A glimpse at one of the most exciting years of my life so far.

The past year and a half has been one of, if not the most eventful year of my life so far. I first came to New York in September of 2013,and ever since then I’ve been exploring each borough, making new friends, and taking every opportunity this city has to offer. I’ve met people who have now become some of the most important people in my life. This whole time, I’ve never gone out into the street without my trusty camera.

On my second night in NYC, I got off at the wrong train stop in Brooklyn and found myself walking alone through unfamiliar streets late at night.

I finally got my hands on a Canon T5i/700D DSLR, and it’s a game-changer. Here I share my first impressions and why it’s perfect for creators starting out.

So if you’re a long time follower of mine you’ve probably already come to the conclusion that Shanna May likes New York City… just a little.

It’s one of those moments you never really forget. You dream about traveling to some far off place, but then you actually do it.

Los Angeles, summer 2011 - my first time in America, wide-eyed and jet-lagged, stepping into the bright chaos of VidCon. It was all new: the heat, the freeways, the energy of a place I’d only seen on screens. I was there for the videos, the creators, the panels—but what I found was something much more lasting. This adventure was full of firsts: friendships formed in hotel lobbies, late-night conversations that stretched into something real, and a growing sense that I was part of a much bigger, creative world. Lets look back on that unforgettable month - messy, exciting, full of connection - and the moment it all began.