Processes — Holly McGlynn
This episode focuses on Holly McGlynn, a Fashion Photographer. McGlynn creates a pararell world that makes you realise life doesn’t have to be so serious. The combination of the primary colours, contrasting textures and model poses build an energetic photography experience making it clear to see why McGlynn’s work stands out among the rest.
“All the gear but no idea” is the standout quote from our sunny day with the uber stylish fashion photographer Holly McGlynn.
McGlynn smiled over the use of the quote. “I have to say that quote really does ring true. When you start out as an independent creative you’re often faced with constraints that could easily holt your creative growth. You cannot be outworked, even if they are better than you or have more money — you have to just keep on working and soon enough you’ll be better than them because of it.”
It’s easy to dismiss what McGlynn says as a successful fashion photographer working with brands such as Chanel, Levi’s and Cosmopolitan Magazine yet, you’d be surprised to find out that nothing came easily to McGlynn in the world of photography. “I came to London 9 years ago to do an MA in Photography, at Goldsmiths, and when I graduated I did fine art photography, photojournalism, events photography — I even shot two weddings just to take the time to figure out exactly what I wanted to do.”
Even though McGlynn had gallery representation for her fine art photography in Dublin and London she didn’t enjoy the process. “I would spend 6 months, alone, developing and working on a project in hopes that a gallery would exhibit it and that someone would then buy it.” Unlike some of us, McGlynn was extremely truthful to herself about what she wanted and her rules for working as a photographer. “I enjoy working towards a deadline in a fast-paced commercial environment within a team and earning money.”
“I decided to merge my love of fashion with my skills as a fine art photographer.” Combining passion with skillset is an ideal world, however, make sure that it truly makes sense as a passion can always be fulfilled in your downtime. “Starting fashion photography felt like starting all over again,” I asked McGlynn what her biggest obstacle has been since starting fashion photography and she lets out a gentle laugh. “It is just an incredibly competitive industry. The majority give up due to all the doors that get slammed in front of them.
“I am a relentless person.”
I believed early on that if I kept working on my craft and keep on knocking on doors that eventually, someone will say yes. Someone will say yes to you as long as you do not give up on yourself.” Other than obstacles, McGlynn shares some tasks she wishes she adopted earlier in her career. “I didn’t write a business plan until 2 and a half years ago, which I would recommend doing before getting started. It keeps you focused in on goals and the tasks that are truly important to continue growing.”
“Do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do.” — Oprah Winfrey
Even though the days of working in an office to keep herself financially stable are over, McGlynn still values the early days. This led me to think and realise: at one point, aren’t we all waiting to wake up each day only doing what we want to do and not what we have to do?
