2013 – A Year of Big Things!

The Redwood Trail

The end of any year is a time of reflection, and renewed determination for the coming 365. It’s a time to appreciate how far we’ve come and set goals for where we would like to go. This can be anything from getting in shape (which is in my sights, 2014!) to places we want to see or big purchases we want to make…to (more importantly for this blog) our career goals for the coming year. In this case, where do I want to take my photography?

Let’s start with 2013, shall we?

Baby Sea Lion

What a great year, photographically speaking! On a whim, I decided to hop a flight to California and take a photo road-trip with my friend David, a west coast photographer. Turns out, that state is an image gold mine! Beyond the joy of spending time with some close friends, I got the opportunity to see and photograph an adorable baby sea lion no more than 15 feet from me, to experience the breath-taking beauty of a desert sunrise in Joshua Tree, and to explore the redwoods, waterfalls and beaches of Big Sur. Those are memories I will cherish forever.

Moray, Peru

As amazing as that trip was, it was peanuts compared to my trip to Peru to visit the iconic Machu Picchu. That country is absolutely gorgeous, and the people I met were absolutely fantastic. I did contract food poisoning while I was there, which hindered me a bit… but even being under the weather, I appreciated what a rich culture and beautiful landscape of Peru. I was able to capture some incredible images and absolutely 100% want to go back. Anyone out there with a winning lottery ticket, keep me in mind, mmmkay? 😉

Arethusa Falls, NH

Beyond those two big trips, I took another hike up Mt Washington in New Hampshire, some blue hour shots at a lighthouse in Maine, experienced a number of beautiful cell phone snaps down the east coast to Viriginia, and about a million east coast waterfalls in between. Haha Which, I’d like to point out, just a year ago I struggled with as subject matter. Amazing how far we can come in a short amount of time if we put our minds to education and practice.

Beyond that, I’ve had the pleasure of being part of engagement shoots, weddings and portrait shoots. I’ve seen growth on my blog and with my photo skills, hung my art in local galleries and shows, photographed some great concerts and was honored to work with other local businesses to raise money for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

Hearts & Thieves – Rick – http://www.heartsandthieves.com

Photographically, it’s been a great year. In fact, on most levels, it’s been a good year. A year of big change (much of which I got through with the help of family, friends and my wonderful boyfriend), some loss (my amazing Grandmother lost her battle with cancer, as did my horse, whom I adored) and surgery (I had my hand, knee and teeth done in less than a year)…but there has been so much positive energy in my life, I can’t possibly call it a bad year. Although the sorrowful times were difficult, I never lost sight of the fact that there were many blessings in my life to be grateful for.

So what’s the plan for next year? I’d like to…

… get something published. Which means, I have to start submitting. Haha If anybody has an “in” with a magazine (online or print), I’d love to be considered as a contributor!
… grow my followers, which is a word of mouth situation. If you like me work, please spread the word. In return, you’ll have my eternal gratitude! 😀
…make more photo friends! So…um…email me, ok? Let’s plan some photo walks and marketing brainstorms and such!
…give away more free stuff!

On a personal level, my wish for all of us is health, love, happiness, and wonderful life experiences! Don’t be afraid to try new things, go new places, take a few risks, appreciate the good things in your life, remember…it can always be worse… and don’t be afraid to put in some hard work. In the end, it will all be worth it. 🙂

XOXO
Thanks for your continued support and friendship!
Shannon

The Power of Conviction

Faith

“Faith makes things possible, not easy.”

In all aspects of our life, we are tested. We fight with our loved ones, we make mistakes at work, we miss an opportunity, we don’t grow at the pace we think we should. People are quick to judge, but there are never enough hugs and pats on the back. For me, there is also a shortage of time.

Just like anyone else, there are moments when I feel tired, run-down and discouraged. Like most entrepreneurs, I juggle too much and I spend a lot of time reaching for the stars (while still striving to nurture the “right now” with the people I care about). In those moments, when I struggle with disappointment and focus, faith is the only thing that keeps me going.

I have to believe that things with the people I care about will get better.

…that mistakes will be forgiven, and that with hard work comes more opportunity.

…that I will find the time to study more, to practice more, to network more and to grow both professionally and as a person.

…that my efforts will yield results, and remember to be thankful for those results, big or small.

…that people will appreciate my photography, the way I see the world and the way I make my path through it.

…that I will continue to make progress towards the professional goals of traveling with a camera, and the personal goals for long-term, continued happiness.

I have to have faith.
Conviction doesn’t make my journey any easier.  Life is about balance, and for every good day I have, every laugh and smile, there will also be sadness.  People will disappoint me, I will fail at things, tears will be shed.  But on the days when I question myself and my choices, it is faith that will motivate me to keep moving forward.  Belief makes my dreams possible.