Local Talent / Erin McGinn
Next up in our Local Talent series is Erin McGinn. Erin is a multifaceted photographer focused on storytelling for hospitality brands, makers, and lovers. With an essence of sun-kissed Southern California and roots in little Rhode Island, Erin’s lifelong love of travel inspires her experiential photos.
What is the best thing about working with other creatives?
Seeing their process! I am totally enamored with watching other artists do what they do and how they do it, especially the messy, behind-the-scenes spaces they create in.
How do you prepare for your work days on set?
Every shoot is different for me, but it usually starts with coffee and a good scroll through the client’s Instagram so I get a feel for what they are putting out there and what I can do to help elevate their project in an innovative way. This usually starts before the day of the shoot with a questionnaire or list from the client on what they are hoping for from our time together as well.
What makes a shoot day better?
Great light! - Great light doesn’t have to be bright sun or open shade. I love to work with natural light and the way it can create a whole mood on its own - low morning light in a kitchen will bring about a totally different vibe than a rainy day - all of that allows the client’s work to speak to their audience in different ways. While I can always create this with strobes, there’s nothing like utilizing what is organic and innate to a space.
Besides light, preparation! When the client has taken the time to go through our questionnaires and suggestions and brings their own requests for shots and inspiration boards to the table!
Finally, when a client enlists the help of other talented creatives like hair and makeup artists, prop/clothing stylists, and art directors or branding experts. When it’s a true collaboration, the results are just that much better.
Image by Erin McGinn of Bar ‘Cino Brookline for Newport Restaurant Group
What is your biggest pet peeve on shoot days?
Trying to cram in too much. I always suggest half or full day shoots just so we have the time to manage ideas that pop up, get different lighting options, and take our time rather than rush through and try to do too many things. I’m also a big believer in capturing the local environment and scene into photo shoots - a few shots of your favorite coffee shop, the street your studio is on, walking to work, or grabbing takeout from your favorite restaurant always adds to your collection of imagery from a shoot and lets you speak to your audience via social or newsletters on a personal level.. Always listen to your photographer or Art Director’s suggestions on how much time you need to capture everything you want. It might mean booking additional hours, days, or even seasons.
How do you avoid burnout?
Travel! I’m currently on a 4 month voyage through Australia, New Zealand and Asia. I travel every chance I get and also like to find new places to travel to locally right here in Rhode Island.
Image by Erin McGinn for Hanna Creative Co.
How can your clients be more prepared for their shoot day?
Take time to go through your library of work and see what's missing and what you’d like to have more of. Don’t compare yourself directly to your competitors, but instead look at where you want to go. Make a list of these shots from a broad perspective, not an intricate exact detail or angle. This will leave room for creative interpretation by your photographer and/or art director. Also, have a few options for outfits if you will be in the shots - and hands are a big deal so always make sure to get a manicure.
How do you get inspired?
I will grab a bunch of film and walk around my neighborhood and document places I love or a feeling I want to showcase or an item I find interesting (often this is fruit for me!). Film helps me get out of the realm of perfection and overshooting and into the realm of focusing on composition and texture. It’s very freeing.
What is your advice to creative business owners trying to build their brands?
Make sure to make room in your marketing budget for professional photography, not only of your finished product but the process of creation. Try to do this either twice a year or better yet, quarterly/seasonally. Folks want to invest in products and people they feel a connection to, and that comes from showing them your hard work and your team. Consult with a branding agency like Hanna Creative which can provide Art Direction and help you find the holes in your messaging, and bring on the perfect photographer for your needs.
How much of your success would you consider luck, and how much would you consider hard work?
I think it's a bit of luck sprinkled on top of a ton of hard work. I do think you make your own luck and need to put yourself in places and with people where you can share your ideas. I’m lucky I have a supportive husband who took the reins while I built my business. I’m lucky to have great friends I’ve made in this industry and clients who I now consider friends, too.
Describe your ideal client or project.
Image by Erin McGinn Greenlion Design creating an installation at Moore House's Quonset Hut.
A dream project would be a boutique hotel brand that wants to capture their food, lifestyle, and interior spaces in a natural and organic way. Maybe in Italy or Japan? Just throwing it out there, haha!
What should a potential client consider when hiring a photographer for their project?
Take a peek at their portfolio of course, but more so their Instagram or newsletters.. See what they are putting out there the most, or ask them what their passion project is. You want to be able to connect not only to the final product but also to the person you are working with. Hopefully, it will be an ongoing collaboration where you just “get” each other! Also, consider their methods of capture and express what you prefer - tethered for each shot? Freehand and lots of movement? Perfect lines or softer angles?
What is one thing you can’t live without?
These are probably blatantly obvious but my husband and a camera.
Favorite song or music genre on set or location?
I love moody, almost a little sad music -acoustic sunrise is my fave.
Beverage of choice during a shoot.
If you’re not saying coffee to this I want to meet you!
Beverage of choice after a shoot.
Image by Erin McGinn for Moore House Designs as seen in Cottages & Gardens
Water! I get so thirsty! And then red wine!
Favorite artist.
Wow. This is too hard. If I had to pick, I’d say photographer Slim Aarons. I love the color, the whimsy, the California dreaminess of it all.
A place to unwind.
The beach! Anywhere with water helps me relax.
A favorite hidden gem in Rhode Island.
Ohhh, if I tell you is it still a secret? I have a secret Kayaking spot, I’ll share it with you if we work together. ;)
Favorite book for inspiration.
Any of the Kinfolk books.
Favorite museum.
There is a tiny museum/collection of Picasso’s at The Museum Rosengart Collection in Lucrene Switzerland. It was so intimate and joyful to view. I loved it. Also, the RISD museum is awesome for any locals!
Favorite places to travel.
Anywhere and everywhere. My happy place to return to again and again is St. John in the USVI.
Dog or Cat lover?
Dogs forever, we are dog fosters for Rhode Home Rescue.