Always Growing

Cracked :: CA

“The only way that we can live, is if we grow. The only way that we can grow is if we change. The only way that we can change is if we learn. The only way we can learn is if we are exposed. And the only way that we can become exposed is if we throw ourselves out into the open. Do it. Throw yourself.” – C. Joybell C.

As many of you know, besides just taking photos and authoring books (shameless promotion) I write for Light and Landscape Magazine (#1 landscape photography magazine through itunes), and teach local to my area.  A few months ago, the magazine approached David and I about a brand new venture involving a large-scale teaching format for their readership.  Basically, they asked if we would be interested in teaching photography to people all over the word via the interwebs.

“Pfffttt.  No way“, I said.  “Why would I want to do that??”

Oh.  Wait.  That’s not what I said.  I believe my exact quote was, “Hells. F’n. Yes.”  I adore teaching, and encouraging others to grow their passion and I am very excited to be able to help more people reach their photo goals!  So, for those of you interested in growing your photography skills, in a nutshell, the magazine is offering a monthly subscription to grant you access to the Member’s Area.  That access gets you lesson plans, feedback, how-to videos, live hangouts to answer questions, etc etc.  Basically, a whole bunch of awesome.

If you’re interested in learning more, Matt (the brains behind the magazine) is doing a 40% off sale until Thursday ONLY.  You can (should!) watch a video all about the new awesome learning program that all of the cool kids (you are a cool kid, right??) are doing here: http://www.lightandlandscape.co/learn-with-light-and-landscape

 

As for the image above, for those of you interested, it was taken in Death Valley in December after some historic flooding (yes, I said flooding) in October.  These mudtile areas were just drying out, and the patterns were so fresh and full of texture.  Unfortunately, in some places, they were also full of people writing “I love DV” and “Sally wuz here” because, I suppose, some people just can’t help themselves. *sigh*

I know I just posted something about it recently, so I won’t preach, but please….as a good human being, make an effort to preserve the spaces we have and enjoy collectively.  Just recently, a historic icon in California suffered some severe fire damage because people were thoughtless with their actions. They didn’t think about the consequences of spinning steel wool near the old, dried wood of a beached boat in Point Reyes and because of that, a local and tourist favorite spot is now partially destroyed.  Leave no trace, friends, or future generations won’t have anything left to photograph.

Cracked: f/9, 1/40 sec, 22mm, ISO 100

A Quiet Moment

Arco della Pace :: Italy

Over the Valentines/Presidents Day long weekend, Sean and I decided on a last minute trip to Italy.  Yes….you heard right.  Italy.  Just a short 9-ish hour flight away from New York (plus a two hour drive to the airport).

No big deal. lol

It was a great trip for a lot of reasons.

A) We were in Italy.  We got to see so many awesome things, check out the southern Alps (!!!), get lost in a city where we didn’t speak the language, and ruin any future attempts at eating pizza.  After you’ve had real Italian pizza, nothing compares, ya know??

….annnnnnndddd….. (mush alert)

B) We were together. 🙂 Awwwww.

So truly, the day we discovered this arch, we had no concrete plans.  We were going to try to go check out Parma (because I love cheese) but missed the train by two minutes (oops!).  So instead, we trekked across Milan in search of a castle and ended up stumbling upon this empty plaza.  Now, as you know, I’m more of a “natural landscape” kind of gal but this scene…with its texture, patterns, symmetry and the soft feel of a freshly-rained-on location…was too damn pretty.  I had to photograph it. 🙂

Hope y’all enjoy the image.  For those of you looking for some hands-on help with your own photographs, I do offer on-location classes, editing help and feedback sessions that can be done either online or in person.  Feedback sessions help you break down some of your own work so you can develop a plan to reach your photography goals.  If that sort of thing interests you, feel free to email me at seespotsphoto at yahoo dot com.

xoxo

Shannon

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

Lessons 2012

There are few greater joys in life than:

– helping others
– laughter
– the love of family
– true friendship
– experiencing the world 

Not necessarily in that order.

Like most good things in life though, those joys won’t necessarily appear on your doorstep.  You have to be willing to go find them.  You have to be willing to put in the time and effort to make things happen for yourself…and generally, your goals won’t be met as quickly as you would like, but if you remember that progress is a form of success, it will help you stay motivated!

This year has been, on my end, a very busy but rewarding year.  Most people who know me would not call me lazy – I work three…yes…THREE jobs.  One full time, one part time and I run a photography business.  I don’t sleep enough.  There is always a to-do list. I feel like I never get enough done.  Oh, and did I mention I don’t sleep enough? Haha  But, the end of the day, I am so grateful that my hard work has been paying off and that I’ve been able to meet so many wonderful, creative supportive people.  (That’d be you!)

In 2012, I was able to see Toronto, New Orleans and Chicago for the first time.  I have had the pleasure of working with some phenomenal photo-friends, seen steady growth in my business and rubbed interview elbows with a few big names in the photo game (hint hint…check back on the first for an interview with Will Byington to start 2013 off right!).

Overall, the past year has been full of accomplishments, moments I will forever be proud of, new friends (I appreciate you all XOXO) and new experiences.  My goal for myself for 2013 is much of the same.

My goal for you, my reader-friends, is success in life, love and happiness.  Don’t be afraid to try new things, 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. 🙂