Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Erin McGinn. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Erin, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
While creativity is always there for all of us, the feeling of wanting to be creative or produce work, ebbs and flows. For me, what has been helpful is to always be curious about learning. Whether it’s taking formal classroom classes, an online course, a workshop, or even going through simple journaling prompts always helps to create sparks. The book The Artist’s Way is a very helpful reference on where to start. The act of taking yourself of “Artist Dates” is such a great way to reconnect with your creativity. Personally, I love to learn about all different forms of creativity that stem from my work as a Photographer. I like to learn about writing, cooking, styling, and design.
Maybe even moreso than learning, for me the number one thing I do to keep my creativity alive is to travel. To immerse myself in a totally new place, a new culture, a new language. I feel most vividly creative when things are completely foreign to me. However, travel to spur creativity can be as simple as going to a new part of town I’ve never been to, or driving to a nearby city I haven’t really explored. Being a tourist in your own backyard really lets the creativity flow – what is this restaurant all about? What is this new boutique? How do I get there on the train? Is there an activity I can do there I’ve never done before? I think this always ties in with “Artist Dates” very well, too! But, basically, just get up and explore, learn, journal, let it flow!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a commercial and wedding photographer based in Rhode Island. I’ve developed a series lovingly referred to as “Makers Shoots” where I use analog film to document artists and craftspeople producing their work. The use of analog film as a medium mimics in the imperfection, sometimes messy, sometimes surprising nature of the artisans whom I’m photographing. I’m expanding these shoots to longer timeframes that also incorporate some digital captures of the artisans’ space and more lifestyle aspects of their day-to-day work that they can utilize on Social Media. I’m also expanding into the hospitality arena more, and focusing on small hotels that need full-service photography to capture all of their outlets, from interior design and rooms to food and beverage service, and lifestyle imagery of people enjoying the amenities. My wedding work is focused on a documentary-style approach without much posing or manipulation outside of formal group photos. With an editorial background, my imagery always reflects a sense of place, movement, and a full sensory collection of photos that take the viewer back to how they felt in that moment.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1- Ask what you can do for other people. You can’t just expect people to refer you without understanding how good your product is. If there is someone whom you’d love to work with or like to be referred by, see what they need and how you can help.
2- Be nice and have impeccable customer service. This sounds obvious, but it’s not. Reply to emails in a timely manner, follow up with people often. Know that if you don’t reply quick, someone else will. Always be friendly and smile. Do not be a doormat, people will ask you to change your contract, your approach, your price, you can be friendly and still say no and stand your ground.
3- If you don’t know something, ask. The best thing I did for my business was shadow other respectable photographers. Carry bags, grab water, drive a car around the block, and learn how they do it. And ask a lot of questions. And if you still don’t know the answer, take a class to teach you, or find a mentor to help you through the issue.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
I try to take time away from the issue that is overwhelming me, it’s easy just to try to plow through, to doomscroll on your phone, to immerse yourself in the problem. As an introvert, a sensitive person, and an empath, I get overwhelmed very often especially emotionally. I need to go for a walk in nature, go sit at a coffee shop and doodle, go for a self-care treatment, just go to the beach with a friend, or volunteer. Being a volunteer for a local dog rescue provides me with an outlet outside of my work environment that helps me focus on things that matter and something bigger than myself/my work. If you’re a self-employed person, I highly recommend having an outlet you can turn to that provides some sort of perspective, ex: animals, children, the elderly or unhoused.
Contact Info:
- Website: erinmcginnphotography.com
- Instagram: @erinmcginn
Image Credits
Headshot: Mollyslater.co Photos: Erinmcginnphotography.com
