We recently connected with Marin Burraston and have shared our conversation below.

Marin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

SLC Inspired is a meetup club for models and photographers to come together in a safe space to have a photoshoot with a new theme each month. Our missions is to create a space that is safe for everyone. A place where people can truly be their unapologetic and authentic self. As well as to teach creatives it’s okay to prioritize safety while creating art. And in doing so you don’t lose out on opportunities. You should never have to work with someone that makes you feel uncomfortable. We have a vigorous RSVP process which helps eliminate any creepy encounters so that attendees not only work with safe creatives but they can learn how to also create a safe environment for their future endeavors. We want to show that creating art and photoshoots can and should be done in a way that’s safe.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started modeling about 7 years ago, and I was quickly met with horror stories about creatives being uncomfortable at photoshoots, boundaries being crossed and countless frankly dangerous situations. My natural love to uplift others, my passion for photoshoots and my drive to host and coordinate came together to create SLCI. Where I vowed to create spaces that are safe and can be counted on to be planned in a way where attendees/creatives don’t have to worry about working with someone that won’t uplift them.
I research and create a theme for the upcoming month and attendees can sign up for the meet up. I only charge the bare minimum to cover any rental fees. Truly this is a passion project of mine and I don’t mind not making money. And if there’s ever a venue where we don’t have to pay a rental fee I simply ask my attendees to donate to a charity of their choosing as their fee into the event. I think it’s important to practice active ways to give back to your community and this is how I am able to.
I’m extremely proud in not only how long we have been around, that being 6 years and over 51 meet ups. But also the variation in our themes. We have shot with airplanes, at shipwrecks, in theaters and art museums, in other states and countless other examples. But I couldn’t have done it without my amazing backbone and team. Maddy Kline @mk_smittyphoto & Adam Ramos @voguishphoto are my lead photographers as well as Trey Folds @pappa_long_legs is my security and fiance. They are the reason I am able to host these out of the box themes!
I think what sets us aside from other group shoots is we are not afraid to set boundaries and turn people away if they don’t align with our mission. We show that only kindness, uplifting and support will be tolerated in this field. I am a strong believer that you can still lead with kindness but still set boundaries.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

For years, something most people couldn’t and still don’t understand about me is why I don’t charge more for my events. I only charge the bare minimum so that renting spaces doesn’t come out of my pocket. And the answer is because I want everyone to have a chance at creating, not just those who have money. Photography can save lives, and I want as many people a chance at that as I can help. SLCI has turned into a home and safe haven for many and I don’t want lack of funds to take that away from anyone. The other thing is, charging the bare minimum allows me to ask for the love and respect I put into SLCI to be show back to me. This comes in the form of asking attendees to credit SLCI clearly for the work they have done to create this event. I want to also continue to cultivate that-yes I am creating this event for them, they are not my clients but instead collaborators on art. I’ve found this thought process leads to the most beautiful and safe environments. And for me, that’s better than any paycheck.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

My team consists of Maddy, Adam and Trey.
Trey runs security for me, and is also my fiance. We even got engaged at a meet up which was an amazing surprise. From day one of me starting meet ups he was by my side and supported me. So it was natural to have him join the official team. He’s a naturally tall gentleman and is very intimidating even though he’s an absolute sweetheart. Because of this he was the perfect candidate to help make sure everyone is extra safe during the events.
Maddy and Adam are my lead photographers, they both attended SLCI meet ups years and years ago just as regular creative and club members. But both showed interest in joining the team and wanted to help SLCI in any way they could. It was so clear they were meant to be on this team as well as apart of this project. And we really all have turned into a family. And I don’t say that lightly, we truly are a family. We spend holidays together, have matching tattoos and have been in each other’s lives for many years. Their love and support for the SLCI mission shows they are genuinely amazing humans and so it makes sense why the team bonded so deeply together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.instagram.com/slcinspired
• Instagram: @slcinspired @mamma_long_legs

Image Credits

All taken at an SLCI meet up
All have Marin Burraston @mamma_long_legs modeling

Photo1: Rebekah Dunn @rebekahdunnphoto
Photo2: Maddy Kline @mk_smittyphoto
Photo3: Rebekah Dunn @rebekahdunnphoto w/ Trey Folds Co model @pappa_long_legs
Photo4: Maddy Kline @mk_smittyphoto w/ @eternalwesteditorial
Photo5: Maddy Kline @mk_smittyphoto w/ @eternalwesteditorial
Photo6: Rebekah Dunn @rebekahdunnphoto
Photo7: Rebekah Dunn @rebekahdunnphoto
Photo8: Adam Ramos @voguishphoto