We recently connected with Megan Dougherty and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Megan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I’ve been very blessed to be able to to run my studio full time for 13 years now. I started at the end of 2007 while I was working at a coffee shop! I worked the morning / opening shift for over 2.5 years while I got my business up and running. I would leave there, go home and get ready for sessions in the afternoon. At first my goal was to make what I was making at the coffee shop, as I became busier I increased my goal so that I felt very comfortable when I eventually quit.

I worked very hard during those few years, I stayed up late working on my images, working on my website, researching pricing structures and creating packages. I wanted to give my clients a great experience during their sessions with me. I pride myself on my customer service, I value my clients very much and I’ve always wanted them to feel that when they work with me.

I have a lot more experience now than when I started, of course. It just comes with the journey. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but I have always tried to learn from them and move on and do better next time. Most of my work is in my studio, but I have done many corporate and branding jobs as well, and all of them are different.

I have done quite a few big jobs now, but in the beginning there was a learning curve for sure. I always made sure I took a lot of images and tried a few different setups while on a set so that I was covered no matter what might happen and I would have plenty of options to give the client. Every big job I booked, I became more and more comfortable, and now I have worked in so many scenarios that nothing can really throw me off anymore. That is a great feeling that comes along with being experienced!

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’ve been a professional photographer for 15 years in Atlanta, GA. I love what I get to call my career! I truly enjoy meeting the people that come into my life because of photography. I’ve met so many interesting people and photographed cool places throughout my career. I photograph headshots for actors, models, individuals, families and brands. I love helping my clients put their best self forward!

I have clients that tell me the photo I took of them is their favorite headshot of themselves, which I am happy to hear. I thoroughly enjoy beauty photography, and over the years I’ve photographed some amazing ideas. I always look back at these images with a lot of pride and realize that I made some of my crazy ideas come to life!

When working with my clients, I treat everyone with respect and how I would like to be treated. Everyone is welcome in my studio! I love meeting new people and working with clients who have become friends. I have a very relaxed space, and like to keep my sessions fun!

I try to give as much information about the industry as I can to my clients, to get them going in the right direction. I try to have very open communication, and I really do enjoy helping my clients.

When I’m not working, I love spending time with my family. I’m a mom, wife and a dog mom too! We love being outside and I enjoy helping with my son’s activities in and out of school. We all thoroughly going to the beach and it’s our favorite type of vacation!

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

I always deliver what I promise to my clients. I keep a tight schedule, and run my studio on time. Clients know that they will get quality work from me, and we have a great time at their session! I have an excellent reputation, because I have always done and delivered what I said I will.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

I try my best to attend industry events and network! I have always taken pride in the fact that so many of my clients will recommend me to their friends or family. That is the highest compliment to me, and most of my clients are all from word of mouth and referrals from past clients!

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.megan.photo
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megan.dougherty.photo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megansimage
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megandougherty/