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Contagious Victories is a community for individuals to share positive perspectives, artistic endeavors and miraculous moments with others. Whether it is through storytelling, art, music or word, the members of Contagious Victories create space for vulnerability and act as an audience for support in creative works. We all have something to courageously celebrate- and even small victories are contagious!
Welcome to the Contagious Victory's podcast. Each week, we talk inspiration, explore possibilities, and share insights from creative perspectives. I'm Tori Blackmon and I'm here to remind you, that your purpose in life is to celebrate the victories. because victories are contagious.
Victoria B. Glass:You may have heard the saying, dream big, pray boldly, and trust God to do the impossible. So many of us have huge dreams that seem so out of reach or even too impossible to take seriously. But what if I told you that with the right mindset and guidance, you can live out your dreams in this reality? In today's podcast, we are discussing the power of dreaming big, the importance of courageously praying boldly, and how to trust God to make the impossible possible. Welcome back to the Contagious Victories podcast.
Victoria B. Glass:I am your host, Victoria B Glass. And like I said, I'm so excited to have this conversation with our guests today and share it with you. Today, I'm talking with the talented and creative India Jade McCue. She is an artful meets documentary wedding photographer of over 11 years specializing in crafting effortless images and teaching other photographers how to do the same. But her talents don't stop there.
Victoria B. Glass:She is an award winning actress, the host of the India and Stuff podcast, wife to filmmaker Ian McCue, and proud cat mom. She lives in Columbus, Ohio where she spends most of her time sipping on homemade lattes, treasure hunting at the local thrift store, and planning her next trip out west. India is a graduate of Columbus College of Art and Design. She got her BFA there in 2019. And most importantly, she is a Jesus person.
Victoria B. Glass:Get ready to be inspired by her victory story as we discuss her techniques and advice for aspiring photographers, creatives, and anyone who is courageous enough to pursue the big dreams that God gave them.
Victoria B. Glass:Alright. Contagious Victories listeners, I've got an extraordinary guest on the show today, someone I have been wanting to talk to for a couple months now. I am talking with India McCue and her business India Jade Photo and all of her creative projects we're gonna dive into in this conversation. India, welcome to Contagious Victories.
India Jade McCue:Hi, Tori. It's good to see you again even though it's virtual this time, but such a cute intro. Thank you for hyping me up.
Victoria B. Glass:Yes. Well, I know that when we first met, one of the first conversations we had was about our love for creativity and, creating films, projects, things with the video camera, and I know you have a photo business that we're gonna talk about, but that stood out to me. So, again, I mean it when I say that this is a conversation I've been wanting a half for a minute and you're an extraordinary person. You don't meet a whole lot of people who have big dreams like that and are willing to talk about them. So, I just wanna say thank you for being so courageous, and welcome to the show. Yes.
India Jade McCue:Of course. I'm so glad to be here. I just need to tell you I love the name because I feel like a lot of times people this is my little tangent for the day. People sometimes are just like, look at all these things that I did on my own as if, like, we just arrived at something amazing. But the the fact that it's, like, courageous is, like, there's an element of courage and bravery and struggle and uphill battle to it that it's so true for anyone who's come from anything and then made a business or made something happen. It takes a lot of work to get there. So just seeing the name of your podcast too when you reached out, I was like, oh, I love oh, contagious! Contagious Victories!!
Victoria B. Glass:No, it's ok! I was gonna say I almost named it courageous, but it is contagious. However, I always emphasize just the courage, like you were saying, that it takes to, to show up, and it's not an overnight thing. Like, what is the I think there's a quote that's, like, that you're a 12 year overnight success or something like that where nothing ever happens overnight. It's the work that you put into it. But I, real quick tangent again.
India Jade McCue:My dyslexic brain.
Victoria B. Glass:No. You're fine. When I started contagious victories, it was pre pandemic. It was 2019 of, like, I think it was, like, July of 2019. So, of course, I should have probably named it courageous instead of contagious because that word kinda like but then once, you know, everything happened, it was like, I'm gonna turn that word and make it courageous, you know, to talk about.
Victoria B. Glass:So Yes. It it does go with that.
India Jade McCue:Well, either way, contagious or courageous, victories do spread. I love the way that you've kind of phrased this podcast and are ready to, like, share stories about that because it's inspiring. It helps people go. So, anyway, I love it. Thanks for having me.
Victoria B. Glass:And while we're talking about names of things, I know your name is India McCue, but India Jade, is that your middle name, or is that just the name of your photography? I was curious about that.
India Jade McCue:Yeah. That's my middle name. People like to ask where my name came from. I don't have a good story. My family wasn't there weren't missionaries in India. They weren't they haven't been to India. They just kinda liked creative names. So me and my siblings kinda have unique names, and I love it. Honestly, it's one of the things that I'm like, yeah. I like my name. That's kinda fun. It helps me stand out a bit.
Victoria B. Glass:Well, it's a beautiful name. and you take beautiful photos. And I wanna talk about your business. So you have from what I was look looking at online, you have a very candid style, and it's very polished to be so candid. And, I wanted to talk about your style, and I also wanted to ask a couple questions about how you got to that style because you've been doing this for a little while now. You've been in the photography game for a couple years, haven't you? isn't it like, 10?
India Jade McCue:11.
Victoria B. Glass:Oh my goodness! Okay. Alright.
