The Finding Magic Story | Our Photographer’s Education Journey

Teaching is ingrained in my soul and for Shana, it is a way of life.

The biggest compliment I can receive is to see my fellow artists succeed, and if I have a small part in helping them achieve their goals, there is no greater success for me as a teacher. After working with Shana for a number of years, I know that she 100% feels the same way I do. There is excitment in the air when anyone we know finds success. We feel pride and admiration for our friends, because in this life everyone can talk the talk, but few can keep walking when it gets hard.

Shana and I recently had the opportunity to meet a photographer who has been an active member of our Facebook group. It is interesting how normal it is to become friends with people who you have never met. Through the internet you find yourself connecting in ways that were not possible 15 years ago.

Catherine emailed us a few days ago, and I asked her if she minded us sharing her note. She told me she would like to write something for us and would email us once she felt ready to share. Today we received her note.

“Often in life when we’re on a path towards a goal we’re naturally drawn to others that have already put in more miles.  We do it in fitness, motherhood, careers, and  creativepassions.  When I finally got my “good camera” I dove so hard into anything and everything that would make me better and this journey a bit easier.  I’m not sure if I was first drawn to Shana’s accent or her work but either way I was instantly mesmerized by her romantic edits.  I started following her immediately and quickly learned she’s equally as talented at capturing seniors and families.  Shana led me to Maria and gosh when confidence meets talent there’s true magic! I wasn’t sure what to expect at my first workshop, but I knew if they were there I had to go. True to internet form they are an open (best seller) book.  So giving of their time and talent I feel so lucky to be able to access them through Finding Magic.  I’m absolutely certain that I have big things ahead of me this year because I have access to some of the best photographers, editors, and friends in the industry.  “

–Catherine T.

I can’t truly express what testimonials like Catherine’s mean to us. It is like feeling a wave of electricity flowing through your body. It inspires us, pushes us to new heights, and makes us determined to be successful in my own business because we have to lead by example.

I want to tell you how it all started. How two seemlingly different women came together and decided to heed the calling to teach.

Shana and I met in the summer of 2016. I was honestly blown away by her talent and southern charm. How can you not fall in love with her? She is funny, kind, and so honest and direct you always know where she stands, and she doesn’t pull punches! I mean, she loves to tease me about my ADHD.

The truth is Shana and I are as different as opposites can be. But it works. We balance each other’s weaknesses and push each other to grow and succeed. When we met neither of us were teaching photography classes or workshops. Shana had just started implementing in-person sales and I was exploring a new genre.

Our first Finding Magic Workshop was one year later in October 2017, and it was at this time we decided to become official team mates.

I had a Facebook group “Finding Magic: Through The Looking Glass” and made the decision to shorten the name to Finding Magic. To be successful in photography you can’t just focus on the magic of photography, you have to find magic in business as well. There is a balance that has to happen where artist meets entreprenuar, and the advantages are tipped in your favor. Our group grew to a little over 1000 members. At this time we really had no posting or engagement plan, and try as we might, we just couldn’t get enough interaction on the site.

In March of 2018, the Finding Magic Subscription site launched, and I steadily added to the video library. Before I knew it, I had produced over 100 videos to the site. I focused on a lot of editing and added both English and Spanish videos. Through the year I began touring all over the United States presenting photography workshops in both languages. It filled me while also destroying me. I would be away from my family for weeks at a time, sometimes traveling twice a month. It began to affect my client work and soon I felt burnt out. I couldn’t find a balance. Desperate for change, I announced that I would no longer be teaching on the road. I would still offer online education and in person mentoring in my studio, but the travel had to stop. You see, in giving to others I was putting my family, my business and myself on the back burner.

In 2019 Shana told me she was ready to join the Finding Magic Education Site. We added her tutorials and devised a plan to reignite our group. The two of us have spent the last two years studying marketing, investing in business education. Because of this, we felt more confident to discuss it with others. Finally, we’re in a place within our business where we feel confident in helping others find that confidence for themselves. The most exciting thing for me, was being able to once again unite with Shana in a teaching adventure. I would still get to teach without traveling! This meant I wouldnt have to chose between my family, clients or teaching.

You see, before then we were still evolving as business owners. Now we are ready to serve others and help you achieve all of your goals. What set’s us apart, is that we are scouring the internet for FREE resources to help you in your business and artistic goals. We reach out to other artists and business entrepreneurs who inspire us to achieve new heights. We feel that there is room for all of us to rise. We want to wear business hats, and use these before our artistic and emotional hats. Because it is hard to be a business owner, and it is hard to be an artist. Finding the balance between emotion and sound business decisions will always be the struggle. We can do it togther.

We will feature you, your art and your business in the group and we connect you to our audience of over 2000 photographers. We are YOU. Together we can find the magic that sets us apart in the world of photography and business. We can find the inspiration, the encouragement, and the drive to move forward. I hope you continue to join us on this journey and that you contribute to our community.

-Maria