Check out Haili McCance

Today we’d like to introduce you to Haili McCance.

Haili, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I was born and raised in southern California. I never quite felt like I fit in with my peers as a kid (as a lot of kids do), so I spent a lot of time observing others. As I spent time observing others and seeing all their beautiful quirks I started to find my own too. Then I figured out that one of my unique talents is capturing other people’s unique quirks. My parents owned a photography studio in California when I was a kid, so cameras were always around. I spent my nights and weekends in high school assisting on photo shoots and at weddings. I’ve carried my fair share of camera bags, but everyone has to pay their dues! During college, I worked as a photographer for a summer camp in the mountains. I took pictures from up in the ropes course being belayed with climbing gear, I took photos in full paintball gear, and I even took photos under water. After finishing my bachelor’s degree, I was a coordinator for children’s programming for a non-profit in California. I continued to photograph local families in my spare time. My husband Chase and I relocated to Phoenix in 2017, and I started to work for Arizona Autism United. Ever since kiddos in my own family were diagnosed with autism, I’ve had a special passion for helping kids with special needs find their own passion. After I gave birth to my son, I had a renewed sense of drive, and I decided it was time to do something I had always been too afraid to do: start my own photography company. That’s when I founded Rendered Photography in 2018. It’s the culmination of my life’s work, my passion project. I’ve photographed adoptions, kids with special needs, kids with cancer, wealthy families, poor families, events, babies, seniors, and senior citizens. It’s my goal that whoever you are, whatever your beautiful quirks are; I want to capture you in the most authentic way possible. As for me personally, I think I’ve come into my own. I’m a lover of photography, helping people, my dog, coffee, and my sweet little family. I’m honestly just really blessed.

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do? Why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
In college, I studied Ansel Adams and he has a famous quote “Some photographers take reality… and impose the domination of their own thought and spirit. Others come before reality more tenderly and a photograph to them is an instrument of love and revelation.” The moment I heard that quote my goal was set. Make beautiful photographs that capture the way people feel. I want everyone, no matter who they are to have photos in their home that remind them of the joy they felt. This is a big part of the reason I do “special families sessions”. Families with individuals with special needs have a particularly hard time finding a photographer. Clients have told me the most ableist stories of being turned down by photographers who aren’t “comfortable” with their family. Let me just tell you, those photographers are missing out. Every family deserves to have the joy and love they share captured in photographs. It’s my pleasure to just step back and make those photographs for them.

Have things improved for artists? What should cities do to empower artists?
It’s easier than ever to get your work out into the world, but harder than ever to get seen. Just keep going, just keep leaning into your passion. Support other artists in their passions too. Find your tribe that supports you. I’m really lucky to have my parents who are talented retired photographers, friends who make amazing art, and the most supportive husband in the world. Phoenix really does a great job at establishing platforms for artists. More cities should take Phoenix as an example.

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Instagram: @renderedphoto

Facebook: @renderedphoto

renderedphoto.com

You can nominate a local family if you think they would be a great fit for a free or discounted special families session with me.

You can also donate to an organization I love called “Together we rise” who I partner with to provide free photography for families adopting kids out of foster care.

Arizona Autism United is also an amazing local non-profit who helps individuals with Autism in the greater Phoenix Area.

Contact Info:

• Website: renderedphoto.com
• Phone: 9517570067
• Email: haili@renderedphoto.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/renderedphoto
• Facebook: facebook.com/renderedphoto

Image Credit:
My personal photo was taken by Mark Ketcham

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.