Capture your moment

How do you want people to feel when they see your picture?

Kristie’s artistic eye and compassionate heart create wholehearted, indelible moments through photography. Her collaborative, unobtrusive style and commitment to respect puts clients at ease. The openhearted way she moves through the world allows her access to unusual environments and a variety of populations. Kristie’s photographic breadth ranges from international documentary work profiling complex social issues, to regional assignments, “essence” headshots and personal projects.

A partial client list includes the Levi Strauss Foundation, City of Seattle, Department of Corrections, International Institute of Peace Through Tourism, Women’s Enterprises International, Outback Africa and the Washington State Democrats.

What story do you want to tell?

Dawn Kister-8704.jpg

When it came time for me to hire a Seattle-area photographer to take photos for my new website and expanded social media presence, Kristie was my obvious choice. Her approach is unique, creative and powerful. She engages in a way that gives her a clear sense of your authentic nature and how you want to be seen in this world. The results were exceptional and I was thrilled by the photographs that emerged. I am so grateful that I had the chance to work with Kristie and I highly recommend her essence photography services not just to women in the Seattle area but to nonprofits and corporations around the globe.

-Susan Siegmund, Leadership Development Executive Coach

Kristie McLean is a committed and talented photographer, writer and digital storyteller whose passion truly is to share stories of the world that often go unnoticed. Her significant world travels have taken her around the planet to profile issues of…

Kristie McLean is a committed and talented photographer, writer and digital storyteller whose passion truly is to share stories of the world that often go unnoticed. Her significant world travels have taken her around the planet to profile issues of access to clean water in Africa, Unexploded Ordnances in Laos, underage marriage in Afghanistan, women’s reproductive health in Ethiopia, and threatened indigenous cultures and landscapes. She has a powerful voice, especially for women and youth, and actively seeks out projects that empower and educate. Much of her success comes from her ability to put a face on a social issue and make the experience real, and convicting, for her audience. Her portraits can haunt or inspire.

— Phil Borges, Social Documentary Photographer & Filmmaker

 

Kristie is an all-star human being. When King County hosted a Reunification Day for parents who had earned back custody of their children, Kristie volunteered to take beautiful candid pictures and portraits of the families -- families who in many cases had never had a formal photography session together. The photos were gorgeous and touching. She had a very kind and gentle personality that put people at ease while taking portraits and could easily hop around for some nice candid shots. She continues to impress me with the way she supports other positive community events and organizations.

-Alexa Vaughn: Writer and Content Strategist

“There is one thing the photograph must contain, the humanity of the moment.”

— Robert Frank