Life and Work with Carlean McWright

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlean McWright.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Carlean. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
To begin, my name is Carlean L. McWright. I am 25 years young and proudly from the South of Atlanta (Clayton/Henry County, GA). I currently run a small business named KapShaun \caption\. It is a videography, photography, and editing company that captures the true essence of its subject through the lens. From family photos to commercials that air locally on television, KapShaun takes pride in exceeding the expectation of its clients. The name, KapShaun is an ode to a family name, “Shaun” and “Kap” to give the name more creativity. KapShaun did not happen overnight. It began as a hobby when I was age 12. I became fascinated with creating and editing videos. I did not take courses, nor did I have a professional/mentor to teach me. I taught myself. Over the years, I would challenge myself. I would edit content that differed from my previous works.

KapShaun officially began in August of 2017. That year, my overwhelming frustrations turned into motivation and dedication. I was relatively a recent graduate with honors but unemployed. For over a year I went on numerous unsuccessful job interviews and spent countless day at career fairs. One summer day, I sat with my mother, LaShaunda McWright (founder of the name) and she encouraged me to start my own business. I was hesitant, but it was in God’s plan. Unexpectedly, my first client was my sibling, Antoinette Williams; I took photos of her youngest son with an iPhone 7 Plus. I used the shadow depth of field on the camera, a couple of black t-shirts for the backdrop, and a reading lamp for lighting. With those three items I was able to create a photography studio. To my surprise, nearly 300 people loved the photos on social media.

Immediately, my title transitioned from editor and videographer to editor, videographer, and photographer. The load became more hectic than expected, but thankfully my business partner, Jasmine McWright took on the pressure with me.

The first year, I spent in trial and error. Each client brought forth a new lesson and challenge. Often, nervous notches hid in my stomach when I had an upcoming shoot. However, tucked right beside those notches was self-confidence. I strongly believed that if I trusted my heart and eye, it would shine through the work.

Within this year and a half, KapShaun and I have grown tremendously. Daily my creativity continues to enhance because I refuse to limit my ability to be creative. KapShaun continues to grow with the help of a strong team and foundation. The growth is in the work. From the first photo taken with an iPhone 7 Plus to the latest pictures with a professional camera and lens. I am still looking for more effective ways to improve KapShaun. Each day, I learn something new to stay afloat and modern. However, I try to avoid falling victim to producing cliche work just for likes. I look for inspiration and admire the work of others, yet I do not copy. KapShaun is about originality for longevity.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Of course, the journey came with several bumps and potholes. The most challenging part was starting. I often ran from the opportunity because I was afraid of the responsibility, pressure, and need to share my hidden talent with everyone. I felt the minute I reveal what I love, I am opening the door to criticism. As expected, I had several naysayers that doubted KapShaun; however those that believed mattered the most. Unsurprisingly, the majority of the believers were intermitted relatives.

Although the journey is not easy, I would suggest young women; primarily black women listen to there inner voice. That voice that is encouraging them to aspire to be outside the norm. Most importantly change your surrounding. Be around like-minded individuals. If your inner-circle consist of people that are not challenging you to be a better version of yourself, then you will not grow.  Also, do not chase money, chase a legacy. You will not be remembered for the amount of money you had, but the things you accomplished. Lastly, there is never a “perfect” time to start, start now.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with KapShaun – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
KapShaun differs from other videography, photography, and editing companies because we discover a relationship with all our clients through the lens. It is one thing to know a person in person, but we take pride in knowing them through the lens. We understand that no one person is the same. You have to be mindful of physical features, behaviors, posture, and more. 

I am most proud of KapShaun achieving things in a year that might take some much longer. We have had a commercial to air locally on television. More so, our clientele has grown tremendously. KapShaun went from a few clients every few months to more than a few in the same month. Lastly, I am most proud of the KapShaun team. Yes, “team”! We do not use the term employees. We prefer “team KapShaun” because it is a group effort with equal responsibilities. No one role is as important than the next. The team’s efforts are the reason KapShaun is growing. Without the team, there would not be a KapShaun.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
Currently, my favorite reading is Michelle Obama’s, “Becoming.” I encourage other women to read it for inspiration. Often, I load myself with photography and videography readings. However, it is healthy to find an outlet that does not focus solely on work. Instead, it allows you to find inspiration for becoming a better person. If you are not well, then your work will fail. So, I try to take care of myself by doing ordinary things that keep me grounded and sane. Scrolling through the shade room and CNN apps, walking in the park, watching YouTube prank videos, and meditating while performing yoga exercises.

Pricing:

• Photography Services Starts at $80/hour
• Videography Services Starting at $150/hour
• Editing Services Starting $65

Contact Info:

• Website: carlean1993.wixsite.com/kapshaun
• Email: kapshauncm@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kapshaun
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/kapshaun

Image Credit:
KapShaun

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