We were lucky to catch up with Kristin McClanathan recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kristin, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
Throughout my time being a photographer, I have a lot of meaningful sessions where families share with me their past that has led them to become the person(s) they are today, or individuals going through those milestone celebrations in their lives that are once in a lifetime memories; but the most meaningful project I have worked on is working with the Jacksonville Miracle League.
If you are not familiar with the Jacksonville Miracle League, they are an organization that provides children and adults with disabilities, the opportunity to play ball and be a part of a team. They divide each player into their own teams and make necessary accommodations for every player so that they can be a part of the action, they don’t take score, but allow each player to be able to hit the ball and run to the bases, and they have fun!
When I was asked to take portraits for this organization, I was super nervous. One, I had never processed so many individual portraits at once. I was used to headshots for 1 or 2 people per day. Two, being I had never done this type of session before, I didn’t have documents and had to make my own order forms with a la carte items, research pricing for photo prints, mugs, etc., and figure out how to navigate through what individual goes with what order form.
After creating my order form and agreeing with the coach to come and take all of the team pictures, I prepared as much as possible the week and night before to get ready for this session. The day of the session, I was greeted by the coach and head of the organization. Luckily, I brought my daughter along to help me with the order forms while I take the player’s pictures, and we both were instantly made to feel like we were a part of the team. The players and family members of the players were so patient and kind to us it was unbelievable the amount of support we received. A few of the players even gave me hugs and family members mentioned how much this means to them for me to come out and take their player’s pictures.
Upon completing the pictures that day, I was asked to take pictures at the Jacksonville Miracle League Banquet, about a month later, where every player received a trophy as well as individually acknowledged if they were a rookie or veteran with their own special shout out. Little did I know that even I myself, would receive a shout out from the entire organization, including coaches, players and family members, about how grateful they were to have me as a part of the team. I received a huge round of applause and a Miracle League bracelet to commemorate my part in this season’s efforts. I was so taken aback and so honored. They showed me such kindness, gratitude, and honor to be a part of something beautiful and I will remember the meaningfulness of these sessions until the day I die.
With that being said, these sessions were some of the hardest sessions I had to complete. I spent many hours making order forms, taking pictures, editing, ordering pictures, communicating with family members regarding orders, packaging the pictures, double checking I had everything for each player and their order forms (50+ players and coaches), delivering pictures and all the while figuring that I would not be profiting that much from these sessions. No matter the hardship I endured, it was all worth it. I would do it all again because money is not everything. It’s sessions like these that fulfill a small business owner like myself, deep into their core. I was given an invaluable experience and now, I am an honorary member of the Jacksonville Miracle League for life.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
My name is Kristin McClanathan and I am the owner and photographer of Oh Snap Photography. I am 34 years old, a mother of a 14 year old and a beautiful baby boy who is a little older than a month now. I am engaged to the love of my life who supports me in all of my endeavors. I am simply, blessed.
The type of sessions I have expertise in is family pictures and weddings that include proposals, engagements and wedding day themselves. I also dabble in other sessions such as headshots, maternity, newborn, senior portraits, boudoir and real estate. I got into photography by simply taking an elective class in college. I was taught the basics of how to use my camera, that I bought 2 years prior to, and really took an interest in photography because of this class. From then on it was all about enhancing my skills, studying, joining groups, practicing my skills I learned and continuing my growth. I have now been a photographer for 5 years where I have been published multiple times, have an established clientele, and am now full-time with photography.
What sets me a part from other photographers is my connection to clients as well as my ability to capture specific emotions in pictures rather than your standard “everyone look at the camera and smile” kind of pictures. I really try and tailor each session specific to my client’s wants and needs as well as making it an experience they will never forget. So many of my clients message me after our session and tell me they never thought that they would have so much fun and then once they get a sneak peek of their pictures, many of them have cried because they can see the happiness or love in the photos and remember back to the session that meant so much to them. Photos are not just decorations on a wall or for a photo book, but they take a person back to the moment and I try to make moments monumental for my clients.
My clients mean the world to me. I really put forth the effort to ensure their happiness and it make me so proud to have my artwork displayed in family’s homes. But what really makes me proud is how far I have come as a photographer. I have only lived in Jacksonville about 2 1/2 years and have really established myself as a top photographer in the area where there are a lot of photographers who may have been here for years before I have arrived. It says something about my skills and abilities and I am so proud how far I’ve come in life itself. I have met some of my best friends because they were first my clients. I have clients that have shared their most precious memories or even obstacles they have overcome with me that continue using my services year after year, even multiple times a year. I’ve been able to explore such beautiful landscapes, witness such special occasions and meet such wonderful people that I feel like I have the best job in the world. I love what I do and I love who I meet and I cannot wait to see what my future holds.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
One thing I struggle with is when people are looking for photographers who “don’t cost an arm or a leg,” are “just starting out,” or are “budget friendly.” I think many experienced photographers go through the same cringe face I make when clients are looking for recommendations with this wording because for a lot of us, this is not JUST something we like to do, it’s something we have to do to keep our business alive. It’s something we have to do to feed our own families just like they do when they go to their job throughout the week. There have been times throughout my journey where I wasn’t sure if I was able to pay my bills because I didn’t have sessions lined up. I have spent countless hours, spent enormous amounts of money, and have literally shed blood, sweat and tears to make something of myself and my business. All to be passed over because someone else might be cheaper, less experienced, because they are just starting out.
I understand that everyone has to start somewhere, as I did. But, if you are looking for those once in a lifetime moments to be captured forever, get someone with years of experience and learning. What a lot of clients don’t know is that these less experienced photographers, have a lot of issues starting out because they are green to the industry. They may not know composition, posing techniques, prompts to get those genuine smiles, editing techniques, or even how to properly set up their camera to accommodate for light and proper detail. They may not know locations, what time of day is best to shoot, how to shoot when the time of day is not ideal, how to properly deliver photos to clients. The list is endless with the amount of knowledge that comes along with being experienced and a true professional photographer. Please appreciate that with supporting those photographers with years of experience and keep in mind, we do not want your arms or your legs. We want to give you something that’s once in a lifetime. Something that is worth every penny as it is invaluable.
Do your research and choose wisely as you will not get those moments back.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is meeting clients, hearing their stories, establishing a connection, and having them use my services again. It’s so amazing when I get clients to come back to me year after year because not only do they trust in me, but they support me. I get to watch them and their family’s grow through the years and that is something not everyone gets to experience that. Sure there is social media where you can see images but witnessing the love and joy first hand is a whole ‘nother level.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ohsnapkristin.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohsnapkristin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OHSNAPKRISTIN
Image Credits
Oh Snap Photography