We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Meagan Shuptar a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Meagan , thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
It takes a ton of mental strength to be successful, especially in an industry that can ebb and flow so often. One month I may be booked solid with jobs and the next month I may be wondering when my next client will call. I’ve had to learn to utilize the slower months to work on parts of my business that may get neglected during times where I’m on set shooting a lot. You can’t let the current message of hustle culture (or burnout culture) tell you that if you aren’t busy you aren’t successful. Pushing through that mentally has been a huge part of my career growth. As an artist, it’s easy to get caught up in games of comparison, and ignoring those negative thoughts has really been key. Having a support system is also a large part of success. Personally, my husband and my parents have been a giant help in my career growth. I am working full time as a photographer and I often travel for shoots all while raising three children. Filling so many roles (wife, mother, business owner, creative director, mentor, etc) would not be possible without family who is there to encourage me every step of the way. Finding a support system whether it’s family or peers in your industry is invaluable. Adaptability, tenacity, creativity, and passion contribute to being successful as well.
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
As a commercial photographer, I blend people, products, and interiors into lifestyle images that convey a tangible authenticity. I work both on location and in my studio. People often describe me as versatile, genuine, and approachable; qualities that support my foundational belief that “collaboration is key”. My calming presence and creativity on set fosters a collaborative environment which I think is what often sets me apart from other photographers. Most of the time I’m shooting for clients in Chicago, but I do often travel to places like Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, or even as far as Puerto Rico for work! I’ve worked with everything from small local brands to nationally known Fortune 500 companies, and photographed all sorts of people including celebrities. I love spending time with my husband and three kids, traveling to new places, filling my home with eclectic finds and art, and getting to know new people. I’m proud of the career I have built through hard work and the relationships I’ve made along the way.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
One of the biggest sources of new clients for me is through referrals. I am so grateful for this! I think it’s a combination of being a great listener when it comes to the needs and vision of my client, being a pleasant, humble, creative problem-solver on set, and truly caring about people in a general sense….I’ve been told that my energy is very kind and safe. I strive to deliver the best of myself when it comes to my work and my relationships, and I think it shows. I know how to get the job done even when facing challenges but even more importantly, I can do it in a way that doesn’t add any stress and gives my clients a sense of confidence.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is using my God-given talent to have a career that not only fulfills me creatively but helps provide for my family. I get to go to work every day doing what I love and I don’t think a lot of people get to say that.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.meaganshuptar.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/meaganshuptar
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/meagan-shuptar/
Image Credits
All Images Copyright Meagan Shuptar