We’re looking forward to introducing you to Daniel Meadows. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Daniel, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
My father was a wedding photographer in the 70’s and 80’s in Lancashire, England, and my Mum worked in a print lab creating wedding albums, so I’ve spent the latter part of my career chasing improvements on the artistry and service of the family business. It’s not something I can consider stopping, I’d lose a part of myself and a major life motivator – telling these stories with my camera is who I am.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Daniel Meadows, second generation wedding photographer from England now working in Houston and throughout the US (and back home in the UK occasionally!). I started out in post-production on ad campaigns working with some truly world-class fashion photographers, which helped me to develop an eye for those magazine cover editorial shots, but over the years I’ve become much more drawn to photojournalism, a more documentary approach that captures the moments of the day with authenticity and honesty. The brief hand touches, the laughter, the hugs filled with pure joy, those are the moments I love. I’m much more drawn to the shot of the guests at the table laughing together than the shot where they group up to smile at the camera. The real moments are special.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I grew up in a poorer area of Greater Manchester, and I recall the Career Advisor visiting my High School. I was told after my interview with them that what suited me best was ‘factory work.’ A lot of good people work in factories but I remember being upset by the lack of vision. That was just what you were told if you came from certain areas, it was expected. Do not let anyone drive you towards a life outcome that you aren’t comfortable with.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Keep working on finding your calling, don’t relent on finding your own path and it’ll all work out better than you can imagine. Don’t give up on the dream when it seems too much to handle. It’s all worth it.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
It is! My clients and industry friends get the full unfiltered quirky British humor and I don’t think I could change that. Authenticity in business is more important than ever.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
The story is in the details. Traditional wedding photography has a shot list that we still keep in mind today – for your first kiss I’m going to be standing exactly where my father would have stood 50 years ago, framing it in a similar way, but in addition I’m going to catch that close up of your nephew trying to hide under the dress while your sister tries to pull him out of there. I’m going to photograph you speaking to the room at dinner, but I’m also watching for the moment elderly relatives clasp hands in love and pride as they watch you speak. A good wedding album has emotional depth, texture, all the tiny little stories that make up the grand story.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.danielmeadowsweddings.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielmeadowsweddings
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanielMeadowsWeddings
Image Credits
Daniel Meadows Photography
