Today we’d like to introduce you to Freddy Mac.
Hi Freddy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I was always a photography enthusiast. I would borrow friend’s cameras, learn from them, read books on photography techniques and methods. When I finally had my own camera, I would go out and shoot architectural photos or photos of friends and family. It was by chance I was out in Downtown St. Louis shooting architecture and a car pulled up to the curb asking if I could shoot an event that evening since their photographer canceled on them last minute. That was the first paid event I photographed and it was an amazing experience.
From that moment on I began to pursue my hobby as more of a potential job. I applied myself to learning anything and everything I could about photography, working with clients, building a customer base, and excelling at my craft. Now three years later with the experience of shooting concerts, events, weddings, professional portraits, models, video content, and clothing brands all under my belt, I am blessed to be where I am now.
Earlier this year I decided to continue to challenge myself and grow my photography experience and portfolio. In June I began traveling around the country. I plan to explore as much of the United States that I can travel to in twelve months!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Some of the greatest challenges beginning and growing a photography business is finding clients and growing your reach to new customers. One of my ways of overcoming this was purchasing a ticket to an event or concert, photographing the event then following up with the organizers or artists afterwards to offer them packages of photos from the event and offer future collaborations. It was slow progress but eventually, I was a regular invite to concerts and events in St. Louis.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My earlier work was primarily all concert and music events. However, as my experience and portfolio continued to grow, I found my passion was in portraiture and studio photography. Having full control of lighting, the subject, and setting is a lot to manage but the portraits from a studio setting are unmatched in my opinion. I am very proud of my growth as a photographer, the failures that I have learned from, the shoots that went well, and the people I have met along the way. They have all made me a better photographer and more diverse in my photography skills. The amalgamation of past experiences continued learning, and careful research and preparation for each shoot elevates what I can offer to my clients. My goal is to make the client comfortable and satisfied with my work no matter what the circumstances are. I try to be calm, encouraging, and positive in my interactions with all my clients while I work. Nobody enjoys a photographer who is in a bad mood, has a bad attitude, or who micromanages them. I learned that if I can get my client or subject to be comfortable and at ease in front of the camera, that is where great photos come to life! I believe that is the most important part of my approach to my work and it is reflected in the work I produce and the positive experience that my clients have had with me.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Perspective and exposure is everything. Not only in photography terms, but in life. Meeting people from all walks of life through my photography is an amazing experience. Learning about their lives, what makes them who they are today, and their perspective of the world. Increasingly in today’s world, a lot of people feel that they are unseen, unspoken for, and obscured in the masses. If through my photography I can show a person that they are beautiful, unique, and appreciated, then I have done my job well. It’s an amazing world out there and if I can share that through my photography, I feel like it can make some small difference to those I work with and those who see my photography.
Contact Info:
- Email: iamfreddymac@gmail.com
- Instagram: @iam_freddymac
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamfreddymac
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/iam_freddymac
Image Credits
@iam_freddymac
@anastasia_mcmahon1
@shihoneyy
@qhallcorner
@johncraigie
@tdubbo
@sativa.st3ph
