We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Megan Ruffing. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Megan below.
Megan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?
I am absolutely thrilled with my choice to pursue a career as a professional photographer and creative and establish my own thriving business. Being an entrepreneur has provided me with a sense of fulfillment and independence that surpasses any thoughts I’ve had about a conventional job. While there may be occasional moments when I ponder the stability of a regular paycheck and the luxury of weekends off, I am reminded of the countless advantages of being in charge.
Operating as a one-woman show means that I am solely responsible for every aspect of my business. This reality serves as a constant motivator for me to give my utmost dedication and ensure that every task is executed flawlessly. Whether it’s capturing exquisite photos or crafting captivating graphics, I know that my efforts directly translate into financial success.
Yet, it is during those precious moments when I can take my son to the zoo on a Tuesday morning or attend a kidney appointment on a Monday afternoon without hesitation that I fully appreciate the rewards of this chosen lifestyle. The freedom to be present for my family and lend support to loved ones when needed is truly invaluable.
Moreover, being in control allows me to tailor my services to best serve the needs of my clients. From the brand image to the mindset behind my business, every decision is mine to make. This creative authority empowers me to establish a unique and unforgettable experience for those who entrust me with capturing their special moments.
In essence, being a professional photographer and business owner is an extraordinary journey. It presents its challenges, but the rewards are immeasurable. The flexibility, creative freedom, and ability to prioritize family make this path the perfect fit for me and my vision of a fulfilling and prosperous future.
Megan, 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?
Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself and share more about my business with your readers. I embarked on my journey in the photography industry as a livestock photographer, traveling the United States to capture the incredible moments of 4-H and FFA exhibitors and their animal projects. However, when my kidney condition resurfaced, I made a conscious decision to transition my focus to portrait and wedding photography, allowing me to remain closer to home while pursuing my passion.
Over time, my photography business has evolved into a thriving enterprise that specializes in a wide range of services. From weddings and family photos to senior portraits and more, I strive to capture the authentic essence of each individual and milestone. I am deeply committed to delivering exceptional photography experiences that go beyond just capturing images, but also evoke emotions, tell stories, and create lasting memories.
What truly sets me apart in this industry is not only my vast experiences and photos, but also my kindness, dedication, and drive to serve my clients. I take pride in going the extra mile to ensure their needs are met and their expectations are exceeded. Whether it’s bustling a dress, pinning boutonnieres, or providing guidance and support throughout the wedding planning process, I am there to assist and support my clients in any way I can.
One aspect of my work that I am particularly proud of is my commitment to preserving true-to-life colors in my photographs. Unlike the prevalent trend of applying a “brown edit” to images, I believe in representing the genuine colors that were present on your wedding day. This attention to detail allows the skin, dress, and flowers to accurately reflect their vibrant and authentic hues, creating a timeless representation of the special moments captured.
Above all, I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my brand represents not just a business, but a deep passion for photography and a sincere desire to create meaningful connections. My approach is characterized by kindness, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to capturing the essence and emotions that make each moment special. By choosing me as their photographer, clients can expect a personalized, attentive, and stress-free experience that will result in photographs they will treasure for a lifetime.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
One pivotal moment in my life occurred when I faced a significant health challenge that compelled me to make a transformative pivot in my career. As a passionate livestock photographer, I traveled extensively, capturing livestock shows across the United States. However, everything changed when my health deteriorated, and I found myself in need of a kidney transplant.
During this time, I had to reevaluate my priorities and the feasibility of continuing my career on the road. The demanding nature of my health condition made it clear that I needed to be closer to home to undergo necessary treatments and ensure my well-being. Unfortunately, the lifestyle of a livestock photographer and the requirements of dialysis were not compatible.
This health scare presented me with a challenging decision. I had always envisioned a future dedicated to livestock photography, as it was a true passion of mine. The idea of parting ways with something I loved deeply was difficult to accept. However, I came to understand that this journey was all part of a greater plan—God’s plan.
With unwavering faith and determination, I embraced the opportunity for a fresh start. Recognizing the need for a career that allowed me to be close to home and prioritize my health, I transitioned my photography business to focus on weddings, families, and senior portraits. This new path not only aligned with my health needs but also allowed me to continue serving an agricultural clientele, maintaining my connection to the industry that I held dear.
The experience of going through a kidney transplant brought immense clarity and perspective to my life. It highlighted the importance of organ donation and the impact it can have on individuals like me. I became a fervent advocate for organ donation, encouraging others to register as donors and potentially save lives.
In retrospect, this pivotal moment was not just a detour but a redirection. It taught me to adapt, embrace change, and have faith in the unknown. While my journey from livestock photography to weddings and portraits was born out of necessity, it has become a beautiful and unique business that serves both my clients and my agricultural roots.
I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story, as it reminds me and others of the power of resilience and the unexpected blessings that can emerge from challenging circumstances. Through my experience, I hope to inspire others to navigate their own pivots with courage, trust, and a firm belief that even in the face of adversity, there can be new and fulfilling paths to explore.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been through the power of word of mouth. I estimate that approximately 90% of my clients and customer base are comprised of friends or family members of past clients. This organic referral network has played a significant role in the continuous growth of my business.
By providing exceptional service and capturing unforgettable moments for my clients, I have established strong connections and built a reputation within my niche clientele, mainly agricultural-based couples and families. This specialized focus has allowed me to understand their unique needs and deliver tailored photography experiences that resonate deeply with them.
The agricultural community, with its tight-knit nature, thrives on personal relationships and trusted recommendations. When satisfied clients share their positive experiences with their friends, family, and fellow agricultural enthusiasts, it creates a ripple effect that brings in new clients who appreciate and resonate with my work.
I believe that the roots of my business lie in serving this niche clientele. By staying true to my agricultural heritage and continuing to provide exceptional photography services, I have been able to cultivate a loyal following within the community. Their continued support, along with the referrals they provide, has been instrumental in expanding my client base and fueling the growth of my business.
While word of mouth has been the primary driver of my clientele growth, I also recognize the importance of maintaining a strong online presence and utilizing social media platforms to showcase my work and engage with a broader audience. These channels complement the word of mouth referrals and enable potential clients who may not have direct connections to the agricultural community to discover my unique photography services.
In summary, the most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been the powerful network of word of mouth referrals. I am incredibly grateful for my clients support and will continue to provide exceptional photography experiences that exceed their expectations.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.meganjophotos.com
- Instagram: @meganjophotos
- Facebook: Megan Jo Photography + Creative
Image Credits
All photos taken by Megan. Headshot by Cate Doubet Photography.