John MacLean Photography

John MacLean Photography www.johnmaclean.com
Western North Carolina Photographer

Recently my other nephew Andrew was in town from a Texas roadtrip helping his friend move back to Franklin. His LinkedIn...
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.

I wanted to tidy up my smaller than 200 ft.² headshot and portrait studio*. The Stacker Original was exactly what I was ...
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.

My client Vicki Provost is a fellow photographer specializing in landscapes who lives about 30 minutes away. She contact...
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!

After running my Fine-Art Gallery of landscape prints since 2019, I decided in October 2024 to pivot my tiny 200 sq. ft....
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!

I recently received a voicemail from Eric who was looking for a headshot to update his LinkedIn profile and include on n...
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.

Chris had texted me recently asking if I take professional headshots. He needed one for his new job’s website. I looked ...
11/19/2025

Chris had texted me recently asking if I take professional headshots. He needed one for his new job’s website. I looked at the team member’s images to see if could match their branding. However, the photos were a very random mix of everything under the sun, so I went with my own concept to sculpt him in heroic, dramatic light, four lights to be exact. My small, but mighty studio came through and this is what we created.

BTS photos of the setup.

John MacLean Photography Studio

Back in January I emailed Alanah to introduce myself as a still photographer. She has her own production company SilverW...
11/17/2025

Back in January I emailed Alanah to introduce myself as a still photographer. She has her own production company SilverWolf Studios LLC based in Sylva, NC and she’s an accomplished Director who has produced excellent commercial advertising video spots for the local market, of which I complimented her for. They’re truly high quality pieces.

The next month Alanah came over to visit my gallery and purchase some prints while I was converting it to my current studio space.

I mentioned that I had a conceptual still shot of her that I wanted to do on location somewhere with a large enough space to accomplish the look I envisioned. We’re still hoping to get that shot.

Fast forward, Alanah recently contacted me for a new portrait/headshot for her branding. We even snuck in a 2nd setup with her camera rig at the end of the session. I appreciate all of her business and supporting other artists.

Included BTS photos of the two setups.

John MacLean Photography Studio

Pat recently called asking for a couple of headshots/portraits to update her photos for friends and family. She mentione...
11/12/2025

Pat recently called asking for a couple of headshots/portraits to update her photos for friends and family. She mentioned wanting some fresh and fun looks, with an outfit change, including the hats she makes. We had a pre-production meeting at the studio and scheduled for the following week. I did a pre-light a couple days before the shoot to dial in the vibe and have it ready for when she walked on set. We had a great photoshoot. For someone 83 years young, she certainly delivered her positive energy. It was a win-win. I received a 5 star review on my Google Maps page and we both got some beautiful images.

1996 - Mark Miller of Coyote Cafe at home in Santa Fe, NM for New Mexico Magazine.📸: Hasselblad 501C
10/30/2025

1996 - Mark Miller of Coyote Cafe at home in Santa Fe, NM for New Mexico Magazine.
📸: Hasselblad 501C

In 2019 I opened my landscape gallery John MacLean Photography - Fine Art Gallery and had a very successful first holida...
10/06/2025

In 2019 I opened my landscape gallery John MacLean Photography - Fine Art Gallery and had a very successful first holiday season, right before Covid hit. After 5-1/2 years I decided to pivot my space to another love, people photography. John MacLean Photography Studio

I was planning on offering studio flash lighting workshops before I filled the floor with print displays. I asked my beautiful friend Angela if she’d be interested in doing some sample images. Here are some that we created just about 6 years ago in a couple of sessions that fall.

My journey behind the lens started when I was just 9 years old with photographing the kids in my neighborhood and in elementary school on 35mm and 120 B&W film that I processed and printed with my dad in our basement darkroom. That joy of capturing people’s energy and spirit has stayed with me for over 50+ years.

I received a phone call from Ackie, a spry 87 year old fitness athlete who brands himself as a “Healthy Aging Champion”....
10/01/2025

I received a phone call from Ackie, a spry 87 year old fitness athlete who brands himself as a “Healthy Aging Champion”. He needed an image for his upcoming website homepage. He texted over a screenshot from someone’s website with a pose he wanted to closely emulate. It always makes my job easier when the client has a clear vision of what their goals are. He’s very happy with the photo and experience. I also got a glowing 5 star review on my Google Maps page. So we’re both very pleased.

John MacLean Photography Studio

I photographed this assignment in Asheville last month with Personal Trainer Jordan Holcombe for his Airbnb listing. (li...
09/03/2025

I photographed this assignment in Asheville last month with Personal Trainer Jordan Holcombe for his Airbnb listing. (link in comments)

I’ve been an independent contract photographer for Airbnb since June 2022, with over 80 Homes and 10+ Experience/Service listings photographed—including knife forging, horseback riding, glassblowing, outdoor yoga, Jeep/UTV tours, and even a chimpanzee sanctuary.

If you’d like me to photograph your Airbnb, the process is quick and easy:

1. Send me your Airbnb ID number.
2. I’ll submit a request to Airbnb.
3. Airbnb will send you their price quote to approve.
4. Once approved, they send me the job.
5. I photograph your listing, upload the files to Airbnb, and they process and post them directly to your page.

I’ve been professionally photographing architecture and people for over 40 years. I can make your listing stand out.

Address

19 Iotla Street
Franklin, NC
28734

Telephone

+13105074940

Website

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