Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzanne McCann.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always had a love for photography. As a kid, I was that annoying friend always dragging my camera everywhere, trying to get my friends to take selfies before selfies were a thing – I built up quite the collection of nostril pictures during those years. In college, I took a couple of photography classes and learned the science behind the art. About ten years ago,with a lot of encouragement from friends and family, I decided to take the plunge and start advertising my services. My photographic skills were on point from the beginning, but learning the business side has taken some time and there has been a lot of trial and error. Each year has brought growth, and I’ve had a lot of fun and learned a lot along the way. I would love to one day take this venture into a full-time thing and be able to focus all my energy on it.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has definitely not been smooth. Because this is something I do part-time, because of the joy that it brings me, there is a constant struggle in balancing my time. In order to grow my business, I need to be able to devote time and energy to it, but I also can’t neglect the other areas of my life that are currently my main sources of income (I have a Monday-Friday 8-5 Gov’t. job in addition to running Developments of Life Photography). The best advice I can offer other women, although it may sound obvious is, BE BRAVE. DO NOT GIVE UP. ALWAYS, ALWAYS BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. The times of struggle are what make the successes that much sweeter, and if we aren’t brave enough to take that leap, our dreams will never come true.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’ve always had a passion for photography. Yet, it wasn’t until I started shooting professionally that I understood the real power of capturing a once-in-a-lifetime kind of moment. My goal as a photographer is to not only provide my clients with amazing photos but to also provide them with incredible memories of the experience of having those photos taken. Pictures are meant to freeze a moment in time, to bring back the memories of how you felt at the moment the photo was taken. The pleasure felt when viewing those photos can only be increased if the experience of taking them was enjoyable as well.
I am available for all types of events – weddings, showers, 1st birthday parties, family reunions, as well as portrait sessions. As time has passed, my favorite types of sessions have changed. Lately I have been focusing on weddings, senior photos, and extended family sessions, but I also enjoy maternity sessions, cake smashes and basic portraits.
I am known for providing a fun and, often, unconventional photo session. I have asked my clients to meet me in some random locations and have been known to contort myself into some interesting positions, including lying on my belly at a wedding, in order to get the shot that I want. I pride myself on the fact that over the years I have been able to keep my prices reasonable – I hate to think that someone would not be able to have amazing pictures with their loved ones simply because they couldn’t afford it. I consider my clients to be my extended family and have met some of the most amazing people over the past ten years.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
My greatest inspirations in life are my Grammy and my mom.
Gram was raised during the Depression by a single mother (my great-grandfather passed away at a young age) and had many siblings. As a young teenager, she was already out working as a maid to help support her family. She was one of the smartest, most stubborn, loving women I ever had the blessing to know, and I miss her every day.
Now that I am staring 40 in the face, I have been doing a lot of thinking about my life and where I am at. When I look back and think about my mom at my age, I am absolutely amazed at the fact that she was able to work a full-time job, be a full-time wife and mother to two girls, and put a balanced dinner on the table every night.
Pricing:
- Wedding Packages Start at $800.00
- Senior Portraits Start at $200.00
- Family Portrait Sessions Start at $150.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://developmentsoflifephotography.com
- Phone: 619-838-6796
- Email: developmentsoflifephotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: @developmentsoflifephotography
- Facebook: facebook.com/developmentsoflifephotography
- Other: https://developmentsoflife.smugmug.com/
Image Credit:
Developments of Life Photography
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