Lisa McCraw on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Lisa McCraw shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I have a new puppy!! He’s a beautiful Frenchie named Sonny. New puppies are always a challenge but he’s brining such joy to myself and to his big Frenchie brother, Brando. It’s so wonderful (and entertaining) watching them interact and play together, and he’s brought such life to his 10 year old doggie brother, Such an amazing little soul!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Lisa McCraw; a wedding, family, and lifestyle photographer. I’ve been so honored over the years to photograph weddings in many different states and countries including Italy, Jamaica, Punta Cana, California, Florida, North Carolina, and others. An even bigger honor is to also photograph the babies of our wedding couples…our biggest joy is to document our couples’ journeys through beautiful imagery.
Over the years, my company has grown exponentially and as a result, we have developed a team approach to the images we provide. I work along side 4 other amazing artists. Because of the volume of our clientele, we have begun dividing the work into divisions; the wedding and the family/lifestyle divisions. Tyler and Julia head up the wedding division now with photographers Erika and Zach. It’s not just a company, it’s family.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
I’d had to say my Dad taught me the most about work. I was 5 when my Dad had his first heart attack but he absolutely never let us know it was a catastrophic event. He worked hard to get his health back on track quickly so he could provide for us. He was also a gifted athlete and saw a lot of life through the lens of a football game. When things would bother me as a kid, or I had a decision to make or a problem to solve, he’d grab a football, take me outside to toss it with him while we chatted solutions. I was very blessed to have him as a Dad.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell myself that it’s ok to make mistakes…it’s how we learn and grow. I’d also tell myself to be sure and slow down through life…it races past in an instant.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Kindness. The wedding business is full of emotion; both great and some not so great. We learned a long time ago that people may not act the typical way they act on an everyday basis. It stems from a lot of personal pressure that brides, grooms, and their families put upon themselves to be perfect. It’s the way we respond to the not so great moments that make us who we are.
There’s also a ton of anxiety surrounding having portraits taken. I myself often joke that I would rather have a root canal than be on the other side of the camera…so I totally understand that anxiety. Again, responding through kindness, (and a joke or two or four), lightens people up so they can actually enjoy themselves and have fun!

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will remember me as giving, fun loving, creative, and kind. I hope they will cherish the images I’ve captured of their journey and think back fondly to the moment it was captured. I hope they will think back to my sarcastic and dry sense of humor and have a good laugh.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lmacphoto.com
• Instagram: @lmacphotoartists
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LMACPHOTOGRAPHY

Image Credits
LMAC Photography