So something that not a whole lot of people know is that I actually went to school to become a teacher. I thought it would be the most fun a person could possibly have at work… giggles, playing, teaching eager little minds. Yep… Then I actually got a job that involved being a teacher for 4 & 5 year olds. Umm… yeah. In case you weren’t aware- children that age aren’t always the most eager participants in anything that doesn’t involve their own plans. There was lots of corralling, lots of ‘we don’t do that here’ & lots (‘n lots ‘n lots) of snotty noses.
Needless to say, I lasted 3 weeks at that job & I admitted defeat. I am no match against 18 three-and-a-half foot tall humans- LOL. Fast forward a few years and I discover photography. Children’s photography. And I think to myself… ‘well, that works! I mean all those psych & human development classes will give me a leg up here :)’ I have to say… it has. I have loved it. In the last couple of years though I have started mentoring. And I feel like I have found my calling. I get to teach & share with people that want to be there AND I still get to play (yep- pure play.. no lesson plans, no itineraries, just fun) with kids.
Why am I telling you this story? Cause I am still basking in the high from today. Another day, another fabulous new photographer friend & another shoot with a beyond cute kiddo. And I am feeling that everything happens for a reason and that my paths have led me to just the place I am supposed to be.
LJ and I hung out today (I wish I was half as smart/prepared as she is starting her business) talked shop & did a little bit of this…
thank you so much guys… it was fabulous :)
portland | OREGON
gina g: shut up, shut up, shut up shut up .... SHUT.UP. =) I mean this is the most wonderful of ways ... this is what i was repeating to myself as i scrolled down and these gorgeous, adorable photographs began to reveal themselves. what a gift you have... I'm so glad you're not teaching snotty nose kids! xoox #inspired (06.27.2010 09:13am)
Amy C: Best of both worlds! These are beautiful!! (06.27.2010 05:35pm)
Chrissi Richards: so good. really so good. (06.27.2010 08:13pm)
lesley: oh my gosh Shannon, seriously?!! These are just simply awesome, and those cats! Again, amazing! Umm...when can I mentor with you?! :D Seriously... (06.27.2010 10:18pm)
Misty: That picture of the kitten on the top right is killing me. SO DANG CUTE! Love the whole shoot! Amazing as usual! (06.27.2010 11:21pm)
Sunny: HEY! The yarn balls turned out GREAT! :) Love it! See ya in the AM. And FYI....I got my teaching degree too! K-8 from WSU. GO COUGS! HA! (06.27.2010 11:48pm)
Rose: Magnificent! Love the tones, the light... amazing. And the kittens? Totally love. Wonderful session. Soooo cute and girlie! (06.28.2010 02:23am)
Tj: Beautiful work Shannon. (06.28.2010 07:40am)
amy: Dude, my cat Paris wanted me to tell you that those are her babies she never had! I am in awe of this shoot, what a talent you are! LOVE IT!!! Seriously, where are those kittens from, I want to add to my persian brood! (06.28.2010 08:11am)
Vickey Weiss: so purrrrdy! (06.28.2010 08:37am)
stacyZ: wow just gorgeous! Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous!!!! (06.28.2010 09:58am)
Dina: love tracing the path your life has taken...you are certainly utilizing all your God given gifts here, girl! :) so, where are you traveling to soon to offer these mentoring sessions?? near me, asap?! (06.28.2010 10:30am)
Corey Sewell: These are gorgeous and so much fun! Love the colors and the "theme"! (06.28.2010 11:59am)
Gail Zeak: OMG, Shannon, I love these! Incredible! Those kittens are so adorable and so is the model! (06.28.2010 04:06pm)
Kelly: in awe as usual - just love how you style your shoots Shannon! (06.28.2010 06:51pm)
Jeana: THESE ARE GORGEOUS!!! I love the concept and everything about them. You are amazing! (06.28.2010 08:27pm)
kyla: If my photography could marry yours - I would DEFINITELY marry yours! That was NOT meant to be creepy. I just simply ADORE every post and would DIE from sheer happiness to be mentored by you! I have my fingers crossed for someday! (06.28.2010 09:30pm)
PhotoDude: me wanna play. (06.28.2010 11:51pm)
stephanie mcbride: seriously stop it. blown' away again:) (06.29.2010 02:24am)
zalaine: Oh my! Turquoise, white and black...what a combo. The textures just jump out at your. These two lovelies are adorable and you just make thme shine, like always. Beautifully done and summer inspiring... (06.29.2010 03:56am)
julie brazeau: omg,omg,omg.sooo cool! You are the coolest! (06.29.2010 10:35am)
Hillary: Love these pictures. The colors are soooo incredible and the kitten is just too cute! (06.29.2010 12:55pm)
janice: stunning. i think this is my favorite shoot of your's to date. i know!! that's a lot for me to say, since i've followed you since the very beginning AND since i am your biggest fan...but, i love set and the girl and the color. i must say - the color is superb....thanks for being amazing, shannon. you bring a smile to my face and a bit of art into my life on a regular basis... --janice (06.29.2010 05:46pm)
jennifer: well by golly you've done it again...steller photos. love 'em. (06.30.2010 06:03am)
Jenny: i know this is probably getting REAL old but you are amazing! um, the kitten? stinkin cute! i still want to do a shoot with you but am CHICKEN! :-) (06.30.2010 08:29am)
Tami: Wow, I had to look like three times to figure out if those kittens were real...I am kinda slow sometimes. They are so cute, great concept with the yarn. I used to have cats when I was a kid, and now we just have a dog, but this has got me thinking :) PS I didn't know you went to school to become a teacher but it makes sense. You are great at sharing your knowledge with others. (06.30.2010 10:12am)
cindy: Since your titles for your blog posting are song lyrics, here are mine for you: “There are many things that I would like to say to you but I don't know how.” I also like this line: “I love you like a fat kid loves cake.” (06.30.2010 10:56am)
elizabeth pellette: Oh Shannon.. these are incredible.. wow.. and we just got a kitten like that recently.. whoohooo (07.03.2010 07:58am)
oneshotbeyond: happiness is THIS shoot! (07.05.2010 10:00pm)
christina: gorgeous photos and I'm gushing over how adorable those kittens are! (07.07.2010 12:28am)
Kara Layfield: Seriously amazing!! Inspiring and creative!! Shannon....I think you have found your calling!!! Doesn't it feel good to find your place in this big ole world! (07.13.2010 07:19am)