Alisha McKellar Portrait Design: Here's to the GOOD in Life!

It's truly amazing how things change for the better when you start with yourself first. By taking all the things you used to stress over, obsess about, the things that were holding you down or holding you back from what you're capable of doing and simply let. them. go. Seriously, you get amazing results.
You always hear people tell you these things, but when you're in that moment of having all of this on your shoulders, it just doesn't seem that easy.
I'm here to tell you that two years ago, this is exactly where I was. And, as it turns out, it was no one's fault but my own. Don't get me wrong. Just because I have finally figured that out does not mean I don't still have some rough days-they just come around much less often.

About two years ago, I was really struggling with the photography industry. I guess I just couldn't see that "light at the end of the tunnel." That was, until I stumbled upon Showit. As I looked around to find out more about them, I saw Jasmine Star's website, and I cried some happy tears. Here was this woman (I somehow kept working around all men and had no idea someone like her even existed) who was loving her life, her husband, and her job! Fantastic, right? YES. I felt like I knew who I was and what kind of photographer I wanted to be, but I was too afraid. Not anymore! I realized the whole reason I loved her site so much was because she was being herself and not being afraid to do so. Genius! So, Jasmine-a HUGE thank you for saving me and I'm sure tons of others as well...from ourselves. :)

Fast forward and, thanks to Showit, I now not only have a website I can love on, but I've also struck gold with all of the AMAZING people who call Showit their website home. I've never been more proud to be a photographer than I am now after seeing how absolutely unselfish and helpful everyone has been to each other. I had gotten so down after meeting photographer after photographer who would only end up saying things like, "I don't share my ideas with anyone. I don't want them to steal them." I think that was playing a loop in my mind.
There's a new song now!

Even though I feel amazingly blessed to have "met" so many incredible photographers, there is one who stands out. And even though we have yet to actually meet-which we will eventually...we've already set that goal-she has lifted me up and pushed me to become a better photographer and a better person.

I am absolutely honored to introduce to you THE Cassie Jones!! I think she is someone you all should meet, and I am so excited to share some of her work with you!

Cassie, the floor is all yours:

Tell me about you-who you are/where you are located, and what you love to photograph.
My name is Cassie Jones. Wife. Daughter. Sister. Aunt. Scratch that. Fabulous Aunt. Photographer. Car-karaoke singer, occasional home-alone-rapper. "I Love Lucy" re-run watcher. Granddaughter. Writer. Friend. Daughter of a King.
I'm located in Searcy, Arkansas. Hollerrrr!
My favorite thing to photograph is people in love. Whether I know them or not. I just love love.

What's in your bag?
My bag? :) It holds a Nikon D300S body, a 16-85mm lens, a 70-300mm lens AND a 50mm 1.8 lens is on its way! I also keep a lil' lip balm. And tissues--because I'm a crier. And band-aids. Because sometimes, I'm my own worst enemy.

What is your absolute favorite thing about being a photographer?
My favorite thing about being a photographer has been the blessings that God has brought through it. The friends, the experiences, as well as the struggles that taught me more about myself. Every hardship, every trial has been well worth the struggle.

Who inspires you?
My home-girl-- Jasmine Star. Hands down. She's not only a fabulous photographer, but a woman I'm proud to say I admire. Her sweet, sweet spirit and encouraging words have been a wonderful encouragement to me.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in photography?
If I were to give a new beginner some advice, I would say first, you can do it. Second, don't lose faith. Third-- don't confuse mistakes with failure. Mistakes are inevitable. What's important isn't that we make them. It's how much you learn from them. That is what defines us as artists and as people.