Hi, I'm Sawyer


Greetings and welcome to my world, where I capture moments and emotions through the lens. I'm Sawyer Shepard (he/him), the creative visionary behind Only1Shot Photography, nestled in the heart of Towson, MD. While my home base resides in Maryland, my insatiable passion for freezing life's beautiful instances knows no bounds. I'm thrilled by the prospect of journeying beyond my borders to seize memories wherever they unfold.

My role as the proud owner and lead photographer of Only1Shot Photography represents an intersection of my artistic spirit and unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community. Embracing my identity as a genderqueer individual, my personal odyssey has been marked by self-discovery, acceptance, and unapologetic self-expression. An unwavering advocate for the LGBTQ+ cause and other crucial issues against systemic abuse, my art and purpose merge in the act of preserving fleeting moments through my lens.


In my photographic journey, I've discovered my true calling – capturing the unfiltered essence of the human experience. Be it smiles, tears, laughter, or those glances askance, these authentic emotions are the threads that weave the tapestry of life. I stand deeply honored to wield the privilege of translating them into visual stories. My camera serves as my brush, with authenticity as my canvas. My expertise finds its zenith in weddings and engagements – these are not mere events; they represent chapters in the diverse love stories of remarkable souls.


Rooted in nearly a decade's immersion in the art of wedding photography, I bring a wealth of experience and an artist's discerning eye to every frame. Every wedding is a unique symphony, composed of individual stories, and I proudly conduct this symphony, capturing the emotions that crescendo on your special day.

Yet, my world isn't confined to the art of photography alone. My multifaceted interests form a kaleidoscope of my personality. From the mesmerizing strokes of a paintbrush to the enchantment of animation, from the mysteries woven into tarot to the intricate layers of psychology, these threads intricately interlace with my photography. They enrich my perspective, nurturing my creativity.


In my lens, I've set my sights on a cherished audience – engaged couples aged 18 to 45. However, I firmly believe that age is but a number; what truly matters is an open heart and mind. If you're poised to embark on a journey infused with creativity, ambition, and warmth, you've found your place. Together, we'll craft photographs that not only narrate stories but also encapsulate the essence of your unique connection.


Thank you for stepping into my realm. I eagerly anticipate the honor of capturing the extraordinary within your ordinary moments.


Warmly,

Sawyer Shepard (/Mandi/)

Owner & Lead Photographer

Only1Shot Photography

Client Reviews

“Mandi is an absolute blast to work with and she creates truly stunning photographs. From our engagement photo shoot through our June 2021 wedding, Mandi consistently proved her excellence. Her prompt communication is refreshing compared to the email black hole that orbits some wedding vendors. Her attitude and energy are incredible to lean on in the moments when posing for pictures gets a little bit uncomfortable.”

—Matt & Katy

“She was highly professional and responsive throughout the whole process and went beyond our expectations by visiting our location ahead of time to scout out the best spots, giving us great tips for our wardrobe after an unexpected snowfall just before our shoot, and keeping us laughing the whole time. We debated skipping engagement photos altogether; but, now after working with Mandi and seeing our fantastic photos...we’re so glad we chose to do this with her”

—Julie&Praveen

“We had an absolutely fantastic experience with Mandi. From our first conversation to getting our preview pictures 3 days after the wedding, she's just been amazing. My husband was a bit nervous about getting his picture taken so much, and getting to know Mandi during the fab engagement photo session was great. She met up with us at the venue a few weeks before the wedding to discuss our plans ...On the wedding day itself, she was great; completely unobtrusive, but she managed to get all the photos we wanted”

—Barb & Mark

Follow me on Instagram


@only1shot_photo