A {really sweet} mentoring session review

Yesterday I spent the day with a new friend, Jeni, of Sea Star Arts Photography in Charleston. Jeni is a classically trained Artist, so you can imagine my apprehension at mentoring someone that could very well teach me a few things!
As we dug through her website and recent events, I found myself thinking, WHAT ON EARTH CAN I POSSIBLY SHARE??? Her photos are crisp, clear and perfectly exposed. For a second I even doubted my own photography next to Jeni’s. (which is something I teach my attendees to NOT do!)
I finally “got” why Jeni had come to me. I compared her photography to a very nice house that is for sale. (I often come up with the most random analogizes). This house is beautiful with lots of rooms and a beautiful lawn, but something is missing. A buyer comes along and can see the potential in this house and beginning with the front porch, she begins changing the house into a home. Perhaps a fresh coat of paint, some cheerful flowers and even an American flag. Awful analogy aside, I think Jeni got it, and I think Lightroom will bring about that curb appeal. She took to lightroom like a red head takes to sunscreen. See? I told you my analogies are BAD! She did things in lightroom that truly gave me chills. Adding light and dimension, where I would have only added a vignette. Just as I expected I learned a few things from Jeni. I respect her so much for reaching out for encouragement and help. I truly don’t think she needed it, but now I see she wanted it. Jeni is a photographer in Charleston, and while there are TONS of photographers in Charleston, I dare say there aren’t many who have her passion for brides, or her desire to truly create art. We spoke of weddings where she cries more then the bride and groom, where she is as much a wedding planner and friend as she is a photographer. I know that she has many decisions to make about where to take her business, but I think in heart she knows what she should be doing. I am blessed to call her my friend and fellow wedding photographer.
See for yourself what yesterday meant to her. She is so far beyond being ready for weddings, she is ready for success!  I cannot wait to see more of her creations and especially the lightroom presets she designs!