Why I love this...

It's hard to believe it's been just seven months since I launched Shelley Mauss Photography.

As Frosty Westering always says, "Feedback is the breakfast of champions." I love learning and growing and understanding what I need to do to become a better photographer. There's so much knowledge in this art form, and I love being a sponge to absorb it all. It just makes me happy!

Frosty has tons of wisdom, but the double win philosophy is something that's particularly inspired me in photography:

Excellence on the football field, however, is only a by-product of Frosty's overall life philosophy. He emphasized to his players a new model of winning where one does not compete against his opponent, but rather his 'best self'.

This model focused their attention on the areas they could control, which allowed his teams to have more fun playing the game, perform at a higher level than they ever thought possible, and gave many young men a new positive attitude about themselves and their place in life. Whether this model of winning is implemented on the field, at home, or in the office, Frosty's DOUBLE WIN life philosophy has proven tremendously successful.

There are so many photographers I look up to...one of whom I am getting hands-on time with next month (the incredibly talented Me Ra Koh)! Instead of continually comparing my images to theirs, I've decided to compete against my own best self...and challenging myself to exceed my earlier work. With the combination of absorbing their wisdom, and applying in my own practice, I am developing a style that I love.

A happy happy joy joy moment is when I have been focusing on a particular aspect of growth, and seeing the success of that challenge. One of my current projects has been to really capture emotion through the eyes...since they say that the eyes are the window to the soul... :)

So to receive words like these from a proud daddy makes my heart happy:

I just thought you should know I’ve been staring at this first picture of my daughter with her beautiful blue eyes at the top of your blog – it’s just amazing. Thank you for the gift of your photography! We love you!

I also love knowing why someone chooses me to capture their big day. When I came across this blog post from one of my upcoming fabulously wonderful brides, I was so humbled.

Every now and then you have the opportunity to meet someone who "rocks your socks." There are no words to describe the "uber fabulous" Shelley Marie Mauss.
She is an amazingly talented natural light photographer.

Using her favorite “Canny” she captures moments with such precise emotions that you feel present in them. Besides being an amazing photographer, Shelley is a woman that I whole-heartily admire. She is an amazing friend, advocate for the Catholic youth and cancer awareness - a true sister in Christ. She has taught me so much with her faith in the Lord and her faith in others. I don’t know how she manages to do it all but she does. When I grow up, I want to be more like Shelley Mauss.

Once you meet her you will know what I mean. Make sure to check her website and see my favorite photo (baby’s foot with parents’ wedding rings). I can't wait for the opportunity to reminisce my special day through her eyes. Thank you Shelley for capturing our day!

It's moments like these that I know just how lucky I am to be able to do something I love. Thank you for inviting me into your world. ♥