Alecia: Mentor Session

I'm an aspiring photographer and I have the most amazing story of how the Lord truly is pointing me in that direction. Last year for my birthday a few dear friends started a camera fund for me without me ever knowing until the day we got together to celebrate. At the time of the reveal they had raised $800 to go toward a new camera. When it was all said and done my friends had raised $1,200!!!! You can read more about it here. I was overwhelmed to say the least.

This year, on a trip to San Francisco with some dear friends, the Lord literally sits us next to this sweet young lady, named Shannon. Amy, sitting next to me, overhears her tell our friend Regan that she's a photographer. And it true Amy fashion she makes sure Regan & I switch seats so I can talk shop with Shannon. I'm pretty sure the entire plane was hating all of us at that moment...it was five o'clock in the morning and we were THOSE PEOPLE with our lights on and the conversations not ceasing until we landed in San Fran....sorry to anyone on that flight...but God was making a divine connection! :-) I mentioned that I was going to take a class and Shannon said, "you don't need to take a class...I'll teach you!" This is a gift considering I had approached a local photographer about mentoring but they weren't interested in teaching someone in the same area. Which is totally understandable. Shannon just really wants to see others grow in their craft and if she can help in any way...she will! I'm thankful she's willing to come along side me and help in that way...especially since she has two little kiddos to take care of on top of her very busy photography life!

Shannon told me to pick one of my friends and we'll take them out in a field to shoot...so between all three of our crazy busy schedules we found time last week to do just that. I learned so much about posing, how to read when the kiddos are done for the moment and to move on so they can have a break and so much more. I know I have lots more to glean from her and I look forward to more time with her. You can see her amazing work here.

Regan graciously agreed to bring her four gorgeous children (who I happen to really adore) to this training session. Here are some pictures of these adorable children and their stunning mom! Dad had to work...booooo...but can't wait to shoot this family again when he can join in the fun.