India Jade McCue:Isn't that crazy? The thing is people are always surprised by that because I started photography when I was a teenager. I like, pretty early on, my parents are like, hey. If you want, like, a car or to go to college or anything like that's on you. Like, we grew up kinda lower income. So I was like, oh, okay. That's fine. But I started thinking really craftily at age, like, 13, 14. I was like, alright. What can I do to, like, start making money? Because I wanna drive a car, and I wanna go to college one day. So I started saving my babysitting dollars, and then eventually, I had a camp counselor who she was like, I'm not gonna go to college. I'm gonna do photography. She was a few years older than me, and I was like, I wonder if she can do it. Like, I wonder if I can do it. So I kinda, like, saved some money, bought my first DSLR camera, and then just started shooting friends, family, offering senior pictures for people for free. And then it word got out. And when I was 16, I was posting stuff on Facebook, and some girl saw it and was like, hey. I'm getting married. Would you shoot my wedding? So I shot my first wedding when I was 16, had no idea what I was doing. But now at 27, it's fun to look back at, like, 11 years of business and be like, yeah. I've been shooting weddings for a long time. I've done couple hundred or more weddings at this point. So I'm very self taught as far as, like, the early years. I had a lot of DIY ing going on on my end. I was editing in a software called PicMonkey, if you remember that little tool?
Victoria B. Glass:Yes! I loved PicMonkey.
India Jade McCue:So there was no you know, Photoshop subscription for me. There was no Lightroom.
India Jade McCue:There wasn't much going on with that. But what I will say is, like, I had to learn as I grew. And every wedding that I shot, age 16, age 17, age 18, I'm learning, oh, okay. This is how other people's portfolios online kinda look. These are the shots this couple's expecting.
India Jade McCue:Maybe I should try this setting with my camera. Maybe I should learn this thing called raw and shoot in that format that people are talking about. Maybe I've heard a lot about Lightroom. Maybe I should try a free trial.
Victoria B. Glass:Yeah. You could go into and be like, I know what I need to know. I'm gonna approach it like this. I've seen enough on Pinterest, and I'm just gonna do it. Or you could come in with that spirit, but a little teachability and be like, I'm here to learn. I want a second shoot for a photographer ahead of me. I want to jump in on a course that that someone's teaching. I wanna, like, take the steps to learn and be malleable through the whole process. So I definitely did it the nontraditional route. If I was gonna give advice to anyone who's just starting their photography business, especially at that young age, I would say second shoot for someone first. I didn't do that until, like, last year!
Victoria B. Glass:Oh, wow. Okay.
India Jade McCue:Okay. Never I had never second shot for anyone. I just kinda jumped in. I was like, okay. I'm just doing this. Like, so I would say do that. Get on a couple wedding days. Feel confident with your gear is a huge, huge one. And if you don't, YouTube University, like, start learning. Or if you wanna take it to a next level, you know, there's usually camera shops or or photographers like myself will, like, offer coaching or help people learn their camera. Or if you're like, I wanna go to college and learn photography from a professor, you can also do that. I did do a couple classes in photography and, like, the old school, like, dark room film photography.
Victoria B. Glass:Oh, that's exciting.
India Jade McCue:Yeah, so that was a lot of fun to kind of, like, experience that. But, yeah, I would just say, like, it the biggest thing when you're just starting out and and struggling to feel confident in your work is, like, once you know your gear and you know how to serve those people, start pricing yourself with that level of confidence. Because I knew that I didn't know what I was doing the first wedding. I knew how to use a camera at point. I knew how to take photos of my friends. But on the first wedding day, I was like, I'm not really sure how this goes. I wasn't even sure if I could eat the food. I had to, like, text my dad. I was like, can you bring me McDonald's? Like, I didn't wanna ask that couple if I could eat their food at the reception, but I charged a 100 and $50. I was there for 10 hours, and I provided 100 of photos. And so from that, then I asked a photographer, hey. What do you think? She's like, oh, no. No. No. No. No. She's like, you did such a good job with these photos. You could easily charge $850 at the next one. So I did.
Victoria B. Glass:Yeah.
India Jade McCue:And then I go back to to her and say, what do you think? And she goes, oh, easily charge a 1,000 at the next one. So you can kinda, like you don't wanna just jump in with a number and have no market experience, no research, no reference, but you also don't wanna say, hey.
India Jade McCue:I'll do all this work and knowing that it's gonna be a good product and be like, for for $10, you know, a $100. So there's that balance of, like, keeping it on par with what you know in your heart you're providing for them. And also being at a flexible price point that's like, hey. I'm still learning. I'm still growing. And the customer is gonna they're gonna get what they pay for. They're gonna be, hey. You're still learning, and that's okay with us. We just want a chill simple wedding in the country. Well, you're in our budget, and the photos are gonna look great. So, yeah, that's kinda my overview for just starting, but it's definitely scary. It takes a lot of, like, mental breaking out of that thought of, like, am I good enough? Am I allowed to do this? Are they gonna like me? Put all that to the side and start, like, doing the work and showing up, and you'll be proud of yourself that you did.
Victoria B. Glass:Well, I love what you said about how in the very beginning, there were things, softwares and like, resources that maybe you didn't know that you needed. But you just started looking into it and YouTube University and figuring out your camera and things like that. So there's that, you know, there's that old saying that's, like, if there's a will, there's a way. So, you know, if you have the desire to pursue something, you're not gonna just jump out and be an expert. However, there is resources that are available, like the free trials and things like that where, you know, you can get your hands a little bit dirty and then figure it out and realize if you wanna go further or if you want to maybe change from PicMonkey to photo you know, like, things like that.
