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

Megan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry.

I’m going to preface this response with the unpopular opinion of really disliking trends, specifically in the photography world when pertaining to aesthetics. Our society is such today, that it functions at such an extremely fast pace, and the ever-evolving trends seem to come and go in a blink of an eye. I also resent the idea that you have to hop on the train, or get left behind. I think it is so important as a creative to have a sound foundation and connection with your inner self, as close to a true understanding of your voice that is unwavering despite the bandwagon of trends that create noise around you. Being able to authentically connect as much as you can with your audience and your client matters, and you aren’t being authentic if all you are doing is trying to create from a place of external validation as to keep up with what’s currently trending. I also think it’s equally true to like what you like, even if what you like is a current fad. I am experiencing this now as there is a noticeable uptick in the photography industry of people wanting images that feel authentic vs caring about being technically good. I approach my work candidly, and am instinctively drawn to images with weird crops, or out of focus images, anything of interest that feels real and somehow makes sense even though it’s wrong. Nowadays it seems like posed portraiture is being squeezed out and people crave the genuine-feeling imagery. Even though I rave about being anti-trend, I’m not going to suddenly rebel against lifestyle photography just because it’s popular and I “dislike being trendy.” It would be going against my inner voice, which should be the guiding light despite whatever is currently trending. Piggy-backed on the emergence of emotional imagery, film seems to be a really hot topic right now, I am seeing so many photographers picking up film cameras/polaroids, and using them as add-on packages with their clients. I think it goes hand in hand with the idea of capturing something just as it is and embracing flaws, imperfections, that occur naturally in the moment because people want more of the nostalgic emotions rather than technicalities. I’m asked often when I’m going to start incorporating it into my workflow because it feels “on brand” for what I do, and I understand where people are coming from when they say that, but if my heart is not in something, I’m not going to commit to it just as a shtick to fit in or to try and expand my business. My heart isn’t in film photography right now, so I’m just going to listen to it. Do I love film? Yes!! So much. I think that you can like something though and not need to immediately jump into it, or you can like something and it not be a right fit for you or your brand. One thing that I do really love about how more people are embracing the idea of authentic feeling photos, is that clients are willing to lean into an experience rather than just showing up for a transaction. It allows a really great space to network AND get to know somebody on a level that goes below the surface which can make for a really fun time together. When it comes to trends, I think it’s so important to listen to your gut, and don’t try to be something you’re not just to fit in. It is so great to push yourself into trying something new, it is amazing to evolve and expand as an artist, and it’s wonderful to be able to give your clients an experience they treasure. It is not worth trying to put yourself into a box just to try and stay relevant. I think your best investment will be learning to listen to what’s right for YOU and how to take what makes you unique and turn it into a profitable business.

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

I am Megan Springer with Grassroots Collective, a creative/photographer in rural, Appalachian, Ohio. I delved wholeheartedly into photography as a rebirthing from completely losing myself in the trenches of motherhood. I am a stay at home-mother of 5 slash creative who is fluid with my work/home balance. My family and I live a very simple life, grounded in quality time and have a deep connection with our rural roots, and I think it’s important to include them in conversations regarding my business because they are so much of what drives my brand. As a photographer I primarily work with women, mothers, and with other families, who feel connected to me as a person and want to book me because of it. So many of them can relate to my honest conversations about motherhood, appreciate the way I photograph my own kids, and trust me to make them comfortable so I can document them in an artistic way that feels uniquely them. With photography I also mentor and help other photographers, I am an open book and most mentees are interested in my approach, in my editing, and how I focus on artistry. I think what sets me apart is not only my own gift to view the world the way I do, but how I am able to transfer that into connecting with my audience. I think our slow lifestyle and my ability to romanticize what is right in front of me allows me to hone in on my own unique perspective. Something I am most proud of is being brave enough to start, putting myself out there despite being scared, and my determination to continue to grow as I forage a path for myself. Recognizing and honoring what feels aligned for my personal self while walking hand-in-hand with my business is helping me to not only create work I am proud of, but also feels more sustainable long term.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Something I think non-creatives will. struggle with to understand about me is not only the actual depth of knowledge I have about photography as an art, but how much of my heart goes into what I do. I think there are so many people who still see photography at the surface: you buy a fancy camera and take a nice photo. I actually don’t think the fancy gear makes the photo, and who is holding that gear matters a whole lot more than the equipment. I think many people wouldn’t understand the pricing. I don’t feel it’s my job to educate them on why my service costs so much, but rather show them there’s value in what I do by creating beautiful photos and marketing them to the right people. The people who question my worth usually aren’t worth my time when I know my marketing is solid, and I don’t feel compelled to try and make a sale to someone who can’t get there. I also don’t think non-creatives understand how much I really just LOVE what I do. That there is an emotional connection to not only my creations, but my branding and all of the work that goes on behind the scenes; that there is so much intention, time, and pieces of myself dedicated to what I am doing and the scope of that can never really be understood. It’s not something that can really be “clocked in” or “clocked out” of, it’s a lot more engrained into a way of experiencing and living.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I love this question! I think one of the most obvious answers is that most of my clients follow me on social media, so they get business and life tidbits from there, which make them feel connected (even if it’s just the social media illusion). Outside of that, I think the best thing you can do is give a great experience during your time WITH your client, which makes them want to rebook and come back. Delivering great customer service and top-notch experience will go a long way. With what I do, I tend to see my clients quite a bit. Most bundle their maternity, birth, and newborn photos, then want to book again for 6 months or 1 year, and they keep coming back AND telling their friends. When I’m working with them, I do tend to get to know them a bit personally and sometimes we end up meeting socially outside of photos (getting our kids together to play, grabbing coffee, or just seeing each other out and about). I live in a small-ish community that is really supportive of local businesses AND the arts, so that definitely works in my favor as well. I think little things matter, like simply remembering their names and using them throughout the session (I know it’s actually harder than you might think), asking about other things that go on in their lives and maybe shooting them a follow up text when it’s appropriate.. just like “hey this made me think of you hope all is going well.” If I’m being honest though, this works for me because I work on a smaller scale and have the time and energy to foster these kinds of relationships. I also only move in a way that feels like it’s coming from a real place, because I’m not a salesperson type and honestly there are probably some people I wouldn’t WANT to work with again despite making money. So I try really hard to just put the positive energy where it can be received and don’t overthink the rest. I think it’s so important to note that there is no right way or magic answer, but being able to figure out what works best for you to meet your artistic or business goals is what is important. My brand relies a lot on me being personable and relatable, so I kinda just run with that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.megspringer.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megan.grassroots

Image Credits

Megan Springer Grassroots Collective