Today we’d like to introduce you to Rory McCann.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I got my very first camera when I was 13 and felt an overwhelming sense of pride when I captured my friends being candidly goofy or sweet. I brought it most places with me and would often look back on my photos with a strong sense of whatever I was feeling at the time I had captured the image. Because I couldn’t imagine my obsession was unique in any way, I didn’t consider a career in photography until I was in college.
I attended Emerson College as a broadcast journalism major, and quickly felt much more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it. Through working at the camera rental center on campus, participating in student-run magazines, and even working from the red carpet at the 2013 Oscars, I learned a great deal about shooting, editing, and using photography to make meaningful connections and tell powerful stories.
Growing as a photographer has given me more opportunities to connect with people I may not otherwise have met. Throughout the past 5 years, the greatest joy has come from getting to know my clients – people with exciting and diverse stories – and having them trust me with their most important memories, whether it is their wedding day or a summer afternoon in the park with their children.
It’s such an honor to be able to share with my clients the feeling that got me into photography over a decade ago – to be able to relive a time that shapes how we experience future moments. I believe photography is an art that slows us down and helps us consider our lives in ways we normally don’t. The moments we choose to capture and hold onto are the ones that inspire us to live more intentionally and with a greater sense of gratitude. No matter what sort of shoots I have or gear I use, that is what has sustained my work, and will keep pushing me to do more.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve been so blessed by the most incredible clients, who have had such grace throughout my journey of turning a passion into some fun work. I’ve had my fair share of gear malfunctions and technical difficulties, scheduling conflicts, and nights hitting “Refresh” on my email or bank account, but overall, I’d say my road has been as smooth as they get. Fellow artists and entrepreneurs, as well as friends and family, have come alongside me and, in many ways, been the validation and encouragement I’ve needed in those times. Another part that keeps me going is knowing I can always walk away from the business of photography. I could stop shooting for clients and focus just on what feeds me as an artist. Client work has always been my favorite, but just knowing I always have that choice helps me to not take it for granted, even on the tough days.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Rory McCann Photography – what should we know?
I specialize in portrait and event photography with a journalistic perspective. I shoot mostly families and weddings, and my style strongly features candid moments, movement, and texture. My background in journalism has strongly influenced my style. In photojournalism, you don’t often have the same control you might otherwise have in a studio setting; I try to pack as much context and emotion as I can into every image.
Every photographer is strongly influenced by their own experience. Growing up, I spent a lot of time in nature with my four siblings. We made music together, made friends together, and even built worlds and told stories from our own imaginations. In my work today, I look for that in my clients. I look for a what excites them and try to be sensitive to whatever makes them come alive. Before even photographing clients, I like to send them a questionnaire and get on the phone to get to know them better as the bright, interesting, and unique people they are, not merely as photography subjects.
The most common feedback I get from my clients is also what I am most proud of – that they feel comfortable in front of my lens. Besides the images themselves, my legacy is the human connection. If that’s there, the rest (lighting, posing, editing, etc.) always follows.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Every client who at one point has said, “Sure, let’s hire Rory,” has played a part in making my dreams come true. It’s never lost on me that people who have never met me are cool if I come to their wedding and capture it for their grandkids to look at one day. That just blows my mind! Every person who ever double-taps an image on Instagram, or who says, “Hey, I loved the image you took of…” brings me so much joy and energy that I then use to create more.
I’m so thankful for the people in my life who, years ago, let their artsy camera-wielding friend photograph their family or their wedding, and then turned around and told their friends.
I’m lastly and most appreciative of my dear friends and close family members who have had the grace to say, whether in words or actions, “Your work is meaningful, and you do it well.” That’s the good stuff.
(Shout-out to Lilly the Labradoodle for being a terrific model, supportive face-licker, and never chewing on hard drives.)
Pricing:
- Portrait Session $275
- Family Session $400
- Weddings start at $2,000 (Contact for full pricing form)
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.rorymccannphotography.com/
- Email: rorymccannphotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: @agirlnamedrory
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rorymccannphotography
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