Mentor Sessions had me like…

“We live in such a selfish society. People believing that the world revolves around them or owes them something. That there’s not enough room at the table for everyone; therefore, her success diminishes my own. Yes, this experience was centered around photography, but it ended up being so much more than that. As we weaved the ins and outs of camera settings, location selection, posing, editing, and my technological inefficiencies I became very aware that I held a spot at Abbey’s table. And for that confidence boost, I am so incredibly grateful!”

-Ashley Leader, Mentee/Boss Babe

I recently rolled out the big news that I was going to start offering mentor sessions. I honestly sat on this idea for awhile, wondering why would anyone would want to learn from me? Second guessing my craft and deciding whether or not my knowledge was valuable for others. Then I thought, heck! At the very least I could pass along some confidence to others to really go for it, to start investing in them. Learn how to connect with their clients and pull out that emotional side of people that allows them to be vulnerable with you.  I learned so much when I interned, when I did hands on photography and wanted to give that opportunity to others who are wanting to better their craft and straight have a dang good time learning!

Ashley messaged me pretty much right away after I posted about these on social media and I couldn’t have had the most rad time with her. She was everything I hoped a mentee would be that would take on these sessions. We started off the day talking business, editing scenarios and then hopped on over to a live session. My personal favorite part! You guys, we had the best weather and two of my fave models to work with. The cool thing is, you don’t become a stranger after the day is over. Ashley and I have texted back and forth screen shots of our photos we took day of and she even popped in a few days later, during an editing day for me, just to see what I thought of some work she was working on. Not only will you walk away with some further confidence to do some magical work, but you’ll gain a community! Here’s some photos of mine taken during our session. I’m super stoked for future mentor sessions and to see Ashley’s images beautifully showcased in her portfolio!

Here’s to rad people and to sharing the love! 

Kylie + Ben

Honestly, I don’t know how I go so lucky to hang with some of the raddest couples on the planet. I knew Kylie, Ben and I were supposed to work together from the get. Their energy was incredible and it literally made session not feel like a session at all. We were just all hanging out running, jumping and sitting in the weeds!

Darby + Taylor Engaged

You know what they say about the Midwest and weather. It’s unpredictable, we can have multiple seasons in one day. Most of my winter sessions look like fall sessions, but honestly I’m okay with that because who doesn’t love fall?

Enough about the weather though, let’s talk Darby and Taylor! I had the best time with the two of them during their engagement session. I guess this blog post would be really awkward if I didn’t ha! I really love engagement sessions because it gives myself and the couple a chance to interact, talk about the wedding but without the chaos or stress. I get to know them even further and vibe with their personalities. Darby and Taylor frolicked up the side of a hill for me, sat on wet grass and drank some beers. Basically they were freaking awesome and they say their friends are just as fun so be on the look out for that wedding preview in August! But for now, take a peek at their mega fun engagement session below!