Invaluable Day

I had mentioned a few weeks back, that Chris McLaughlin, with Chris McLaughlin Photography, had agreed to mentor me. It was an incredible day!!

When I first emailed him and asked him if he would be interested in mentoring, I really didn't know what to expect. I just thought, what do I have to loose in asking! I told him while we were going over my list of questions, that I felt like I had just won the lottery! What an opportunity it is to get hands on instruction, from someone, whose work you totally admire!

Within the first ten minutes, he taught me something that has changed my shooting life. I now have confidence shooting in full manual, he made it that easy!! He also, didn't make me feels stupid, for not already knowing it. He told me that was the reason for him teaching me. I felt a little dumb, but it's a good thing those moments pass quickly for me. I'm okay being the one that doesn't get it. I'm not afraid to ask the stupid question, so long as I gain understanding!!

He also set up a photo shoot, with a wonderful mom and her two gorgeous boys! It was challenging because we were in full sun, middle of the day, not the best time to do a photo shoot. But, it was great practice and I still think we got some keepers!! It also taught me that it's not always about getting the most perfect picture, but it's also important to capture the moment, especially with little guys! Being able to practice my new camera metering skills, I had just learned, a few minutes earlier, was awesome!

Here a few shots I took from that day!

After the shoot, we went to lunch and I got to meet Chris's beautiful wife! Come to find out, she lived in Medford for a few years. I always think it's crazy meeting someone who knows about Medford. I guess it's not a little town anymore, but to me, it will always be the little town of Medford, from my childhood!

After lunch, we went to Starbucks, to upload the pictures from that day's shoot. He went over his editing process, software he used, business ideas. So much great information. Instead of my head spinning with to much information, it was spinning with possibilities. I left so excited for what was to come next.

My assignment was to come up with a business plan and some descriptive words, that would help me define my style of photography. I am still working on that, I am having a hard time on the descriptive words, any suggestions?

A few days after, I registered my name and became official. I am now Linsey Wilt Photography, LLC. I have an EIN # and am getting my business account at the bank, next week!! It's all happening so fast!

My goal, is to be in full swing by next summer! What that exactly looks like, I'm not sure. I don't want to get my priorities mixed up and become to busy for what is most important, but watching this passion grow into something, is very exciting!

Oh yes, one more exciting update, is my adorable new bag!!! Chris told me I needed a better way to carry my gear, besides the awkward camera backpack that I had. One of the first things I noticed when we met, was the cool shoot sac he was wearing. I had just watched the Jasmine Star, live wedding and Chris had the same awesome, shoot sac, that she had. I had been coveting it ever since! Chris didn't have to tell me twice, I went home and ordered it right away!! Any excuse, to buy a new bag and I'm on it!!

Isn't it the cutest thing!!! It really is an amazing camera bag, but the fact that it's cute, is the cherry on top!!! It has interchangeable covers, this is what I chose!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!!!!!!

Sorry about the blurry picture, but my little photographer is very proud that her work ended up on my blog today!!!! I am proud of her too!!!!!

Chris, I really can't thank you enough!!!