Today we’d like to introduce you to Dave & Niki McMahan.
Hi Dave & Niki, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Dave and I met at the Ohio Institute of Photography in Dayton, OH, in our early 20’s. We went our separate ways after school but remained friends; each had a successful photography business. In 2016, I moved from Ohio to South Florida to help Dave build and expand his photography business, where we photographed several dance studios, started underwater portraits, and built up headshots for local dancers and actors. In 2022, Dave and I married, moved to Yulee, and rebranded as Solaris Foto. Solaris is Latin for “sun,” which is what we love most about Flordia! The sunlight here is unlike any other place we have been!
Let’s dig deeper into the story – has it been an easy path, and if not, what challenges have you overcome?
As with most businesses, things could be smoother sailing, with plenty of bumps. We moved from south Florida to Huntsville, AL, to expand a dance photography business, but COVID swept all those hopes away due to shutdowns. Then we moved to Yulee/Jacksonville, where no one knew our work, and we had to start over completely in a new area. Getting our name out there has been a challenge; over the past year, we have made many connections in our new area, and our work is starting to pick up. We have also reconnected with some South Florida clients, which has been a blessing!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with what you do?
Dave and I are both creative photographers and storytellers. Even though we are of the same profession, we like to photograph completely different things, which makes our business work well! I photograph weddings, real estate, commercial work such as products and food, dance, and HS seniors. Dave loves doing headshots, lifestyle photography, and dance, but his favorite is underwater portraits. We have 5 pieces in The Atlantic Contemporary Gallery in downtown Fernandina Beach. We also just started photographing fishing tournaments, which has been a blast! Our work is vibrant and polished. We use flash/strobes outside to get that high-end magazine look in our photography. After the session, we also give it that little “extra” with our editing style. Life is vibrant; your pictures should also be!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Get yourself out there. Talk, talk, talk, that is especially difficult for me since I’m an introvert, but I love what I do, so it makes it more accessible. Dave is naturally outgoing, loves engaging people in conversation, and doesn’t know a stranger. We have gone to dancing studios in-person to introduce ourselves and leave information. We have connected with the Amelia Community Theater to offer our services for promo photography for upcoming shows, and we volunteer for some of the festivals in our area. Getting involved in the community is so important- not only to help a cause but to meet people.
Pricing:
- Headshots start at $250
- Weddings start at $1500
- Business portraits begin at $125
- Underwater portraits $250
- Business & Media Branding starts at $150
Contact Info:
- Website: www.SolarisFoto.com
- Instagram: @Solaris_Foto
- Facebook: Solaris Foto
- Phone/Text: 904-528-0281
Image Credits
All images ©Solaris Foto
