Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Elsbury.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Megan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
It has definitely been a wild ride! I never thought that I would be pursuing photography as a business. God definitely proved that He had a different plan for my life. I got my degree in Animal Science from Texas A&M in 2011 and my senior year there I took a digital photography class and fell in love. