Meet Candi Clark | Owner/Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Candi Clark and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Candi, what principle do you value most?
When I created Magical Pix, it was my goal to create an experience where everyone would feel comfortable having their picture taken. When you are looking for a photographer for your family, wedding, or special event it can become overwhelming when every picture a photographer posts only includes people who look like Instagram models. I focus on representing real families, being inclusive to everyone, and making sure someone who has looked at my portfolio knows that they can feel comfortable messaging me. My hope is that one day a family with two Moms or two Dads doesn’t have to ask if I am comfortable photographing them. Or that a Mom who isn’t a size 4 can see herself represented beautifully in my work, or even if you are a size 4 and lack confidence, that my demeanor puts you at ease and makes you feel comfortable being photographed. Everyone deserves beautiful memories, and I hope that through working with me people realize this.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a photographer, I think what sets me apart from others is the realness of my images. I do not strive for perfect families posed perfectly. I strive to capture your family’s joy, your personalities, and what makes your family special. I get so excited when I capture that crazy candid moment that the family can look back on in ten years and laugh about, I am proud that I get to be a little part of each family’s history by capturing that moment in time, even if it is their child throwing a fit during the session! I started my photography journey right out of high school by practicing with my little brother, moving to shoot family and friends for free, and finally working up the courage to charge money for sessions.

Getting to where I am today was not easy, but I do have an amazing support system at home and my partner never doubted that I could be a full-time photographer. He took care of the kids while I traveled, took care of the house while I hustled, and I wouldn’t have the successful business I have now without that support.

The Orlando area is also a very competitive market when it comes to photography, however, I did my best to build my reputation by not stepping on others, but doing my very best work and letting that speak for itself. I learned early that comparing myself to others was not helpful, and that focusing on my journey alone was all that I truly had control over.

I find my career very fulfilling, and I enjoy meeting new people who quickly become friends, and I want anyone reading this who wants to live the life that I live to know that although starting something new is scary, the reward is worth it!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wow, where to begin! Living right next to WDW, Universal, and Sea World means there is always something to do! I love to take my friends to Epcot to eat and drink our way around the World Showcase. I would recommend City Walk for a night out at the dance clubs and bars, Rising Star is a really fun karaoke bar. For a relaxing day, maybe kayaking at one of the many springs nearby. I live in Winter Garden and the downtown area has a lot of really amazing shops and restaurants, we could spend a day strolling around the town and finish with a beer at the Crooked Can Brewery.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When I began my business I had nothing but an idea and the drive to get it done, but an idea and drive do not create a business. I reached out to travel agents in Facebook groups who had families visiting the Orlando theme parks and asked them to refer me to their clients. These were complete strangers, who decided to risk their reputation and take a chance on me. These travel agents not only referred me to their clients but advertised for me on their social media. This was the in I needed to create a portfolio and get my name out there, and it worked! I owe a huge chunk of my success to the people willing to take a leap of faith in me and now they are some of my best friends. So I want to use this platform to give back. If you are traveling, use a travel agent! The service is free for you, and you get to help a small business owner succeed!

Website: www.magicalpix.com

Instagram: @magicalpixbycandi

Facebook: facebook.com/magicalpixbycandi

Image Credits
Photo of me: Rachel Watkinson Photography