What is one question you can never escape?
And this question has been asked most likely since before you were born too.
Take a minute and think about it.
I'll wait....
Give up yet?
"What do you want to be when you grow up?"
That question haunts all of us from the moment we can start to remember. If it doesn't then you are either lying to yourself or you found your passion right away. If that is the case then good for you! I envy you.
This question still haunts me. I have a pretty good idea of what I want to do, but still not 100% there. Ever since I was a child, I knew I saw things in a different light. It wasn't until high school that I fully realized my passion for photography. Passions are great, but if you don't act on them then what's the point? I've sadly let life throw my passion of photography off course. Or at least I tell myself that excuse for not taking chances. That's why I'm still hunted by one simple little question. But no more! I'm putting on my big girl panties (such a horrible word) and letting it all hang out there for the world to see.
Being behind the camera is an enriching experience for me because I like seeing what's going on. I believe that what everyone is looking for in life is to be included. They want to be informed and to feel like they are apart of something bigger than just themselves.
I feel the same way and as a photographer I do get to be apart of something bigger than just myself. I get to witness and share amazing moments with others. I get to be apart of making a difference in someone's story by helping them save these moments and help preserve the memories.
A photo is worth a 1,000 words, or so I've been told.
I find the best part of being a photographer is that I can show the world we are all the same. We are all unique in our own ways and that we all have stories worth telling. We are all beautiful and deserving of anything we set out to do.
All of this is fine and dandy, but I know what you are thinking right now, "Megan where the hell are you going with all of this? The title of this post has nothing to do with what you are talking about! Also wasn't this supposed to be your "About Me" post. So far we've learned that you talk a lot and that you are not fully sure what you want to do when you grow up. Good luck adulting!"
To that I will say all good things come to those who wait (I like quoting cliches, sue me). Also it takes more than 1 blog post to really get to know someone so take a deep breath. It'll be worth it.
Now in regards to the title of this post; raw, exposed, real...
That's what I'm here to capture. Those are the stories worth telling and are the ones I tell. Everything is so so staged that we lose sight as to what is real. Sure stories are mainly for entertainment purposes and to make you forget your day to day life. I get that. That's why I watch movies, read books, idolize heroes and wish my life was actually a comic. But I digress and that's something we can talk about later.
Right now I want you all to know that I'm honest to a fault and I want that to show in my work. I want that to be seen in my stories. Everyone should know what's real so they can see what is truly gorgeous and special in that moment, person, place, etc. Faults, like my honesty, are absolutely beautiful and are nothing to hide from. That's how we can connect with one another and how we know we're human.
So my goal in life is to take things back a notch and bring actual reality into play. A great way I show this is by grabbing candid photos as part of my photojournalistic style. They capture the true essence of anyone and how they're feeling in that moment. These photos aren't staged or planned. These happen naturally and, being completely honest, are the most beautiful for showing true smiles, tears and joy. That's what makes candids precious.
My end game goal...
Inspire at least one person to reach their true potential. I don't know if my photography is the best medium for that, but I will give it my all.
If you've made it this far, congratulations to me! I've kept you entertained thus far....Or it's like a horrible accident where you know you should look away but just can't.
Either way thanks for reading and letting me share the start of this story with you.
Onto the next chapter!