St. Louis Photographer » A Journal by Holly McCaig

Okay, I’m just going to say it…out loud…here.

Most photographers in the St. Louis area are NOT open to sharing and networking with one another. At least the ones that I’ve come into contact with. They are typically greedy and think you’re going to steal their business from them. I know, that’s harsh to hear. But, it’s sad. When I look around the country and the photographers that have become close and share and learn from each other in other parts like southern California, it makes me wonder why we don’t have that here.

I am certainly not the most successful photographer in St. Louis. I don’t know that I’ll ever be. But, I want to know that I can go to my colleagues and share and hopefully learn at the same time from them. There is a wealth of knowledge that is there to learn from the technical standpoint and the business standpoint. I just can’t understand what many are so worried about. The number of people in our city that have babies, graduating seniors and weddings – well, it’s just not possible to cover all those by the number of photographers in our area!

One time, I shared a while back that I wasn’t so sure I was interested in doing weddings. The photographer I mentioned this to immediately said, “send them all to me!” Why couldn’t that person have said, “what is it about them that is turning you off right now? Would you ever want to second shoot with me and get a feel for it?” – I didn’t even hear, “well, if you aren’t interested in them and you get requests, I could refer the type of subjects you like and vice versa.” It really just turned me off immediately from this photographer. I realize we’re all in this to make a living, but I truly believe that we’re rewarded by the actions we make and our openness to be helpful, kind, and friendly. I didn’t get that from this photographer.

So, after being in Phoenix with Audra last month, she shared with me how a photographer on Facebook gathered a bunch of photographers together and created a group. The goal was to create this practice group of photographers in the Phoenix area that could share ideas, techniques, business experience and more with each other. Their first meeting was successful and they have been keeping it going.

Last night, we had “OUR” first meeting here in St. Louis. I just found a few people I knew from online and created a Facebook Group too. A few of them invited some others and well, it was a great meeting. There were only five of us, but that’s good. We realized that it was nice to have a small group come together and we could brainstorm what we wanted to learn, do and experience from this group. We’re all so excited now to have met, talked, and for our next meeting in April. We’ve started planning our first “shootout” day and I think we could all agree that it would be nice to meet more than monthly if we all had the time.

After I finally figured out the timer on my point and shoot (ha ha how funny that I can operate a BIG camera and not a point and shoot?) we grabbed this quick shot of us. If you’re a photographer in the area, please let me know if you’re on Facebook and we’ll invite you. It’s a closed membership because this is really for professional business photographers and not a “learning group” for hobbyiests. You should either be in business, or have started shooting for money and considering business as an option.

Thanks everyone for attending! Rochelle, Robin, Jason, Courtney!

On Saturday, I was honored to cover the Harrison’s Hope, Annual Charity Dinner Auction at Rose of the Hill. This is an amazing organization. I think I’ve lost count as to how long I’ve known the Struttmanns. But, they are two of the most amazing people I’ve ever met and just being able to be part of their charity in honor of their lost son is a reward. The event is hosted every year and this year, they outgrew their past location – luckily for us, it’s at a VERY beautiful location with amazing food! The energy was great. I was speaking to Terrill today on the phone about how the event went and we both said the same thing…it just felt awesome there. Something was different this time.

Harrison’s Hope is a national, nonprofit organization committed to educating children and caregivers about the dangers of children being left alone in and around cars. Their campaign, Zero Seconds, is something all parents and/or schools should teach children. You’re already teaching them about the importance of seatbelts and not getting in cars with strangers…why not add this easy bit of information on to that? Educate if you have kids. And, if you want more information about Harrison’s Hope, please feel free to contact me, or visit their website here.

Here’s a slideshow of the images from Saturday evening. Thanks to my mom, Cyndi, for helping cover all the auction items and guest with me! So much fun to have her there and experience first hand what a great organization Harrison’s Hope is.

These two kiddos are gonna be pals, I can tell. Will just loves his new, baby brother, Max. But, he’s still a little bit more interested in the construction crew outside on their street. Capturing Will by the window was something his mom certainly wanted to remember. I can’t blame her. These little moments in life are what matters. It’s what my portrait work is about. Sure, there is that staged moment stuff, but we want to tell stories with our photographs. This is really what it’s all about. Thanks for letting me come into your home and meet you sweet boys!

Found this site online and printed these out to put together while watching a little tv. A good distraction from work (since my office is in my home). And, they are pretty cute I might add!

So excited! Found these awesome items to use in my photography for such a steal! I’m always on the look out for every day items, antiques, vintage, unique shapes and colors, all for using in photography.

This chair was the best find! A children’s metal stool. The guy took $10 for it! Going to leave it as is, but seal it with clear finish to keep the look of the chipping paint.

This and the next item are items I got at Kirklands really cheap out in O’Fallon. Perfect for newborn shots!

Both of these were like $12 and $14.

I also saw one of these adorable magazine holders used in a newborn shoot and since this was regularly $40 and on sale for $24 – I nabbed it too.

And, finally – these frames. I am on the hunt for lots of vintage frames that are ornate. I’m working on a future project (all will get painted and other good stuff). If you’re in the area and run across some really cheap, let me know!

And, last week, I bought this blanket and basket at TJ Maxx. You can never have enough adorable blankets for baby photoshoots!