Victoria B. Glass:But You would never know if you didn't start with what is available. And so if anyone's listening, who's thinking, you know, how do I get started? I have a camera and I'm trying to get into wedding photography or any kind of photography, then, you know, go ahead and just start taking photos, and you'll find out what you need more of later. And in the second little tangent, what I heard you say too is know what you're worth and also be willing to grow. And God, I feel like, always gives us that promise of, like, look. I'm not gonna leave you somewhere and then just leave leave you hanging. Like, there's gonna be other resources when you get there or other people who can show you teachers, mentors, things like that. People who can show you the way or you'll figure it out with this new resource or whatever, and then you're gonna just keep growing and keep doing it until one day you wake up and you're at 11 years. So love that you are suggesting that courage again and saying, that you know, you've gotta you've gotta be willing to learn, and, also it's the learning that I feel like people who I talk to on here and people who are in our community, sometimes it can be a little scary to learn, but I think at the end of the day, we all agree it's the most fun thing about what we do is that we can that there are resources out there that we haven't heard of or people who are mentoring and and things like that who are willing to help and share what they know because that's the exciting part is when you grow.
India Jade McCue:A 100%. And and you'll surprise yourself too. I think I was surprised in my capacity to learn because I, you know, very much grew up in, like, the I was the artsy kid in class. I was homeschooled before I went to school in middle school, and I was, like, always, like, kinda isolated, kinda, like, doodling as, like, as a kid. I was drawing fashion stuff and, like, always, like, pegged as that artsy girl. And then I go to school and everyone's, like, academic or they're a really good athlete, and that's fine. But I was like, I'm just not that way, so I must not be smart. I must not be good at whatever. That's kinda like the lie that I told myself growing up. So it's like when I started digging into photography and then realizing it's not just like, oh, I'm a girl with a camera. It's like, this is a real business, and this can turn into a profitable source of income for me and my family. It was it's cool to see my own progress in that and to be like, woah. I'm scared. I don't know if I can learn Lightroom. And then be like, no. Like, I can't. I have the capacity to learn. I'm gonna do the work. I'm gonna invest in this course. I'm gonna jump in and put my feet to the ground. And then when I look back, I'm like, oh, you're proud of me. Like, look at that.
Victoria B. Glass:It's so empowering. Yes.
India Jade McCue:Yeah. We tell ourselves these things, like, I'm not good at this or I'm not pretty enough to be on social media and talk about my business or my photos aren't like that person's or I need the right gear before I can start. And it's, like, the best advice is, like, use what you've got, start where you are, use what you have, and and then move in confidence that, like, especially if you're walking with the lord, pray over all of it. Be like, lord, you have given me dreams and desires to create, create community, create artwork, create memories, celebrate people, celebrate life. Let's go. Like, let's use what we've got instead of waiting to arrive somehow magically. Like, you don't just wake up and be like, I'm here!
Victoria B. Glass:Yeah.
India Jade McCue:it's like, oh, you have to wake up and say, what is in front of me? What can I use, and how can I make it better?
Victoria B. Glass:I feel like when you jump out and you start living in that truth that you are, you know, who you are and that you can do anything that God gives you strength to do, you start attracting more creative people to you. And I found out recently via your Instagram that you're married to a creative. So I also feel like we have that in common. We're both married to another creative, and that is one of the most exciting... well other than learning new things, that's one of the most exciting things in my life, I feel like. And it seems like that same excitement radiates from your feed and your from you, whenever I hear you talking about your significant other. So tell me a little bit about y'all story.
India Jade McCue:No. Yes. My best friend. I love him. Yeah.
India Jade McCue:So we've been married for three and half years. We got married in COVID, so not a fun time with that. But we did have a great like, we were just like, we're ready. Like, why are we gonna wait until this unforeseen circumstance may or may not end at any point? So we did a safe little COVID wedding, which was great. But, yeah, he's the best. It was honestly something that when I was dating around in college, like, I was very particular about who I was gonna be with. I was like, listen. I need a man of God. I need someone who takes their faith seriously. And in my head, I don't think I knew what career they would have, but I definitely did not think it was gonna be another creative. I was like, I'm gonna be the artsy one. No idea what kind of adventure could come from this relationship, but I was like, there is something about this. I think God was protecting me from the, just allure of, like, let me look for something better. Let me look for something more stable. That might not be the case for everyone. Maybe there are different things that we're all looking for. But as far as personality, I was like, this is the person that, like, instantly felt like my best friend. So we we're gonna move forward with this. And then a year later, we were engaged. So-
Victoria B. Glass:That is so sweet.
India Jade McCue:We just yeah. It was just, like, such a fun thing to be like, wow. Like, I didn't think I'd be with another creative, but I'm really glad that a lot of our work and lives have now intertwined. We do a lot of photo and film together, and it's just been a really great adventure to to be married to him. So
Victoria B. Glass:Aww that's such a good story, India. That is so sweet, and it really shows too just how both of you have stepped out in faith and taken on the beautiful challenge of what this whole life is about, which is just go in with what you feel like God is calling you to. And it sounds like, you know, you had those choices, but it really was obvious that you wanted to pursue a creative life. Not that the creative life is unstable.
