We were lucky to catch up with Meagan Paramore recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Meagan, thanks for joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

The biggest risk I have ever taken was jumping from having an everyday job to just doing my photography business. I am a mom and had support from my partner and always had a day job even though I had been doing my photography for about 8-9 years. I was scared to jump to only doing my photography, but I had always been busy and thought that if I had more time to offer services, I would be able to make it my only source of income. I quit my job the next day after a night of no sleep and going over all my options with my partner and him agreeing to supporting me on my down weeks. I’m not going to lie; the first few months were scary, and I got behind on a lot of bills, but the business quickly picked up once the holiday season kicked in. Before I knew it, I had 20 weddings booked (had to hire a second shooter) and I was busy almost every weekend. I am definitely happy I ripped the band aid off and jumped into just doing my photography. I now have more time to spend with my son and my family and I get to make my own schedule!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I wanted to be different and be able to provide services that all the other photographers in the area might not be able to provide. I started my journey with boudoir photography in 2018 and I grew a love of making others feel better about themselves, I made them fall in love with themselves and have more confidence than they thought they ever would. I added an all-female team to my services so that I wouldn’t make my clients feel insecure or nervous for their sessions. I offered extra editing and consults for outfits; I offered makeup and hair services and even added a client closet for those who didn’t want to buy the outfits – I had to buy angel and fairy wings and crowns for special occasions of course! I made sure that I was posting all body sizes and colors. I became part of women owned business organizations and networked with others to provide services for clients prior to their sessions with me. I finally added my best friend, my business partner, and she instills confidence in the clients during their sessions and helps with posing and adjust hair and outfits. I started my craft with just bedroom boudoir sessions but my love for Halloween and fun things started to show and I offered fun sessions seasonally. I have a background in Photoshop and graphic design, so it made special effects editing easy!

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

My business partner actually started as a client! She came in so nervous for her first boudoir session but left loving herself and her image again. We chatted throughout the session and found out we both had sons of the same age and agreed we should get them together some time to play. She was nervous thinking our sons wouldn’t get along or my son wouldn’t want to play with her son, as he has high functioning autism. THEY PLAYED LIKE BEST FRIENDS THE FIRST PLAYDATE! We were so ecstatic and hung out even more after that. Once I ended my day job and took on just my photography journey, my best friend offered her hand in helping with managing boudoir clients, posing, lighting, and uplifting their spirits. The year after that is when I offered to show her how to work a DSLR because she wanted a hobby, and I needed a second shooter for weddings when I had them. We have been working side by side for about 4 years now, her shooting for 3, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

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

I like to believe that my kindness, knowledge and compassion are what helped build my reputation. I treat my clients, and everyone for that matter, with the utmost respect and love. I try to communicate thoroughly and make sure my clients have a clear understanding of how my photography business runs and how it might not mimic how others do business. I remind my clients that their privacy is my priority, especially dealing with my boudoir clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.meaganjeneanephotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meagan.j.photos/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeaganJeneanePhotography/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meagan-paramore-b79524156?trk=people-guest_people_search-card

Image Credits

Some images may also been taken by business partner, Pamela Hatfield.