Hi, I’m Shannel Resto—the founder and lead photographer behind SJR Photography, and a creative storyteller with a deep love for capturing moments that move, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.

 

I’m an internationally based photographer, currently creating in Atlanta, NYC, and Boston. My journey began in the world of dance, where I trained at Boston Arts Academy, earned a BFA in Dance from Rutgers University- Mason Gross School of the Arts, and studied choreography at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London. My background as a rehearsal director, dancer, and choreographer shapes the way I see the world—through rhythm, form, and emotion. That perspective led me to photography, where I found a new way to tell stories.

 

In 2013, SJR Photography was born out of a desire to blend performance with visual art, using the camera as a tool to preserve the energy, beauty, and authenticity of each moment. Recognized for my eclectic style, my work has been described as storytelling, and detailed. My work immerses viewers in a world of visual narratives, inviting them to explore the depths of imagination and embrace the impossible. Every frame I capture is a labor of love, meticulously composed to bring out the captivating narratives that may otherwise go unnoticed. It's like embarking on a thrilling treasure hunt, delving into the depths of each image to uncover hidden stories and archive moments through life. Since then, I’ve built a portfolio that spans across fashion, editorial creative portraits, performance arts, and documentary work, all rooted in my love for visual storytelling.

My Work

I’ve had the privilege of photographing at major fashion events around the world, including:

Haute Couture Fashion Week – Paris, Alta Moda – Italy, New York Fashion Week, Atlanta Fashion Week, Vogue x CFDA events, Bvlgari BTS, The Business of Fashion gatherings.

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Whether it’s backstage, on the runway, or behind the scenes, I’ve captured a wide range of designers, influencers, and brands, such as: Mona Patel, Dj Nicole Rose, Sterling McDavid, Jean Paul Gaultier, Giambattista Valli, Burnett New York, Seleria Regalia, PaperMoney Brand, Alani Taylor, TRU3STORI, UNTOURAGE, and FUBU.

 

My approach is detailed, intentional, and narrative-driven—each frame designed to highlight the textures, emotions, and nuances that often go unseen in the performing arts and fashion.

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My mission is to create compelling visual archives that celebrate and preserve the performing arts—from masterclasses and live productions to behind-the-scenes moments, headshots, and creative portraiture. I’ve had the privilege of photographing for organizations such as New York City Center, Peridance, Eryc Taylor Dance, Center for Puppetry Arts, Earl Mosley Institute of the Arts, DanceLabNY, Immerse ATL, and Times Square Alliance, among others.

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Where You've Seen My Work

My photography has been featured in publications like The New York Times, Forbes, Dance Magazine, PLAYBILL, Time Out NYC, The Jerusalem Post, Voyage ATL, Shoutout ATL, Bold Journey Magazine and more.

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Recently, being a part of ARTS ATL:  20 photos to Watch: that captured Atlanta's stages in 2024​

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Exhibitions featuring my work include Atlanta Center for Photography exhibition,  Raw Artist NYC, Mint ATL, Cat Eye Creative, Solo Gallery: The Travelers Obscura, and The Harlem Art Stroll.

 

And book publications like: 

• Author of Capture the Colors Coloring Book available on Amazon 

• Life as Jpeg Volume 1-3 - Whitney Browne Experimental Photography 

• On Both Side of the Lens 2019-2024 Archival book documenting the Puerto Rican Diaspora 

• Passionate Work- Choreographing a dance career /Author Ruth Horowitz 

 

You can also hear me share more about my creative process and career on podcasts like She Calls Her Shots, The Confident CEO, and Second Act Success.

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Beyond the Lens

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Outside of the studio, I’m all about good food (especially pasta and Asian cuisine), elephants, and building deep, lasting connections with the people I work with. My goal is always to create more than just a photo—I want to create an experience, a memory, and something that lives far beyond the moment it was captured.

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