imagine floating away over the bay?? dreams are made here and the softness calls to our innate guidance to rest on the clouds and dream away.


life on the bay can be harsh. the old woddent structures meant to help ease the erosion are slowly worn down by the sun, the salt, the air. we all stand tall in the face of adversity and we become even more beautiful as the experience weathers us and fine tunes us like a work of art we are.


there is something so fabulous about a sun pillar and even more so when it lines up with one of my favorites places. This particular day had the largest sun pillar I have ever seen and seem to stretch out into the sky, rising up and out on the calm mirrorilike bay toward the shore. it truly was a feeling of something greater then ourselves and the serenity just touches our soul. uplifting it is perfect as a daily reminder of the owners of this world.


the four elements: air, fire, earth, water all come together forming a single line coordinating life unfolding. The rocks and water meet and the force of the aves create the bubbles like soap in a basin. come sit in the warm summer air, take in the rising sun as the water and earth do their dance creating a mesmerizing sound which delights our souls.


Orient Point Lighthouse is strategically placed in Gardiners Bay on the north fork of Long Island NY. This scene is common on the north north but today only a single fisherman and the lighthouse as the sun is perfectly in line with the guiding light. Ferries will being their runs soon across the LI Sound. And the sights and smells of summer remain imprinted in our brains.


the dark cloud hovers over the Long Island Sound as off int he distance the sun is. setting. I stood in awe as Mother nature presented her magnificence and the lessons we all face in life the lightest of times and the darkest of times. We each experience that in our own way. Imagine yourself sitting on the north shore rocks just witness this unfolding.


the fast pace of life sometimes has us so much on the go we forget to take time to slow down. This is a long Exposure shot and the Atlatinc ocean waves as the incoming storm Isaias is approaching The elements of water, earth, and air are all visibly presence and the sun is obscured but those thick approaching clouds and yet powerful enough to bring light into the day and highlight those extraordinary clouds.


The docks perched over the water and allow us to extend out pathway over and above without getting wet. There is something that draws us to the empty dock so we can just sit and mediate on the end of our path and yet maybe a beginning.


Summers on the Great South Bay always find the sailboats moored in the harbor, offering their unique beauty as they grace the distant horizon. The gentle summers breezes, the smell of the salt air, and the warmth of the rising sun. Simple pleasures in a complex world and yet, earth friendly and sustainable. Ecosystems in balance as we all focus on the ecology of the ever changing world Bellport, New York


Ho Hum is a private beach along the coast of Fire Island. After Hurricane Sandy destroyed the old pavilion, the new structure was erected bigger and set back more than the previous one. Well, Mother Nature does what Mother Nature wants. Erosion, strong storms, and high winds have caused the pavilion to become separated from the walkway and so, it is standing alone to face the sea. I often think of how often we feel alone in facing. another day and yet, the we do day after day without crumbling under the pressure The light shines on our strengths and we use them to stand tall. Ho Hum Beach, Fire Island, New York


what is it about sailboats in the marina at dawn? All tied up, safe ,and secure but awaitn the time to go out onto the bay. Sailboats are calming and relaxing. We imagine ourselves in them as they glide across the water as the wind pushes against the sails. Magical moments.


Adult toys are fun and we get to play with our inner child. We all have an inner child that wants to play. Humans are made to play and seek adventure or we would never learn how to walk.! The child within needs health playtime and what better then a little red sailboat on the river and out into the bay?? Brookhaven New York
It looks great Jan! Very well done!
thank you so much Trish ! it truly was a collaborated effort after being disappointed with the cancellation of several exhibits for all of us. Sometimes things turn and we went with that new path.
Beautiful images! Well done my friend.
thank you so much JoAnn!!!
These photos take my breath away! They are absolutely beautiful.
thank you Eleanor
These images are stunning. You have such a gift.
thank you so much Julie !!I appreciate that
So Beautiful!
thank you Sherri
Beautiful photos Jan. Good luck with this collaboration
thank you very much Sherri I appreciate that!
Alison thank you so much !!!