Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon LeBlanc Bawa.
Shannon, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ll start my story right after high school (in The Woodlands), when I set back to my Cajun Heartland and hometown Lafayette, LA, to attain my bachelor’s degree in Geology.
I absolutely LOVE the study of our earth and some of my most cherished memories are of those wild and enduring days I spent in Field Camp with my comrades from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. After attaining my bachelor’s degree, I soon decided I would diversify my studies a bit and move on to studying Geophysics here at the University of Houston. I received my Master’s degree in Geophysics then almost immediately started working for Marathon Oil Corporation in the Galleria area.
I was making a nice salary and did like my job working in the corporate Oil and Gas patch for a good three years…but I also loved the idea of becoming a mom and making a beautiful family with my amazing husband. I know you can have both a career and a family but after the birth of my first child, I just couldn’t imagine working a 9/80 schedule and being away from her up to twelve hours a day. My maternal instinct was in “overdrive” so to speak…so, I made a very tough decision. I decided to quit my career at the time to savor those precious first years of motherhood. I KNEW I was taking a risk. I had every intention of returning soon but then I became pregnant with my twin boys and prolonged my stay-at-home mom gig even longer! BUT, I truly loved every minute of it!!!
It was at this time when my beautiful children inspired me to buy a fancy camera and start indulging in the wonderful world of photography. Photography was soooo attractive to me in that it’s kind of a marriage between art and science. At first, it was just a hobby/fascination taking lovely pictures of my children but then it became more. Friends started asking me to take pictures of THEIR children and so on…
Well, time went by very fast (that happens when you’re a mom of three), and by August 2018, I thought I’d try giving the corporate world another whirl. My firstborn was still just a preschooler though and her brothers were only 19 months behind her so needless to say my heartstrings were being pulled on hard after I returned to work…not to mention, Oil and Gas is not where it used to be so my salary was almost 40% lower than what I was making just four years prior. I lasted a whopping THREE months before I realized, you know what?!? I don’t know if I’m cut out for the corporate world anymore, I QUIT!
In May of 2018, I established Le Bawa Photography and started my Facebook page:
Facebook.com/lebawaphotography
Most of my photography journey thus far has been working with expecting mothers, families, and small children. You can say I specialize in Fine Art Child Photography. But, as of recent (about six months ago), I have been more drawn to Boudoir Photography. At first, this genre of photography didn’t appeal to me as much but one of my best friends was pretty insistent on me giving Boudoir Photography a shot…mostly because she wanted to be my guinea pig! LOL! Well, she must’ve known me better than I know myself because I have found NOTHING is more empowering than restoring/boosting another woman’s confidence. I remember just showing her a couple of images off my camera screen at the end of her photo session and as her eyes were literally watering up…she says “Is that really ME? I look sooooo beautiful, so SEXY!” She had butterflies in her stomach, it was one of my highest paid compliments and it felt so amazing to lift up a fellow she-wolf/vixen!
I’ve had almost ten boudoir sessions by now and each one was so empowering. I learn something new with every photoshoot and become more and more inspired after each session. I have a Ladies Only (private) group called Le Bawa Boudoir (600 members and growing), on Facebook and I hope that any women looking to pamper themselves or want a little help revealing the true BOMBSHELL they are will request to join! It makes a great gift for the significant other but it makes and even greater gift for yourself!!!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/387459761868856/
Has it been a smooth road?
HA!!!! Far from it! I’d say one of my biggest struggles was and still is, getting my technique up to par. I try to set very high standards for myself and that can be a bit challenging when you’re starting a new trade/profession from ground zero.
A key element to grow my technical skill in photography (aside from “YouTube university” of course) was joining as many photography peer groups on Facebook as possible. After each session, I would post my most proud shot and request my peers give me CC (constructive criticism). Initially, I’d have a bruised ego, but after I got over the thrashing (some photographers can be real snobs, lol) I learned to actually take a step back and have another look at my image with a new perspective. Mind you, I was cautious who I took advice from…I wouldn’t take someone’s advice seriously until I had viewed their work to see if it was up to MY standards/aspirations.
Another struggle for me has obviously been trying to get my name out there, because I mean let’s be honest, exposure is like GOLD for photographers. The more people that are able to see the passion I put into my work, the more opportunity I have to be allowed to practice and perfect my passion.
I feel I am finally starting to find my niche in photography so now that I’ve made that step, it’s time for me to really brand myself…my next challenge!!!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Le Bawa Photography & Le Bawa Boudoir – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Most of my work has been with family photography and fine art child portraiture’s. I’d say the shoots I enjoy the most as of now are Boudoir, Maternity, and Bridal.
And I’d have to say I have the most pride in the results I get from my boudoir sessions because not only am I producing a fine piece of art for my client, I am also able to put a mirror up to them so that they can see the TRUE beauty that lies right there in front of them.
What DOESN’T set me apart from others?!?! LOL! I’m a weird girl. Always have been and I’ve finally grown to accept that. 😉
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Make the decision to be bold and ASK! If you see someone else’s work and want advice…don’t hesitate to send them a message and ask for advice. What’s the worst that could happen? There’s plenty of fish in the sea. I’ve made it a point to ask a lot of questions. Sometimes I don’t get the answers I want and sometimes I realize I’m asking the wrong questions but that’s just it…keep on asking and never stop growing!
Contact Info:
- Website: Facebook.com/lebawaphotography
- Email: lebawaphotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/lebawaphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/387459761868856/
- Other: Instagram.com/lebawaboudoir
Image Credit:
Le Bawa Photography, Le Bawa Boudoir
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
