NCM Participant Profile Feb 15: Holly McGlynn

Holly McGlynn is an Irish fashion photographer based in London. She has an MA in Photography from Goldsmiths and was nominated for Irish Fashion Photographer of the Year for both 2014 and 2015. For Holly, photography is all about telling a story. ‘I like to weave a narrative into a shoot, an imagined life or adventure; a temporary escapism’.

What impact has New Creative Markets had on you?

It's had a massive impact, I'm so focused now. I can clearly see the path ahead of me and feel like I have the knowledge to get where I want to be. Before joining the programme, I was drowning in work (a lot of which I wasn't interested in) and didn't know how to achieve my goals. The workshops, mentoring, and community between the other photographers have allowed me to refine my priorities and have given me the tools to pursue the career I want.  

What aspect of the programme do you see yourself implementing?

I've already implemented a lot of what I've learned on the programme; although it did take me about 6 months to set up a MailChimp account after the marketing workshop and I've yet to hit send on my newsletter,  but I'll get there!  There were workshops on defining your vision and finding your voice in photography which were incredibly useful. I've completely overhauled my portfolio and website as a result of those workshops.  I've found it's lead to me getting more of the work I want to do.

What is the most useful thing you have learnt on the programme?

The importance of personal projects.  I thought potential clients and art buyers were only interested in previous commissions. I therefore invested little to no time in personal work and all of my time in commissions. Turns out, personal work is really what art buyers care about so I've dedicated a lot more time to that. I've been all the happier for it and have been commissioned more as a result. 

Thank you Holly for taking part in this Participant Profile.

http://www.hollymcglynn.com/