Sometimes you feel like you know what you're doing. You're confident, and feel like a boss.

...And then there's the other times. You know them -- the times when you have to eat a little humble pie and admit that maybe you don't know everything, AND admit that you may not, in fact, be perfect.

I am never a fan of those moments, but let me tell you -- every time I've stopped being stubborn and decided to swallow my pride, I have never once regretted it.  

I once had a relentless Grand Prix dressage instructor who did not care that my 1 hour lessons would always turn into a 2 hour and 18 minute muscle burning, emotion draining, sweat fest. Now, I knew how to ride... but that instructor knew I needed endurance and confidence... so she pushed me to my breaking point time and time again. And I survived. And I got better. And I gained confidence.

Most recently, I had to admit that as a photographer, I had settled into a 'comfortable' spot that I hadn't challenged myself out of in a long time... and I needed a push. Enter: Shelley Paulson.  Beautiful soul, a kindred spirit, and photographer extraodinaire.  I met Shelley for the first time 5 years ago when she documented our wedding day. The images that she gave us have been a continual blessing -- letting us relive our wedding day year after year, complete with each perfect detail, smile, and moment that she captured.

It might surprise you that I found Shelly and dubbed her to be the ONLY photographer that I was willing to consider having shoot our wedding day, based on one single image of a newborn foal standing in the dusty light of a dimly lit stall. That image told me all I needed to know: 

1. Girl had skillz.

2. She was my kind of people. She loved horses. We would be besties just because of that, I was sure.

3. She knew how to find light and use it like a Jedi uses a light saber.

Because of these things... when I was ready for the afore mentioned photographic 'push', Shelley was the one that I wanted it from. 

And push she did. It's not easy to hear someone critique your work. Let's be honest -- it's not easy to hear someone critique you at all! But, Shelly did so in a way that was both encouraging and instructive, humbling and constructive. She tore down a lot of the 'safety' walls I had built up and gave me permission and tools to set photography goals that would both excite and motivate me.

Not to make things easy -- we chose a frigid 18 degree day, to talk light, posing, and purpose. Our gorgeous model Audrey was so sweet and patient, and hid her shivers well. Her beautiful horse Delilah kept us entertained with her prancing and perky expressions.

Aren't they adorable?

How is it possible that she looks this perfect mid-winter?

The bond these two share is so sweet.

I am now looking forward to what the next year of photography will bring -- I'm ready for change, ready for a challenge, and ready to start seeing light in new ways.

You should definitely go check out Shelley's work! You WON'T be sorry. Promise!    http://www.shelleypaulson.com