Southern Fire Photography

10/25/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19NBZNJMQv/

On September 24, I underwent back surgery. On October 6, a severe spasm cause… Shaunna Tello needs your support for Keeping Our Family Afloat Through Recovery

10/25/2026

Hospital Update — Day 12. 🖤

I wish I had better news to share, but last night was absolutely awful. Things took a pretty scary turn, and honestly, I’m exhausted.

The pain became unbearable, reaching well over a 10/10, and shifted from my usual back pain to severe abdominal pain. After hours of vomiting and being sent for CT scans, MRIs, X-rays, and what felt like every test imaginable, they discovered that part of my intestines had essentially telescoped into itself. The medical term may be *intussusception*. Thankfully, things seem to have worked themselves out for now, and I’m feeling a little better today.

Unfortunately, that’s not the end of the story.

Neurosurgery has now raised concerns about a possible infection at the site of my original back surgery. More MRIs and testing are needed to figure out what’s happening. If there is an infection, they’ll try treating it with antibiotics. The worst-case scenario could mean another surgery, potentially involving a spinal fusion.

I honestly don’t even have the words for how overwhelming this has become.

I went into what was supposed to be a relatively minor back surgery, expecting a recovery period. Instead, I’m on day 12 of this hospital stay, facing complications I never imagined and a future that feels increasingly uncertain. What I thought would be a temporary setback has turned into something potentially life-changing.

Right now, I’m taking things one day, one test, and one hurdle at a time. I’m grateful that today is a little better than last night, and I’m holding on to hope that we can get some answers and finally start moving in the right direction.

Thank you to everyone who has continued checking in, visiting, praying, sending messages, and reminding me that I’m not alone in this. I may not have the energy to respond to everyone, but please know that your love means more than I can explain.

I wish I could tell you there’s an end in sight, but right now, we just don’t know. So, for today, I’m going to celebrate the small victories and keep fighting through the things I never expected to face. Huge thank you to Tonya Pickney-Prissel for staying with me last night though all this.

**One day at a time. One breath at a time. Still here. Still fighting.** 🖤

10/17/2026

First, thank you for your patience and understanding. I owe you all an apology, as there have been and will continue to be delays in getting galleries delivered within my normal turnaround times.
In more than 23 years behind the camera, this has never happened before. Unfortunately, I'm currently hospitalized with unexpected medical complications after minor surgery as mentioned in the previous post, and it's affecting my ability to keep up with my usual schedule.
I'm doing everything I can to work on galleries from my hospital bed, but I can't promise specific delivery dates right now.
Please know you haven't been forgotten. Your memories matter to me, and I'm truly sorry for keeping you waiting or letting you down in any way. This isn't the experience I want for my clients—my Southern Fire family—and I'm incredibly grateful for the grace you're giving me while I focus on healing.

❤️‍🔥 Thank you for supporting Southern Fire Photography. I'm doing my best, one gallery at a time, and feel truly blessed to have each and every one of you.

— Shaunna

10/17/2026

A little life update, because a lot has happened in the couple weeks.

After my minor back surgery, I was hospitalized following a fall down the stairs a week later. I was discharged, started getting back on my feet, and even managed to squeeze in a few photo shoots. Unfortunately, things took another turn, and I ended up back in the hospital by ambulance on Monday.

We now know that a bone chip from my surgery is floating around in my spine basically bouncing around like a ping-pong ball and hitting different nerves, causing severe spasms and pain. I’m currently at Mayo Clinic Hospital downtown, discussing next steps with a neurosurgeon to figure out where we go from here.

Unfortunately, we don’t know what the next steps will look like or when I’ll be able to go home. For now, I’m taking things one day at a time. However, after three days in the bed unable to move, I stood up for the first time today and was able to walk a little.

Thank you to everyone who has checked in, sent messages, and kept me in your thoughts. I may not have the energy to respond to everyone, but I appreciate you all more than you know. Room 51019 feel free to stop by anytime. 🖤

How do you make holy water?
You boil the hell out of it 🤣🤣🤣🤣

10/13/2026

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we'll be close for the week. Sorry for any inconveniences this causes, I look forward to working with you guys again next week.

10/11/2026

Guess who is discharged from the hospital and back at it with the camera! Fall colors are absolutely amazing I will be posting my fall special tonight, so be ready. Southern Fire Photography is fully up and running even while I recover!

10/08/2026

🔥 Southern Fire Local Spotlight 🔥

This week, I want to shine a little light on SAY YES Missions & Ministry a local organization doing some seriously good work in our community. ❤️

They provide meals and support to people experiencing homelessness, showing up day after day with food, compassion, and a reminder that somebody cares.

If you’re looking for a way to support a local mission that truly makes a difference, check them out and see what they need to keep their work going. Every little bit helps. 🖤

This is what community is about — showing up for people.

10/06/2026

🖤 SOUTHERN FIRE PHOTOGRAPHY — TEMPORARILY CLOSED🖤

Due to an unexpected accident at home, I am currently in the emergency room and being admitted to the hospital.

If you’re waiting on edits or a gallery, they may be **slightly delayed**, but I absolutely will get them to you. 🖤

If you have a session scheduled, I’ll reach out directly if needed to reschedule. There’s no need to worry or chase me down—I promise I haven’t forgotten about you.

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support while I get things situated. I’ll be back behind the camera and reopening as soon as I’m able.

Thank you for sticking with me through the good, the bad, and the absolute chaos. This is just another chapter—not the end of the story.

🖤 Shaunna

10/04/2026

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10/04/2026

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