Victoria B. Glass:One of the things I love about it is that it's a lot of projects that come up that you're like, if you would have told me this, I would've not even Believed it. So I it feels like your story with your husband is very much like that where they'll both are doing what you love and y'all are both, happily, you know, married and doing what you love, which I know Yeah. I think that as someone in a relationship with another creative, it seems like it's too good to be true, but when you're living it, you're like, no. Like, this is exactly what I feel like God is wanting me to do.
India Jade McCue:Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass:I had my mom came over yesterday, and she was, like, asking me about work and stuff. And, I was like, well, that's one of the things about being a creative. It's like, you know, I can work tonight, and we can go to lunch, you know, for Mother's Day or whatever.
India Jade McCue:Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass:So I just love that that is a part of the creative journey is having that, like, unknown element, but having the faith paired with it means that you're always on track and you're always in the right place and, you know, God's leading the way, so you don't have the you don't have that feeling of instability, I guess, is the only word I feel like, comes to mind. But it doesn't really capsulate it very well.
India Jade McCue:But And it's true. I think I think there's a lot to it that I mean, it is hard. There are times where it's like because we both I got a degree in something else. He got a degree in something similar. We had stable jobs for a while, and we're, like, doing our photo film businesses on the side. And then during 2022, I was discerning leaving my other job at a very great nonprofit, because my side hustle photography was kinda, like, popping off. And I was like, hey. I think I need to go do this full time. So pray about it, discern it, whatever. And then I put in my 2 weeks, and I exit that job The week that I leave so I'm already like, okay. This will be kinda crazy, but at least my husband's holding down his film job at this university. The week that I put my 2 weeks in, Ian comes to me and is like, hey. I think I need to leave my job. And I was like, excuse me. Like, only one of us can be unstable right now.
Victoria B. Glass:I had that same thing. And so so weird that we have so much in common. Yeah. Go ahead. I wanna hear the rest. But I can relate.
India Jade McCue:I need to hear more about yours too. Yes. We both quit our jobs within 1 month of each other. So June July of 2022, we were fully running our own businesses. So it was thrilling in the sense that we were like, okay, lord.
India Jade McCue:You are in position to provide. Like, this is all you. But also, it was a little scary because it was like, okay. Like, we are responsible for if we eat next month, we're responsible for our mortgage. Like, there's no guaranteed paycheck.
India Jade McCue:There's no clock in, clock out, wake up at this time, show up at this time. It's all on us. So the good thing is, like, we could choose our own road trip. We got to go and, like, build out schedules. So on a random Wednesday, we're, like, in Maine hanging out on a boat with our god parents, you know, having fun.
India Jade McCue:But then we're also working until, like, 2 AM, like, editing weddings and, like, emailing content and contracts and, like, posting every day on social media. So there's this balance of, like, there's a lot of blessing. There's a lot of hardship to it as well. But at the end of the day, it's like you're just and you'd nothing is stable, and I think people often think, like, oh, I could never own my own business, or I could never be a creative. It's so unstable.
India Jade McCue:And it's like, yes. But also, as we learned in COVID, so are jobs. Yeah. Jobs come and go. You could always get let go.
India Jade McCue:Like, your career could just, you know, kinda take a shift or maybe your company gets bought out. Like, nothing is for certain, and that's where I think for people who are, like you know, have relationship with the Lord, that's where that faith comes in even more because you're like, none of this is really secure. We just have to walk in faith and say, alright, lord. Here are the skills that I've got. Here's the gift that you've given me.
India Jade McCue:Like, let's go. Like, lead me to the next thing, and we'll go on from there. So yeah.
Victoria B. Glass:I love that you brought that up too. It makes every moment that you're doing something that doesn't feel aligned, it makes it so clear Mhmm. That you need to get, like, you know, back to following what God has told you and has, placed on your heart and where he's leading you. And, and that's so beautiful. That's really valuable information, so thank you for sharing that part too.
Victoria B. Glass:And Oh, of course. I was looking at your website and saw that you're also a mentor, and you you offer mentorship. Yeah. So it doesn't surprise me at all that you are so good at pointing out things like that. Can you talk a little bit about your mentorship?
India Jade McCue:Yeah. No. It's really it's a good question. So I've been doing photography for a while, and it's been really fun to, like, watch the books pop off with weddings. I have like you said, I'm based in Columbus, Ohio, but I've got some this year in Los Angeles and Kentucky. I am always trying to get one in New York City. I don't think I have one this year for that. But I'm always traveling because I love traveling, experiencing new things, and, like, taking my photography to new places. I think I have, like, 34 weddings this year, which is kinda crazy. But, because everything's been taking off, a lot of the time people approach me and go, hey. How do I do that too? You're a self started, you know, business owner. How do you go from 0 to a 100? How do you go from a girl with a camera to a profitable, sustainable business model where you're constantly booking higher end weddings and traveling the country. So I've been having a lot of people reach out, and so I was like, you know what? I should offer to educate because as someone who went to college for a different degree, I went for graphic design, but I was gonna minor in photography. And like I said, the classes were good, but they they weren't based on how to use your photography skill to market and turn it into a business. It was very fine arts focused, which is fine and has a place. But I think in today's economy, most people are trying to find a way to make a skill marketable. And so I was, like, I think instead of, like, teaching at a collegiate level or encouraging people to go spend 4 years and 1,000 of dollars on a college education in photography, I could do 1 on 1 sessions. That way people get mentorship opportunities that are 1 on 1 education, and they can say, hey. I'm struggling to learn the basics of my camera. I'm struggling to know what to do if I arrive on a wedding day, or I I don't know how to handle couples when they're in front of me and they just, like they look cute, but, like, they don't know how to, like, it act normal. Like, it's awkward when they're with me. So I can answer all those questions.
