We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Megan Anderson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, thanks for joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

It’s what you’re disciplined in that’s left when you’ve run out of motivation and inspiration. I’ve found that with Phosphene’s success networking beyond social media has been what I’ve been disciplined in most, and I’m not talking about interactions that are beneficial to just myself or the business, but rather making myself available to the community around me, serving or mentoring other rising artists in my area, focusing on the mental wellness of my peers and learning what it is that I can offer back that will actually make a difference. I’ve really built my reputation as an artist that focuses on community over competition, and this all contributes to what kind of clients I attract and take on. There’s a lot more to running a business, don’t get me wrong, but for me personally it’s been the relationships that I’ve built along the way within the communities I’ve lived in that’s ultimately gotten me to where I am. Success has not been a linear path for me either, so when something has gotten in the way, I’ve made sure to stay disciplined in my craft and to lean on those around me who genuinely want to see me succeed. Success has always followed.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hey there, I’d rather already be friends, so please call me Meg.

I’m your local Texas traveling photographer who loves raw, authentic connection and has been professionally photographing portrait sessions, weddings, and live births since 2018. I love building new relationships, figuring out what makes people tick and then applying that into the camera so my clients are able to enjoy themselves without the pressure of “performing” for a camera.

With the addition of having four years experience in crisis management, conflict resolution and crowd control prior to picking up photography, I’m potentially quite useful if the occasion is needed. :-) I know we’d all rather avoid it up to that point, but when a sticky situation pops up (and believe me, with the weddings I’ve shot they happen more than people like to admit) it’s better safe than sorry to be prepared for potential hiccups. I really believe I have it all down when it comes to photographing your wedding day, no matter the circumstance.

I pride myself in giving you time back on your wedding day instead of keeping you out from enjoying your unity. I’m not a huge fan of posing, but I’ll definitely guide you that way you’re able to navigate your day uninterrupted while still showcasing the honest love you embody. I’ve watched so many photographers keep their clients past designated times throughout a wedding for selfish, controlled reasons, and that’s just not my vibe man.

And I’ll party with you hella hard. Like if you’re tryna get on top of a table and swing a neck-tie I’m gonna be up there with you takin’ pics of that and cat-calling anybody who walks by. I’m always down to have a good time.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Oh gosh, when I first started Phosphene’s Imagery & Artistry in 2018, I was broke. Like broke, broke. I had both of my personal cameras, along with lenses and other gear, stolen through an online scam, but I was young and that was just one of the many hard lessons that I had to learn along the way. I was fortunate enough to borrow some gear from another photographer-friend for the few paid sessions I had just started to book, and on top of that given  money from my grandparents to purchase that first professional grade camera, but finances were so tight that I actually ended up using that money on rent instead. I quickly found a payment plan for that camera so my family wouldn’t know that I had used that gifted money on bills and it’s been a bit of a secret up until this point!

Thinking back on these times is humbling, and I’m so thankful for all the support that @phosphenesia has had along the way, especially those who have been with me since the very beginning.

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

There is nothing more valuable than word of mouth referrals and audience generated content when it comes to my reputation building as a photographer. I’m in an interesting field where the costs of running my business are minimal. I don’t pay for advertising because I have a constant flow of audience generated content shared online by my clients, and I have enough word of mouth referrals for @phosphenesia to have an amazing brand connection all before a potential client even reaches out to speak to me directly.

Having a consistent online presence has helped too, for sure, but maintaining those connections in a real world setting, not just keeping it online, has been a key proponent in my success with @phosphenesia. My relationships with every single one of my clients, as well as every single photographer that I’ve connected with along the way has resulted in nothing less than an immaculate experience. I have received nothing but full support from all of my peers, and I really believe it’s because they know I’m available and rooting for their success just as much as I’m working for mine.

Also – payment plans, a sense of humor, and basic human kindness seems to help quite a bit, too.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.phosphenesia.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phosphenesia/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phosphenesia