with Lisa Edney

Here we are with the amazing Monica McLean.

1. Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Mexico. My first twelve years of my life I lived in a small town in the center of Mexico called Rio Verde in the state of San Luis Potosí. I had the best childhood memories there and loved that part of my country. My parents are from the north so eventually, we moved back to what we call ‘Home”. I lived in Torreon, Coahuila for 11 years. I went to high school and college there and moved to the United States when I married my “love at first sight” in 1998.

2. How long have I been taking photos?

This question links to my moves and is really since I was twelve years old. My Dad gave me a film point & shoot camera back on my first move in Mexico. It was the only way for me to preserve the memories of my childhood, my friends, my town, the people, my house. I was always the one taking photos of the group and photographing my memories. Throughout my life, I had always had a camera but never knew how to use it in manual. When we had our third baby, I was able to afford a DSLR Nikon camera from Costco. Still didn’t have the time or care to figure out manual settings. But I did start printing my kids photographs:). It really wasn’t until my last move here to Arizona that I decided to go to Community College and learn all I could about photography.

3. How did you find Gather Academy?

I had seen it on IG but didn’t really know it had its own network full of amazing artists. It wasn’t until one day talking to Lisa Edney that she started saying the community and what was all about. I’ve been a member I think since April/May of this and I love it.

4. What goals did you set for 2022?

*Apply for Click Pro

*Add more DE (double exposure) in my work

*Take a photography trip

*Learn and explore lifestyle sessions

*Take classes

*Get mentoring session

*Continue doing my 365 project my way!

*Keep doing FILM

Did I achieve them?

Some of them did, although maybe the outcome is not the one I was looking for Click Pro, it really help me look at my work and see all the areas I need to work on and get better at. Slowly this year I did start adding DE into my work, for me, I have to be in a mood state of mind:). I did sign up for a photography trip that is happening in February. I had a mentoring session with one of my favorite lifestyle photographers and I have been exploring that area because I really love it and would love to approach it more. This is my third year doing my 365 project and I am planning to continue in 2023. Some of the other goals I am always working on these and are part of my future goals.

How did the Group Help?

Being a part of the 52 week project with Lisa Edney really help me continue getting focus on my goals and also really make get inspired me to continue photographing and trying the prompts for the months. I wasn’t very good at posting on Gather but that didn’t stop me for keep trying and learning. I love that there is a group of us who love FILM and I like that I get the best of both worlds.

What is your favorite part of joining the group?

It truly is a combination of amazingly creative and supportive people, I feel right at home and don’t feel judged or afraid to post a photograph. I love the supportive community and I get inspired by everyone’s work. I appreciate all the work and support from April and Lisa, they are very giving and helpful. I loved the workshop “21 days of waking your Imagination” with April Milani and truly woke it and help me to allow it to be there and to continue making it grow. I am excited to start with Lisa Edney my 2023 Creative Project with more prompt and direction for this coming year! A great community and I just wished I would have found it earlier but super happy I am here for the ride. And if I can ever be of help to anyone please don’t hesitate to ask, I love sharing my experiences, struggles, and joys about photography. Thank you for all your amazing support!