John MacLean Photography

07/03/2026

https://mailchi.mp/d5fd9c9ec01d/july-18-2026-camera-swap-meet

Please join us on Saturday July 18 from 1:00 PM to 4 PM at the Balsam Community Center (400 Cabin Flats Rd, Balsam, NC 28707). This is an all-ages FREE event open to the general public, not just photographers. The "Open" theme Slideshow will take place around 3:15 - 3:30 PM. Please bring...

06/14/2026

My previous client Eric who I photographed last November had contacted me again in May requesting another headshot, but this time in a more casual attire than his butler clothing. There was one stipulation, the lighting needed to match my previous custom setup as closely as possible. Luckily I had shot BTS (behind the scenes) photos that were crucial in lighting placement and power settings. I appreciate all of my clients, especially when they become repeat customers. Being entrusted with representing you in your best light both literally and figuratively is an honor to all of my clients. John MacLean Photography Studio

06/03/2026

https://mailchi.mp/d3e61bd8b0cd/june-13-meeting-lightroom-classic-export-window

You’ve done your photoshoot, carefully culled and processed your raw files, and now it’s time to show the world your work, either online, in print, or both. But you don’t know the best settings to use at this underrated, yet crucial stage in the processing pipeline. It’s literally all hingin...

03/24/2026

Recently my other nephew Andrew was in town from a Texas roadtrip helping his friend move back to Franklin. His LinkedIn photo was in desperate need of an updated refresh, so I offered/insisted that he set aside some time for a studio session. After receiving the files he texted me his seal of approval and swapped out his profile photo.

03/21/2026

I wanted to tidy up my smaller than 200 ft.² headshot and portrait studio*. The Stacker Original was exactly what I was looking for to organize my seamless paper. It’s all steel and built to last. No more hunting through paper boxes hidden in the dark, back corner. And I added Westcott Float Wall Mounts to have the Profoto modifiers within reach. Recently I stained my Matthews Studio Equipment, Inc. apple boxes which adds a nice richness and they’re not so bright when they’re in the shot. New looks for Spring.

*John MacLean Photography Studio resides downtown on the Town Square in a historic building around 100 years old. The walls are questionable to screw into, so I had this reinforced 4x8’ wall installed by professionals, then I painted it with the same paint as the interior.

01/22/2026

My client Vicki Provost is a fellow photographer specializing in landscapes who lives about 30 minutes away. She contacted me on Facebook Messenger asking for a headshot that’s “a little less conventional, such as black and white and half shadow, or other ideas I may have”. I called her up and got a little more info on her thoughts and asked her to send over a current selfie and a mood board, which were one-light B&W profiles blending into the backgrounds.

I wanted more background separation than her mood board images, and I got to work right after our call with a 3-light setup I had immediately envisioned for her. She walked on set, I made a quick main light position adjustment, and within 20 tethered captures she picked the 10th. I’m grateful for the work, and her extremely good Google review!

12/11/2025

After running my Fine-Art Gallery of landscape prints since 2019, I decided in October 2024 to pivot my tiny 200 sq. ft. space toward another passion of mine—people photography. It’s now John MacLean Photography Studio, offering business portraits, headshots, and more. I officially opened this past March/April and have been steadily expanding both my client list and studio offerings.

I want to send a big shout-out and thank you to everyone I had the pleasure of photographing this year. I truly appreciate all the amazing Google reviews and your enthusiastic support on social media. Looking forward to creating new sessions in the new year. Cheers!

12/11/2025

I recently received a voicemail from Eric who was looking for a headshot to update his LinkedIn profile and include on new business cards. He found a sample photo of someone online that he was hoping to match the feel and lighting. I had a pre-light day ahead of schedule, as I always do, so my client can walk on set, and with a few final adjustments we’re ready to go. His career includes 20+ years as a commercial airlines flight attendant and more recently a butler. This was intriguing, as I’ve never met or photographed someone with that job title. During the shoot I learned a bit more about that role. He’s from New Mexico, and I lived there for 12 years, so we had some stories to share too. We had a great session and he’s very satisfied with his photo. I appreciate his stellar Google review and his appreciation for my custom crafted lighting setup.