Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Meg Kettinger. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Meg thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Level 1 Trauma Surgical Technologist for eight years, and this career will always come with its highs and lows. I reached a point where burnout started to feel real, and the passion I once had for a profession I thought I loved began to fade. During this burnout phase that lasted nearly two years, I explored various career options, from Medical Device Sales Representative to teaching Surgical Technology. Eventually, I was offered a full-time Surgical Technology Instructor position at a local college, which I eagerly accepted.

Doubt is natural when stepping into something entirely different from what you thought you could do. But what I loved about this new role was that it allowed me to keep my passion for surgery while helping train the next generation. Plus, the idea of no longer being “on call” was a huge bonus! I finally had the opportunity to have a life outside of the hospital. And with both of my parents working in the medical field and later becoming educators, it felt like teaching was in my blood.

That said, I won’t pretend I loved teaching. Deep down, it became more stressful than performing life-saving procedures in the middle of the night. After about eight months, I realized I regretted leaving the Operating Room due to the immense stress teaching caused. This stress took a toll on my health, and I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis.

So, what do you do in a situation like this? You reassess. The risk I took in trying something new, in challenging myself, and in gaining more time with loved ones was worth it — but stepping back was necessary due to my health. I reached out to my former hospital, asking if I could return, while scaling back my teaching to part-time and continuing to manage a photography business.

The risk for me was finding balance, something I desperately needed. Did it take me over a year to figure it out? Yes. Am I happier juggling multiple jobs and projects at once? Yes. Is my life crazier than ever? Absolutely. But I’ve found a balance that works for me — one where my mind, which never fully shuts off, stays engaged, and I can enjoy variety each day to avoid monotony.

Risk can sometimes be about finding balance. And as I’ve learned, even though we hope everything will fall into place, it doesn’t always. But in the end, I found what I was truly seeking.

Meg, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello everyone!

Allow me to introduce myself – I’m Meg. I wouldn’t say I fit neatly into one particular category in the professional world. I’m a Graphic Designer by education, a Photographer, a Surgical Technician, and a Surgical Technology Instructor. And yes, I juggle three of those jobs on a weekly basis. Crazy, I know.

Growing up, my parents were both in the medical field—one a CRNA, the other a Pediatric Nurse and Nursing Instructor. From a young age, I knew art was my true passion, and, as a form of rebellion, I swore I would never go into the medical field. So, I pursued Graphic Design in college and minored in Photography. At the time, this was my dream. I worked as a Graphic Designer for about two years after graduation, but I quickly realized that the creativity I loved about art wasn’t present in the corporate side of design. It felt too rigid and uninspiring, and I grew bored with the lack of creative freedom. That said, I never left photography behind—my photography business was thriving, and I was gaining recognition in my community.

Now, remember how I said my parents were in the medical field? Growing up, I’d always ask my dad, “What cool things did you see in surgery today?” Dinner conversations often revolved around his stories from the operating room. I was fascinated. At one point, I thought it was too late for me to go back to school for Nursing or CRNA. But then, my dad introduced me to Surgical Technology, which let me be a part of surgeries while being more hands-on with the procedures. That sounded like a perfect challenge, so I decided to take the leap and go back to school. It ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It sparked my interest in the science behind surgery, and I developed a real love for anatomy and procedures.

This is where most people think I’m a little crazy. For over 15 years, I’ve worked at least two jobs. I can’t sit still; I always need to be on the move. Surgery gives me stability, while photography brings the fun. It’s the perfect balance I was searching for.

In my role as a Surgical Tech, I assist with surgeries ranging from neuro, gynecology, and robotics to general surgery and urology. No two days are ever the same in the hospital. As for photography, I specialize in Wedding and Family Photography. For me, weddings are all about the beautiful chaos of the day and witnessing the beginning of someone’s journey together.

What I’m most proud of is helping people during their most vulnerable moments in surgery, even if I’m behind the scenes in the operating room. And I take pride in capturing people’s most cherished memories through art and photography. The more I reflect on this, the more I realize something profound: I’m there for the worst days of your life—and the best ones, too. I’m humbled by that.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Beyond training and technical skills, so much goes into making it as a wedding photographer.

Connecting with People. Weddings are emotional, fast-paced, and deeply personal. Being able to build trust, make couples feel comfortable, and keep things fun (even when nerves are high) is just as important as knowing how to take a great photo. A wedding photographer isn’t just there to snap pictures—we’re there to guide, reassure, and help couples truly enjoy the moment.

Rolling with the Punches. Let’s be real—weddings rarely go exactly as planned. Whether it’s unexpected rain, timeline delays, or tricky lighting, being able to stay calm and adapt on the fly is a superpower. The best photographers aren’t just creative; they’re problem-solvers.

Knowing the Business Side. You can be the most talented photographer out there, but if no one knows about you, it’s tough to book clients. Marketing yourself, pricing your services wisely, and keeping up with contracts, invoices, and emails—all of that plays a huge role in long-term success.

Creating an Unforgettable Experience. It’s not just about the photos—it’s about how you make people feel. From the first email to the final gallery delivery, making the whole process smooth, stress-free, and fun is what turns happy clients into lifelong fans who rave about you to their friends.

Loving the Process & Sticking with It. Building a name for yourself takes time. There will be slow seasons, learning curves, and moments of doubt. But when you truly love what you do and keep pushing forward, the right clients will find you. Passion, patience, and perseverance make all the difference.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Ah, the world of wedding photography—it’s a beautiful blend of art, relationships, and business! There are so many things that contribute to success, but here are a few key elements that truly make a difference:

Consistency & Quality: Couples put a lot of trust in their wedding photographer, and delivering stunning, high-quality work every time is essential. Whether it’s a small intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, giving every shoot the same level of attention and care will not only create breathtaking memories but also lead to glowing referrals.

Building Real Connections: This is a big one! Getting to know your couples, understanding their vision, and making them feel comfortable in front of the camera can turn a great experience into an unforgettable one. When clients feel valued and at ease, they’re more likely to rave about you to their friends and family.

Networking & Industry Relationships: Weddings are a team effort! Planners, florists, venues, and other vendors all play a role in the big day. Building strong connections with these professionals can lead to valuable referrals and even collaborative opportunities that help grow your business.

Social Proof & Online Presence: Showcasing your work through social media, wedding blogs, and platforms like Instagram and Pinterest is a game changer. Happy couples sharing their experiences (and stunning photos) can go a long way in establishing trust and credibility. Nothing beats the power of glowing testimonials!

Having a Signature Style: What makes your work you? Whether it’s your approach to lighting, your love for candid moments, or a distinct editing style, consistency in your artistic vision helps attract the right clients—the ones who truly resonate with your work.

The Magic of Word-of-Mouth: At the end of the day, a happy client is your best advertisement. When you go above and beyond—whether it’s by capturing those unexpected, heartfelt moments or simply making the experience stress-free—your clients will remember it. And more importantly, they’ll tell others about it.

From my experience, it’s this mix of high-quality work, genuine relationships, a unique style, and top-notch customer service that helps create a lasting reputation in the wedding photography industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.simplycaptivatingphoto.com
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