India Jade McCue:We do virtual calls. And then, if some of those students are like, hey. I wanna do this in person and and work with you or have an opportunity to, like, see how you work with a couple. I'm starting to get into styled shoots and content days.
Victoria B. Glass:Okay.
India Jade McCue:And I have one coming up. I have one coming up. I'm not sure when this episode would be released, so it might the ticket sales might be closed by the time it is. But I'm hosting my 1st content day styled shoot and overnight getaway retreat. So this is gonna be for my girlies and boys. There's a couple boys coming, who want to learn how to do the hands on level of photography, get some good content, but also rest. And I'm a very, like, in touch with, hey. God's given us bodies and energy and a mind, and we need to, like, take care of all of that. We we're not machines. We're not just, like, go go go shoot all these weddings. Don't sleep. Hustle. Hustle. Yeah. Like, I think it's important to say, hey. Let's, like, go on a hike in nature. Let's sit around a bonfire and talk with other creatives, not at a networking angle to get something out of them, but just to, like, hang out. And what are you struggling with? And what do you what could be different in your business? Or what's your goal for this year? What's a dream you have outside of work? So I'm hosting an opportunity to do all that coming up in Hocking Hills. If anyone's interested, it's May 21st to 22nd. Okay. And we can, like, plug that in more later if you guys wanna head to to look for those tickets. But that's something I'm really passionate about moving into this education space and doing, yes, the 1 on 1 mentorships, but also more of these, like, creative getaways and these opportunities to make good work, but also support yourself as you move through business and find that balance of work and life that actually is something fun and enjoyable.
Victoria B. Glass:Yeah. It looks like it's going to be a lot of fun, and I've never ever heard of a content retreat. So what a cool retreat.
India Jade McCue:I agree. Well, the other thing... There's so much, like, content and, like, stimulation coming in at us at all times. Like, we wake up, we grab our phones, get on social media, and you're seeing and getting inspired by how everyone else is doing it. And you're saying, oh, that person did that amazing photo shoot. Oh, look at that luxury wedding that I wasn't in.
Victoria B. Glass:Yeah.
India Jade McCue:And then all of that feeds. Right? It feeds into us, and then we go, okay. Well, then I have to be better than that person. So let me go and pretend like I'm better than that person and work like I'm better you know?
India Jade McCue:And instead of saying, we shouldn't look at the other person and go, that's my competition. Now I need to one up that person. We need to put all that to the side and be like, I'm so happy they shot a beautiful amazing wedding and gave lifelong treasures to that couple. How amazing. I'm gonna put that over there and just focus on what inspiration, what clients has god given me, how can I serve the people right in front of me and be grateful for who they are, and not get distracted by, like, not having enough enough clients or the right kind of wedding or whatever you're, like, nervous about?
Victoria B. Glass:Right!!
India Jade McCue:And just being, like, let's just focus on what we've got and be grateful for that, and then move forward and make something that starts here instead of out here, if that makes sense.
Victoria B. Glass:Yeah. The only competition is who we were yesterday, and that I feel like-
India Jade McCue:Yasss preach.
Victoria B. Glass:We're all about celebrating other people and their victory stories. Like, I am so excited to hear about this retreat, to hear about you doing mentorship work, and, starting to educate or getting into the education realm. And you had a really, really cool presentation. Was it a seminar earlier this year? Can you tell me a little bit about that? That is huge. And I Wanna take a moment to, like, really just say that's awesome. Like, that is incredible. How how did it go?
India Jade McCue:You're so sweet.
Victoria B. Glass:Tell me about it.
India Jade McCue:Yes. Okay. So if you're not sure what we're talking about, we basically, since I started getting into education, I've been kind of growing a little bit online and catching the attention of some other camera gurus. And so my place in Columbus, Ohio is close to a camera education center and store called Midwest Photo. Shout out to Midwest Photo.
India Jade McCue:They're great. They do a lot of stuff for most of Ohio, Indiana. I think a lot of the, you know, camera sales and stuff go through them. And they reached out to me and said that Canon, the camera brand that is huge, was interested in doing a class with me. And so they wanted to kinda offer an opportunity for photographers in the community who were not quite sure how to start getting into couples' portraiture.
India Jade McCue:They wanted to offer an opportunity for them to learn. So we worked together and I did a class on a Saturday at this really beautiful studio in Columbus with Canon and Midwest Photo, and I got to do a course on how to get creative couples portraits, how to make people feel comfortable, feel like themselves, and not just walk away with nice photos, but photos that actually tell a story about that couple. So I did a little teaching for about an hour on that, and then we had a chance to work with some models and test out new Canon gear. And I got to work with lots of photographers that day on learning how to master their camera settings, playing with different lenses, seeing what that looks like, and making some really cool work. So it was a blast and such an honor. Canon's like a huge I've been working with them for years. Like, as far as, you know, I buy all their cameras. So it was just an honor to be, like, approached in that way and to be seen as, like, a professional in my own city. Again, like, I started as, like, a 14 year old girl who was, like, poor and, like, bought a silly little camera.
