Meet Kendall McClelland | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kendall McClelland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kendall, what are you inspired by?
I am inspired by EVERYTHING. I find architecture to constantly spark ideas and when I am most motivated and find endless inspiration is when I travel. I think being a creative person you have to look at the world with diversity and light in your eyes not just see a wall as a wall but as art that must be brought to life. Most creatives can relate to this. I also find my mind spirals with ideas when by certain songs. Music is such an inspirational outlet for me and a lot of my own shoots personally transpire from a song.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am so proud of myself for taking initiative to chase my own dreams. I didn’t tell anyone I had the thought to peruse photography I just took the steps and was like “Surprise! I’m doing this and no one is stopping me” I had finished having my babies (my son was 3 and my daughter was just about a year) and I knew I needed something for my soul, something for me. I love being a Mom but as a creative I knew I needed an outlet to still be myself and something to help me being in my own income. It’s so crazy how easy it is to lose yourself when you become a Mom. I felt so revitalized stepping behind the camera and getting into photography has been my happy place. It’s not an easy journey, I feel sometimes like it’s a saturated market and I question jumping in. But then I remind myself I am unique and I do have something to offer. I work really hard to be different and to stand out with my work. I am going to continue to travel my path and to crush the goals I have created for myself!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My best friend Jamie-Lee and I would go to New York City: Visit the Empire State Building
Go for a bike ride in Central Park
Shop Bloomingdale’s and Bergdorf
We would eat at Lavo and attend a broadway show
We would take photos on the streets and pop into some of the places seen on gossip girl for a drink
We would shop Harry Winstons and have champagne at Jimmy choos while buying shoes
We would dine at a rooftop chop house and eat the eat food.

We did this trip and it was absolutely beautiful and we had the best time together. We are so excited to go back and top this trip next time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents have always supported my wild and crazy dreams and whatever idea I have brought to the table no matter how ridiculous they would always respond with support and told me that I could do anything I put my mind too. I am forever grateful for them and they’re mantra that they bring to othe family. They actually bought me my first camera when I was 18!

My babies and our family constantly give me reason to deliver my best, as I want to work to be able to help make their dreams come true just like my parents helped make so many of my greatest dreams come true. And I am grateful for my husbands patience while I do work hard to build my business. It’s not easy right now but I keep telling myself it will be worth it.

Website: Www.californiasmokephotography.com

Instagram: @kendall.mcclelland

Image Credits
@Californiasmokephotography