Shannon Aroha
Films · Photography · Creative education

Storytelling in light & motion.

Watch the Films
Work seen onNetflix·Panasonic·Lenovo·STA Travel·Tourism New Zealand·Virgin America·Intrepid Travel
Shannon in a field of tall grass
Hey, I'm Shannon

Let's collaborate.

I'm a filmmaker and photographer from Kansas, based in Aotearoa New Zealand. Ever since I was a kid, I've loved dreaming with headphones on — eyes closed, watching the music play out as scenes. That's still where my work begins: a feeling first, then the image.

Learn More
Born at Sea
Narrative short film
Winner, Grand Jury Prize — Raglan Arts Film Festival
Watch ›
Lenovo
Commercial
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Waves
Music video
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Enter the Cinema

Work with me.

Creative Production ServicesBrand Videos•Music Videos•Photography•Web Design

Swipe to explore
Shannon smiling as she reviews a shot on her camera
Brand Videos & CommercialsFrom concept to final cut
Behind the camera at a documentary interview with Arhuaco elder Mamo Lorenzo in Kaua'i
Documentaries & EventsReal people, real moments
Portrait photograph
PhotographyPeople, Places, Things
Musician playing guitar under palm trees
Music & Social VideoLive Sessions, Music Videos, Event Capture, Reels
Commercial product shoot
Design & WebCustom Websites, Posters, Brand Design
Start a project
Services

Ways to work together.

I take on a small number of projects each year for brands, musicians, festivals and conservation work.

01 Brand Videos & Commercials Full video production services, from concept to final mix. Enquire → 02 Documentaries & Events Short documentaries, interviews, festivals and gatherings, filmed with care. Enquire → 03 Photography Portraits, places and products, shot with a filmmaker's eye. Enquire → 04 Music & Social Video Live sessions, music videos and short-form content that still feels cinematic. Enquire → 05 Design & Web Websites, posters and brand pieces built around your own images. Questionnaire →
Wanna collaborate?

“You bring the story, I’ll bring the camera —
and the popcorn.”

Kind words
“[Testimonial 1 — one to three sentences about working with you.]”
[Name] · [Role, Company]
“[Testimonial 2 — one to three sentences about working with you.]”
[Name] · [Role, Company]
“[Testimonial 3 — one to three sentences about working with you.]”
[Name] · [Role, Company]
BTS photo
coming soon
Shannon on the road, working on the course
BTS photo
coming soon
Wanna learn about my latest project?
I'm working on a course teaching the
fundamentals of videography.

Learn to see in story.

A mini-course, coaching and books for anyone who wants to tell better stories with a camera.

A murmuration of birds against a blue sky
Mini-coursePractical FilmmakingA mini-course in videography & editing. Short, practical lessons on framing, light, movement, sound and the edit — so your footage starts to feel like cinema.
Kids filming in a native forest during a workshop
Coaching · ConsultingCamera & Story Coaching + ConsultingOne-on-one or small-group coaching for your project, plus creative consulting for brands and businesses — shaping the story, the shoot and the visual direction.
The Art of Video book cover
The Cinematic Handbook book cover
Coming soonThe BooksThe Art of Video & The Cinematic Handbook — two field guides to seeing in motion and making your footage feel like cinema, from light and lenses to colour and the edit.

Journal.

Blog posts, movie lists, dream sequences — ramblings from a nomadic existence...

All posts ›
Blog Notes from behind the lens Read »
Movie lists Films that taught me to see Read »
Dream sequences Half-remembered images & ideas Read »
Postcards

Letters from the road

Movie recommendations & occasional stories from yours truly.

Email newsletter

Let's make something.

Got a story to tell? Even half an idea is a great place to start. Drop me a note about what you're dreaming up, and we'll figure out the rest together.

Get in touch thestorytellersway@gmail.com
Follow along @shannonaroha @shannonaroha ›
A wooden boardwalk winding through beech forest