ON SET WITH REV. KRISTEN BARNER

1] What was it about Shannon’s work that made you want to hire her?

I saw her website.  I kept returning to her website.  I was in need of new headshots, but not boudoir photos.  Shannon’s Beauty Portraits were stunning.  There was something ethereal, fabulous, real, spiritual and gorgeous about each photo.  “That,” I thought, “that is what I want people to see.”  These were real women looking absolutely real and beautiful…. something compelling from within.

2] What was your biggest fear or concern going into the shoot?

I’m a dork.  A huge dork.  I’ve done photoshoots in the past and have been pleasantly surprised now and then.  But I really have NO idea what to do, how to stand, where to look.  So any success in the past has been sheer luck and will power on the part of the photographer.  I was fearful that I’d drive Shannon crazy because I wouldn’t know what to do.  I was also fearful that I wouldn’t be able to articulate to Shannon what kind of look I was hoping for, ultimately, at the end of the day: professional, welcoming, joyful, thoughtful, smart, etc.   Shannon and I talked about all of that and she understood immediately.  Her intuition is pretty stunning.  As far as direction, she assured me I’d be “directed from nose to toes.”  And by golly, I was!  The process was really fun and fascinating!

3] What was your favorite part of the experience of working with Shannon and her team?

Michelle and her team made me feel so comfortable.  There was nothing awkward about it.  I worry a little about not wanting to disappoint or being too difficult.  By the end of the shoot, I felt like I was simply hanging out with some girlfriends and I got to witness this highly talented professional woman do her craft.  Oh, and I got to be the subject matter!  I love watching people do what they love and do it well.

4] What did you gain from the experience that you weren’t expecting.

Besides gorgeous photos that gave me pause to catch my breath and say, “Wow!  Who knew??” ?  I think I learned a few tips on how to take a good photo.  🙂  And, more importantly, I gained a new friend.

5] Why did you need a photographer?

I am an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and I have a ministry/business in Charleston, SC.  We are the destination wedding capital of the country.  Because we are a destination location, much of my business is driven via website and internet.  An image of me on my website is the very first impression most people receive; before we ever have a conversation.  It is the first step in introducing myself to a newly engaged couple.  After fumbling around with several different websites, a new and improved version will be launched this year.  I wanted new headshots for that.  As a woman in ministry, my experience is one of needing to shatter the stained glass ceiling over and over again… esp. in the South.  🙂  More than once a bride’s uncle or a groom’s father will challenge me, “So you’re a woman.”  “Yes,” I tell them.  “Yes, I am.  Thank you for noticing.  Now please take a seat.”  It’s important to me that I not only am identified as a woman, but that I am identified as someone who is called into ministry and that I happen to be highly educated, highly skilled, and that I love what I do.  My hope for the photos is that I can be recognized not only as a woman, but as someone qualified who cares very much about you, your wedding, and your marriage.  You can find me at Wedding Belle Rev, LLC at www.CharlestonWeddingBelleRev.com.

Watch behind-the-scenes video with Rev. Kristen Barner.

Hair and makeup by Gianna Gregory of Ulta Beauty Mt. Pleasant.
Behind the scenes photo by Charlie Nicole.