India Jade McCue:Well You know what I mean? And it's so cool to, like, watch it, like, and be like, wow, God. Like, this is where we're going? That's amazing.
Victoria B. Glass:Yeah! I was just so proud of you!
India Jade McCue:eeeh! Thank
India Jade McCue:you.
Victoria B. Glass:So, I wanted to give you a shout out and, point out to our listeners that India doesn't play around.
India Jade McCue:It was so fun. Yeah. Definitely an honor.
Victoria B. Glass:Yeah, that is so cool! So you got your your education going, but you're still doing weddings and wedding photography. And you've got some really cool weddings lined up, traveling and things like that.
India Jade McCue:Yes. Lots of weddings. Yes. Well, I would say at my core, I don't know if you are into the Enneagram stuff at all, but I think I'm an Enneagram 2 wing 3, which means I my, like, motivation is to, like, help people and work hard. And I think that's true, and all of it is centered around, like, helping someone.
India Jade McCue:When it's a wedding, it's like, I'm helping this couple remember their day and relive these moments forever. They're gonna tell their kids. They're gonna show these photos to their grandkids. Like, this is not just, like, a trendy cute thing to take a quick snap and post it on my own story on Instagram. This is about them and, like, making sure that they have these memories forever. And then when it comes to mentorship, it's the same kinda like, how can I help this person and serve them out of a place of, like, I want them to have a successful business? I want them to learn how to use their camera and and tell their own stories and start to offer services or even just know how to document their their family on vacation. You know? So I love, like, that my business is so hands on when it comes to, like, helping and serving because I feel like that really meets that need that I have of, like, I wanna help people. I wanna make it fun.
India Jade McCue:I wanna serve you. The other thing I think we chatted with when we met at the heart conference because we love Evie and Lindsay and all that they do. My husband's in film, and something we're looking forward to this year is he has been working on, a script for a TV show for a number of years, like, since before I met him. And we're hoping to try to make some of that start to happen this year. And if that's the case, I wanna be on set with him for that and help him on the production side as well as possibly acting in the show. So it could be really fun, but just, like, knowing that, again, that balance of, like, yeah, I'm doing my creative thing and my business, and that's amazing. But how cool is it that I've got this spouse who's also creative and that we can cross paths? And I can say, hey. Would you help me, you know, photograph and and film this wedding? And he's like, yeah.
India Jade McCue:And then I he can be like, do you wanna act in my project? I'm like, yeah. Totally.
Victoria B. Glass:Of course. Yeah.
India Jade McCue:We're looking forward to getting the ball rolling with that series and just, like, being on set with him and and creating another communal space of, like, telling a story that we really care about and hoping that that can help serve people as well. So that's something we're looking forward to.
Victoria B. Glass:That is awesome, And I'm gonna be looking forward to that!
India Jade McCue:We're gonna have to get you on set.
India Jade McCue:Oh, yeah.
Victoria B. Glass:I'll come and do the behind the scenes, you know, whatever!
India Jade McCue:Come on over Tori!
Victoria B. Glass:Yes. And that's such a fun part too is being I mean, as Someone acting, of course, is awesome, but also being just in on all of the production and watching something go from being on you know, even not on paper to life. But in your case, being in someone's head and hearing their passion and them talking about it, watching them, you know, I guess, like, go with ideas and characters and, like, making it all, like, flushed out and then putting it on paper. And then watching that come to life is such an incredible experience. And so I am looking forward to hearing about how that goes and watching it come to life even more than, than it is now. And if, if you ever need any help, let me know. And
India Jade McCue:I will.
Victoria B. Glass:We just need to keep showing up and advocating for our creative lives and the creative lives of our partners because that's only gonna attract more of that same type of person in life into reality, into this world, into God's world. Like, you know, you I feel like he's working in so many ways with this entertainment industry, and, I think in I envision that in about 10 years, 5 years, it's not gonna look the way it is right now. It's gonna be he's gonna use it in a a way that we can't even really imagine. But I just, I think it's important to say don't quit and also, you know. Keep showing up and advocating for creatives and, in our victories, whether they are on stage, behind the camera, graphics, writing, whatever. It's such a important life, an important role that we play. So, and it's only I mean, the social media and stuff, I feel like it's only becoming more normal to be creative, and that's such a awesome, beautiful thing.
Victoria B. Glass:Well
India Jade McCue:Yeah. I think the reason that the creative industry gets such a bad rap is because most folks don't realize, like, you get what you put like, you get out what you put in kinda thing. And if you go in and say, like, hey. God's given me a dream. I'm gonna work hard.
India Jade McCue:There are more opportunities than you could ever know. There's way more jobs in the creative industry than it ever has been before. There's social media managers. There's graphic designers.
India Jade McCue:There's copywriters. There's all kinds of work. And, yes, it is harder, and it is, like, when someone's like, you know, I'm married to a filmmaker. I'm like, okay. We live in Ohio.
India Jade McCue:Where are the films in Ohio? But you'd be surprised how many commercial projects, how many times he's gone out to we got hired to do a TV show. We went to Alaska. We went to Nashville, Tennessee. We've been to New York to do filming.
India Jade McCue:We've been to LA. Like, you just when we limit ourselves with this, like, scarcity mindset, we're limiting what God can do. We're saying, no. All I see is what's in front of me. All I see is that I'm from a small town and that I'm a creative.
