It was about this time of year that I met Shannon. This time of year, seven years ago. Wow. Writing that looks more baffling that it sounded in my head.
Yes, seven years ago.
She gave me a phone interview. I was an applicant for a leadership program at the University of Colorado. We hit it off instantly; our conversation felt nothing like a stuffy phone interview. A few weeks later, she offered to take me to coffee and prep me for my in-person interview. Again, our conversation felt easy and light.
Because that’s Shannon… she makes it easy. Easy to be around. Easy to laugh. Easy to smile. Easy to share your heart.
A few weeks passed and I received a call that I’d been accepted into this program. And the mentor who I was paired with? Shannon.
It was actually Shannon who struck the match. Who lit the fire beneath me and gave me reason to believe, seven years ago, that I had an eye for this thing called “photography.”
It was actually Shannon who was first to compliment my work. Who was first to refer me.
Shannon: the beautiful, driven, and dedicated friend who first accepted me when I started my college career.
And for that I will forever be endebted to her.
Shannon, thank you. Thank you for being bold, being perceptive, and being a friend – encouraging me every step of the way. I love you, girl.
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Ladies and gentlemen, it’s my pleasure to introduce to you, Miss Shannon Coker, who believe it or not, has never been in front of my camera in the seven years I’ve known her.
René: Shannon, how did you first hear about RTP and what kept you coming back to our blog?
Shannon: I’ve followed you for gosh, four…five years now. Ever since the beginning I’ve been a loyal follower. What has kept me coming back? Easy, the incredible images that you share and the inspiring personal stories that give me a better understanding of who you are.
R: Be honest, how often do you check in with us on either the blog or Facebook?
S: Daily. In my Firefox “most visited” pages, RTP blog is up there with Pandora and Facebook. Pretty awesome company if you ask me!
R: In 3 words, how would describe RTP’s style?
S: Effortless. Creative. Classic.
R: Anything you’ve always wanted to know about me and/or Jesie?
S: Your wedding morning routine, what’s the first thing that you think of when you get up? Is a cup of Joe a must? What does that look like?? How do you psych yourselves up?
R: Oh this is a blog post just waiting to happen! Stand by. But in the meantime, I can tell you it includes Fernando Ortega, freshly ground coffee, and a lot of prayer.
R: Favorite blog post?
S: The personal ones. Of course, the huge wedding blogs are awesome sauce but when you shed light onto your beliefs, your own love story and where you’re challenging yourself and your business…those are my favorite because I always take something away on how I can be better or what I could be doing to have a stronger faith in the Lord, etc.
R: How could we improve our blogging? What would you like to see more of?
S: Well, more frequently of course because its addicting! :) I can’t say I’d like to see more of one thing or another, everything is fabulous…maybe just MORE! :) More photos! I do have to say, the video posts are super fun too!
R: Duly noted! Duly noted.
R: You’ve recently started a photography business within the last couple of years. What’s been the biggest learning curve for you and how can we help?
S:Biggest learning curve, goodness… becoming intimate with the craft…learning my camera and being able to, on the fly know what to do different when the settings aren’t favorable. I’m still learning, 2.5 years into it..and it still makes me anxious every time I get into a reception hall I’m unfamiliar with. How can you help? Workshops? :) That would be incredible. But, even on the smaller scale, you always are so willing to share if I have questions, and for that I am incredible grateful!
R: Ah, a lighting workshop?? Stand by!
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Know of an avid RTP Fan who’s never been photographed by us before? Nominate him or her! Email us here.
