Daily Inspiration: Meet Ellie McLain

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellie McLain.

Hi Ellie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always loved photography, so my husband bought me a camera one year on my birthday. I was only used to it when we would take trips or for special occasions because I never thought in a million years anyone would ever want me to photograph them. Then in 2019, my husband volunteered me to take photos for our friend while he proposed to his girlfriend; after that, I was hooked!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was not a smooth road because there is so much to learn when you constantly start out as a photographer. Between picking the gear you want, learning how to use that gear, determining your editing style, and so much more! No one is telling the truth if they say their Images are the same now as they were when they first started. Which in itself makes building clientele very difficult in the beginning. I spent a few months offering free photoshoots to as many friends as possible to build a small portfolio in hopes that someday someone would ASK me to take their photos. There were months I wouldn’t take a single photo, and then there were other months I was so busy I had to turn people away. To this day, I am so thankful for the clients that have stuck with me from the very beginning because I’d be lying if I said I didn’t cringe at some of my earlier work. Then there is the whole running a business aspect, which is a new challenge. I always said I never wanted to run my own business because even the idea of it scared me. I had no idea where to start or what to do. Then one day I realized no one knows what they are doing in the beginning. All I knew was that I loved doing it and wanted to branch out even more. So I did hours on hours of online research, consulted with a friend’s husband, and made it official. I still learn something new about running my own business every day.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a photographer specializing in lifestyle newborns, elopements, weddings, families/couples, & senior sessions. If I had to guess what I was known for, my newborn lifestyle sessions, engagement/wedding & my many mini sessions I offer throughout the year. However, I don’t think I specialize in any session. I am most proud of the lifestyle newborn photography sessions I offer. There is something so special about capturing the newest family member. I often get the question of what “lifestyle newborn” means I explain it as taking photos in the comfort of your own home while you get to just soaking in the momentous occasion of bringing a new life into the world. Most people say, “oh gosh, my home is nowhere near picture-perfect.” To which I explain that no one’s home is picture perfect, especially after you have a baby! Some of the best photos I’ve ever taken come from these sessions because most people feel much more relaxed in their homes. What sets me apart from others is that I care about the experience as much, if not more, than taking the photos. There is nothing I love more than capturing candid moments, not just photos. Like the loud giggle during a tickle fight, the growing smile during a forehead kiss, the passion of a first kiss as Mr+ Mrs, or the glistening of a tear in the corner of an eye during a newborn session. I am capturing things that make my heart explode. It’s why I do what I do.

How do you define success?
To me, success is not measured by the number of clients you have or the money you make, especially regarding photography. It is defined by how happy you are with the work that you are doing. I never wanted to be that person that works for working. In short, I define success as happiness.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.emcreativephoto.com
• Instagram: @emcreativephoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emcreativephoto
• Other: https://book.usesession.com/i/aJurW-GyA 

Image Credits
Bth headshots were taken by Kristina Sobel Photography but edited by Ellie.