I did it! I finally took a workshop!!!!
I knew that if I wanted to improve my craft, I needed to
take it up a notch and attend a workshop.
There are SOOOO many options out there it is hard to find one that is close to home and is going to offer the most learning potential in a short
amount of time.
I began following Shannon’s beautiful work a little over a
year ago.
https://www.facebook.com/ShannonMortonPhotography
Her images are so consistently beautiful and I have admired her style. She is also a mother of three (and so am I)
so I knew I needed to meet her and pick her brain and see how she does it. What I discovered is that she is a true
master who has practiced and perfected her craft.
The first night I met Shannon for dinner so we could chat
and get to know each other. She was so
sweet, fun and extremely easy to talk to.
We had fun laughing, swapping stories and sharing about my journey as a
photographer. We also discussed my
style, some goals and what I hoped to accomplish from the weekend with
her. This was huge! She really listened to my needs and she truly
designed the weekend around what I hoped to learn.
We then went to a local coffee shop (YUM!) and we talked
business and editing. Shannon is not
only an amazing photographer but she is an AWESOME businesswoman. She knows her stuff! She helped me with so many aspects of how to
run my business.
The next morning we met early, she discussed with me the
studio set-up, lighting, how to prepare parents for the session and a little
about her workflow (this was life changing for me!). She also helped me get my camera set for the
session. Then our first baby arrived. Shannon walked me through how to get started
and then I watched her as she posed and soothed the baby and the angles to use
while shooting. She would look at the
back of my camera as I shot and help me to get it the best it could be. She was very patient. Finally we took the baby outside for an
awesome outdoor shot in her beautiful backyard.
***These three images were posed and styled by Shannon
but photographed and edited by me.***
After the first session was over, we stopped for a lunch
break and to discuss the first session. Shannon
also let me style the second session. I
was able to pick the hats, posing fabric and then the final prop at the
end. And then baby #2 arrived. It was so awesome to see how Shannon talked
with the parents to make them feel the most comfortable as possible. Then it was my turn. Shannon stood close and coached me as I posed
the baby into the most peaceful positions.
She would remind me of all the details to notice to help me perfect
it. She was also building up my
confidence, encouraging me to not give up and that is exactly what I needed at
that moment. With her encouragement and
coaching I was able to confidently pose and photograph this sweet baby. I was so proud of myself.
****These are the ones I posed and shot and edited (along with Shannon coaching of course!)****
After the session, we debriefed, she answered my final
questions and showed me a little about what she does after the shoot. This information was extremely valuable too.
I feel so honored to have had this opportunity. Shannon was such a natural teacher and I
learned so much more than I had hoped. I
know that my photography and my business will be greatly impacted by her. I am so thankful for my husband making it
possible and watching the kids all weekend so I could go and for Shannon for
being an awesome mentor and now friend.
I could not imagine doing a workshop with anyone else.
Any newborn photographers who are interested in a workshop
but are not sure if it is worth it, let me tell you….IT IS!!!! You will not be
disappointed and choosing Shannon Morton will be THE BEST thing you can do for
your business. Not only is she awesome
at posing babies, she is a natural teacher and an amazing businesswoman who is
full of knowledge and willing to share!
Till next time....