India Jade McCue:I'm one I'm one person here. I don't see anyone else around me. I'm just gonna, like, forget all this and go, like, work at a gas station, and that's all I'll ever amount to. It's like, hey. You can pump gas and glorify the Lord, but if you've got that dream, maybe get out of that bubble a little, get out of that mindset a little and say, Lord, I'm not gonna operate with what's in front of me and just what I see. I'm gonna let you do your thing, and I'm gonna trust that, like, there is way more of an abundance of what's possible in this life with hard work and with your will, and I'm just gonna pray and work towards, like, receiving whatever is next. Yeah. It can be really hard at times too, but I just wanna encourage anyone because I never ever thought I would be a full time photographer or married to a filmmaker, and we'd actually, like, have dinner, and we'd have food, and we'd have a mortgage. It's cool to see that God's providing and that, like, it is possible. It's hard, but it's possible, but also it's like that choose your hard thing.
India Jade McCue:Right? Like, there's always gonna be a hard choice. And if it you're something you really, really wanna try, I would say do it. Go for it because you only get one life, you know, might as well jump in and and be excited for what God has.
Victoria B. Glass:Yeah. I like that. Choose your hard!. That's a good a nugget of wisdom there. Okay. So you have a YouTube channel. That's where where I was going. And do you have a podcast also?
India Jade McCue:Yeah. So it's the same thing. I post the video version on YouTube, and then you can listen to the the same podcast on Spotify and Apple, I think.
Victoria B. Glass:Let's talk about that for a minute. I watched a little bit of the fashion stuff that you're doing. Tell me how the you're finding some new inspiration with doing your YouTube channel and the podcast and how it relates to expressing yourself via clothes?
India Jade McCue:So I started a podcast this year. It's called India and Stuff. It's a little tagline is, like, behind the scenes, in betweens, and all the other stuff. So one of the things that I'm passionate about, it's kinda like my hobby, is sustainable fashion. I love, like, fair trade fashion, thrifting. I love talking about ways we can move forward in the fashion industry, which is, like, expressing yourself in clothes and what you're wearing, but also not destroying our planet because there's a lot of negative stuff that comes with, like, fast fashion and everything. So I try to find the balance of, like, sharing those topics on my podcast, in a way that's exciting and hopeful. Because I think a lot of times people can just be like, I can't believe you bought that sweater at Target. And it's like, okay. Well, I did, or I don't have a $1,000,000 to buy from this fancy brand. So I like to kinda try to bridge the gap and say, hey. Like, we can make little choices every time, whether it's with food or shopping for clothes or our own, like, lifestyle that kind of promotes wellness or promotes something that helps God's earth, you know, stay intact. So I just kinda, like, do that on my podcast a lot of the times. It's like decompress my own travels, my own journeys, and then talk a lot about drifting and encouraging kind of a sustainable lifestyle in a holistic sense.
Victoria B. Glass:I love that you're also pouring into other people in that way. And, it was really exciting for me when I found out that you had that because I just thought it I was like, oh my goodness. This is so cool. It was another side of you. And if you're listening, you gotta go follow India Jade.
Victoria B. Glass:Her Instagram handle's India Jade photo. Right? because her stories are full of just that good hope, and I keep saying excitement, but you have so much energy. And I think that it's not only entertaining, but it also is uplifting, and you said hope hopeful. And, no matter if you're talking about, like, you know, fashion or whatever, it's that vibe that you have.
Victoria B. Glass:And so that resonance that you hear really does show what anyone can do. You know? Like, you, you give it away so freely, and so you gotta go follow her listeners. And then, India, tell us where else I can find your work. Where's your website? And you've mentioned your podcast, India and stuff. Share all of the different places that we can find you online.
India Jade McCue:Yeah. Thanks. You're so sweet. I appreciate that so much. Because it is hard sometimes to feel I'm like, am I just shouting into the void?
India Jade McCue:Am I being so silly that they're not gonna take me seriously? But I'm like, I think I would rather be a scroll stopper with my silliness than just mask half of who I am and only ever be completely buttoned up and completely professional all the time online. I think we all see so much stuff that it can all look the same. And if you're looking for a photographer, you can just type in, you know, photographer, and then you get 25 girls in a black blazer looking really cute and professional. It's like, that's awesome, but I'll be in my ratatouille pajamas eating SpaghettiOs and editing. You know? Like, I wanna provide something that's also authentic and real and true to me because then when I show up on your wedding day or your session, it's like, we have something to talk about. They're like, oh, I saw that silly thing you posted, or, oh, that's so funny. You you love dancing with your cats. That's hilarious. Or, like, I don't know. So I always encourage people be yourselves whether that's on the screen or in person. Like, people are really craving to know authenticity in a new way. And I don't know. I just appreciate you saying that because I love it when people just are themselves.
India Jade McCue:Like, be real, be silly. Everyone Beyonce at the end of the day, she still gotta go to the bathroom. Like, she gotta take her makeup off too. Like, everyone's a person. Anyway
Victoria B. Glass:My mom always says... . So I here I am talking about my mom again. The Alabama in me is coming out. But My mom always said, you know, they put your their britches on the same way we put on ours. So, you know, I think you're right!
