Comments on: ‘i discovered that my castles stand upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand’

By: jennie gaskins

jennie gaskins — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 21:50:16 +0000

AMAZING message Shannon!! I have also come to the conclusion I need to take more images of those I LOVE and not just whip out the camera for clients!! GREAT GREAT reminder!! THANK YOU!!!

By: Jessica Oatman

Jessica Oatman — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 21:06:57 +0000

Wonderful writing and the best point of view on life that I have read in awhile. I read your blog alot and I’m so sorry about your grandpa. My brother was killed in Afghanistan 22months ago. It’s not his things I wanted but the photos that captured who we was. We were blessed with a photo session with him 10 days before he died… Priceless. Enjoy your photos!

By: Samantha Deyette

Samantha Deyette — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 21:51:50 +0000

I’m so sorry for your loss… thank you for being so open and sharing your thoughts! Here I sit at my computer, stressed out about business. Trying to re-vamp pricing, my blog, and feeling down about it all. I decide to take a break and check my google reader (something else I’m feeling “behind” on). This was just what I needed to hear. Away from my computer I go and off to enjoy my little ones. I couldn’t agree with you more… thanks for the reminder today!

By: jen carver

jen carver — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 04:35:44 +0000

Shannon, this was such an incredibly beautiful post.. Its 12:30 in the morning and I have been sitting in this chair since 9am.. frantically editing and trying to get orders out all day and probably all day for the next two days.. and coming across your blog post.. it really gave me a reality check.. it has been such an incredibly difficult year for my family.. my husband lost his job last july and my daughter got strep throat a year ago and triggered the onset of juvenile arthritis..(bizarre I know..) in the midst of it all I had the pressures of helping my daughter get a diagnosis to relieve her from the pain she was dealing with and working my but off trying to keep my husband from losing his mind about the job loss and not being able to provide for our family.. thankfully my daughter is doing well now.. my husband is still looking .. and as for me I have been so focused on succeeding as a child photographer and growing this business..that I think I lost site also of many of the things you mentioned above.. so thank you for the reality check.. I’m so happy I came to your workshop in Virginia for more reasons then just bettering myself at photography.. so thank you for sharing this personal story with the rest of us..and once again I am so sorry for your loss.. I think now instead of pulling another all nighter..I’m gonna go crawl into bed with my girls and enjoy every moment of it! … so thank you.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 01:52:23 +0000

I love that you shared Maya’s quote.. thanks so much for your seed of inspiration<3

By: kimberly

kimberly — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 17:35:19 +0000

Shannon, I am so glad that you posted this message. thank you!!! You have reminded me, for as much as I would like to say I am immune, the viral effect of FB and being bombarded with images and success each day that looks like joy and meaningfulness, is actually a mirage of sorts. Being the best person you can be to the people right in front of you is the hardest calling that we have… and gaining the whole world and forfeiting your soul would be a tragic choice for sure. So sorry for your loss, you have gained much wisdom to share :) Keep using your power and influence to move hearts.

By: Matthew K

Matthew K — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 10:43:00 +0000

Thank you for this wonderful post. I just lost my grandfather and am wishing I had taken the time to do some photos of him. I’ve only had my camera for about a year but I could have made the time to take some pictures of him while I could.

By: Becky

Becky — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 03:04:46 +0000

I’m so sorry for your loss Shannon.
What a beautiful shoot, with so much meaning behind it.
Hugs.

By: gina

gina — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 01:58:54 +0000

first and foremost, i am sorry that you’ve lost your grandpa. i remember how i felt when mine passed not that long ago. believe me, they are still very close by.
second, do you ever wonder why it takes someone passing or losing someone special that makes us stop in our tracks and remember what is important. why don’t we remember all the time?
your post is sad and beautiful at the same time shannon.
i love that you have all his pictures.
xo
gina

By: Adria

Adria — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 19:26:20 +0000

What a beautiful post! Truly heart touching.