Her amateur photography career began when she and her husband, Robert, welcomed their first child more than 20 years ago.
That is, after all, when Sheri McAninch started to tell her stories. Family outings and vacations, sporting events and school banquets, birthdays, and various other celebrations included pose after pose so she could capture those moments to be remembered forever.
But then McAninch made what she initially believed was a critical mistake. She let her secret talent, one that is well-rooted in her Rataiczak family.
“When my oldest daughter was born, we bought a really nice camera, plus my family has been involved with photography for many, many years here in the Valley,” she explained. “So, yes, photography is in the blood, but it all started with me taking pictures of the kids as they were growing up. And then, after I shared some of my shots with some people, some folks started approaching me about doing their kidss’ senior pictures.
“From the get-go, I explained that I didn’t do that kind of photography, but they kept pushing, so I agreed to give it a try while making no promises,” McAninch recalled. “But they turned out really nice so that meant more people kept asking and asking. That’s when my husband finally said, ‘Look, it’s time for you to stop giving your talents away for free.’”
That is when, just about five years ago, MacSnaps was born in the village of Bellaire although she tried to keep that a secret, as well.
“I thought about it, and then I decided to do it even though I didn’t tell anyone for a while,” McAninch revealed. “My cousin Scott has been a huge mentor to me, and for that I am so very appreciative. He has taught me so much more than any of the classes I’ve taken, so I am very thankful. Scott was a big part of Rat & Cheese, a business from a bunch of years ago, so his help has been huge for me.
“And now, my original studio is my office, and I have another studio that is right around the corner. Plus, my dad created a beautiful outdoor studio on our property, and that area has quickly become my favorite place to shoot,” she said. “There are several areas to utilize, but I also do a lot of location shots, and I do a lot of work at the Overlook in Wheeling, and I’ve had some fun on the Suspension Bridge, too.”
A Picture Tells 1,000 Words
Some come dressed and ready. Others arrive shy.
Some high school students meet with McAninch only because a parent demanded they do.
“Oh, some of them really didn’t want to be here; I can tell you that,” McAninch said with a chuckle. “But I know what to do in those situations.
In fact, whether it is nervousness, stubbornness, or outright willingness, the tale she tells begins with the first click of the camera.
“My number one goal when I am shooting is for the pictures to tell that person’s story,” McAninch said. “There is always a story behind the people I am taking photos of, and that is why I always try to capture those moments when they don’t know when you’re watching. That’s when the best photography takes place.
“No matter how many times I shoot at the Overlook, I always try to make the photographs very different than the last time I was there,” she explained. “If I am about to take a senior’s photos, I have a conversation with them first so I can get to know them a little bit. Most of them are pretty nervous about it, too, and some of them don’t want to get them done at all. When I speak with them, I try to have as much fun with them as I can.”
McAninch sees what she sees. Some people refer to it as “having the eye” for photography. She, though, attributes it differently.
“I know that a photographer has to have an eye for it to be successful, and for that I am blessed,” McAninch said. “I think me being in education for 31 years has helped me a lot because I have the ability to put them at ease right at the beginning. Most of them do not feel that confident at all, but as soon as I get a really good shot and show it to them, they immediately get more comfortable because they know they look good.
“Far too often kids don’t see positives in themselves, so I try to give them a reason to feel differently,” she added. “And that’s exactly what happens each and every time.”