India Jade McCue:Yes, honey!! HAHA
Victoria B. Glass:That that authenticity is very important. And, you know, you're the photographer, but, like, as, a creative, I just imagine the couples really being just comfortable in front of, the camera with you, and it really leans into that candid style that is harder.... I mean, people think candid is, like, when you're not looking, but, no, that is the hard stuff to get is when it looks beautiful, but it's also natural and authentic. And so, your personality and having that flow so freely is allow I only imagine it allows them to show more of themselves and to, you know, be more comfortable whether they're in a wedding dress and tuxedo.
India Jade McCue:Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass:When those moments are happening, it's usually not an everyday scenario where you're, like, in that type of dress. So it takes someone as willing to be free, to get those amazing shots. And it's I cannot imagine it being easy, but you make it look easy. So I definitely wanna applaud you!
India Jade McCue:AWW, you're so sweet. Thank you.
Victoria B. Glass:This is a audio podcast. I like to share the video version, and I will have some of your photos and stuff. But if our listeners wanna check out your work or get to know you more, where .... Where do you want them to go to find you?
India Jade McCue:Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. Obviously, Instagram, India Jade photo is my professional photography account. India and stuff is my personal thrifted stuff. I do a lot of silly goofy videos, my travel videos there, my thrifted fits. I think we're on TikTok at the McCue's or McCuties. I'll have to check and report back. And then we're on YouTube as well for my podcast, which is on Spotify, Apple. That is also India and stuff under the McCues channel. And then my website, if you are looking for a photographer anywhere in the States or beyond, or if you're right here in Columbus, Ohio, it's indiajadephoto.com And that's the same if you are looking for a photography mentor or you wanna hear more about the getaway retreat, that would be indiajadephoto.com /edu
Victoria B. Glass:Awesome. And I'm gonna go and look up the McCues. So you that's, I guess, a channel with your husband. That is so cool.
India Jade McCue:We just like being silly on the Internet. I know. Tori, we gotta hang out. We do. We do. With all of our our husbands and, like, all the creative energy. I can't wait.
Victoria B. Glass:Well, I'm just so honored that you took the time to talk to me today and share your victory story. Is there anything else you wanna add?
India Jade McCue:I think overall, just keep keep going. Find your creative people. I think that community aspect is so huge and something that's always evolving for us. The Heart University, like we've mentioned already, has been a great place to find some fellow creatives. That's been one of those invaluable things that I'm really glad that I was a part of, and am a part of. So they have a great podcast. I think it's the heart and hustle. We love them!
India Jade McCue:And just finding opportunities in your own ZIP code. I always tell people that one of the best things we can do is serve the ZIP code around us and just say, hey.
India Jade McCue:How can I make the creative community in Columbus, Ohio better? Oh, I could, like, teach at this thing. I could host a getaway. I could even do a low cost. Hey. I'm gonna be at this coffee shop. I'm putting it on my store and say, let's network. Hey, any creative? Why don't you come from 1 to 2 on a Saturday, and we'll just chat? Like, finding ways to find people.
Victoria B. Glass:Yeah. Oh that's good!
India Jade McCue:Find find ways to connect with people in front of you, and and don't write it off as, like, well, I'm only in Ohio or I'm only in Alabama. There's not very many creatives here. Just say, you know what? There are people with a dream.
India Jade McCue:And even if I'm the first one to step out and and vocalize that dream, odds are there's a middle schooler somewhere who's looking at her camera going, I wonder if I could, like, do something with that, or I wonder if I could start a vlog or if I could be a dancer, if I could be a screenwriter. Like, you never know who you're gonna inspire, and sometimes our own mental capacity is, like, limiting what what we can do. So I just encourage people to to put that to the side, take some time in silence and solitude with the Lord and and be like, alright, Lord. What do you have? I just need your voice right now, and then run it by your closest circle of people and then take a step in faith.
Victoria B. Glass:Oh, man. That was really good. That's such an easy way to get with people in your ZIP code, like you said, and I bet you'll meet some new people and maybe start a new friendship or something out of that. Thank you. Thank you for speaking to me at the conference and saying, hey.
Victoria B. Glass:You know, I'm India. You did that, and that was what sparked this conversation, like, later on. So, if you're listening, be that person that speaks up and says hi or that brings, you know, attention to a a like, you know, other creatives in your community and things like that because you never know where it'll lead you. And at the very least, you're gonna be inspired by other people doing their thing and being them in their way that only they can be, And that's gonna give you permission to be further yourself and be who God created you to be.
India Jade McCue:100%
Victoria B. Glass:So... Have the conversations, share the victory stories, and, be excited for your fellow creatives because the world needs more of that that light and those creative people. So thank you for coming along.
India Jade McCue:I Agree. Of Course! This was such an honor.
Victoria B. Glass:India, I'm looking forward to seeing all that you do. And, creatives, go follow India and find her YouTube channel, find her TikTok profiles, and, and listen to her podcast. I'm gonna go do it. So we'll all have to follow-up maybe in a few, months or something and and hear how hear how the retreat and stuff went. I'm looking forward to hearing how that goes.
India Jade McCue:Yeah. Thank you, Tori. Thanks, guys.
Victoria B. Glass:Alright. We'll talk to you later. Thanks for joining us for this week's episode of the Contagious Victory's podcast. If the show inspired you to share your own victory story, I'm here to tell you the world deserves to hear it. Submit it to me online at ToriBlackmon.com. Review and subscribe if that feels right. Telling a friend about the show helps contagious victories to grow. Plus, we all appreciate a little sunshine. I'm Tori B. Thanks for listening. I'll catch you soon