Today we’d like to introduce you to Meredith McCann.
Hi Meredith, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In early 2020, I decided to make my exit from my ten years career in education to start my own photography business. I have two small daughters who inspire me daily to push myself creatively and document moments of my motherhood experience. Becoming a mother was something that was extremely important for me and nearly didn’t happen due to severe complications, including severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. So after surviving that, I wanted to spend my time being creative and doing that through photography seemed to fit.
I knew I wanted to combine my maternal mortality advocacy work and my photography and somehow came up with the idea that I would become a birth and motherhood photographer. My husband was surprisingly on board, and since then, despite severe COVID-10 restrictions, I have been able to document 4 births, with three coming up this fall and countless other maternity and motherhood sessions.
What I’ve found is that by connecting with mothers from behind the lens, I’m able to listen to their stories of infertility, loss, birth trauma, fostering, healing negative body image and empowering them to tell their story. I think when mothers see themselves in a beautiful light they are able to really celebrate themselves.
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?
COVID-19 definitely made it difficult if not impossible to shoot births last year. I was able to run a model call and found a mom who wanted to document her last baby, a home birth. From there, I connected with other birth workers and decided to get my birth doula certification. It’s been challenging learning how to run a business, but I’m so grateful to my clients who have all been amazing and down to get in the middle of a field with me at sunset in a gorgeous gown.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My start in photography wasn’t glamorous. I was a terrible film photographer in college. Maybe it was that I was focused on other things, but I gave that up quickly. When I got my first digital camera, I remember using it primarily for travel and documenting my trips around Europe. I somehow managed to lose all my images from that period of my life, and probably out of frustration, gave it up for a bit. It wasn’t until I had my first child that I saw the need to keep documenting, and not on my iPhone camera.
I love motherhood. I love breastfeeding stories and pregnant bellies, and giant teenagers who still hold their mom close. I love birth stories and this is probably what sets me apart from other lifestyle photographers.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding a mentor in this industry now can be tough. There’s a lot of imposter syndrome and jealousy- the idea that one photographer is making six figures or has the latest gear. All of that is really nonsense. You need to find a few that inspire you, maybe even seasoned creatives who have seen media change through the decades, to really find a mentor that you can trust.
If you’re running a business, get someone who knows SEO, marketing, billing, etc. It’s worth the investment for sure. I hired a business manager (Tografy) and Kara changed how I work with my clients on that aspect.
Pricing:
- Birth starts at 1800
- Maternity starts at 350
- Family starts at 325
Contact Info:
- Email: meredithmccannphotography@gmail.com
- Website: http://www.meredithmccannphotography.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/meredithmccannphotography
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/meredithmccannphotography
Image Credits
Meredith McCann Photography
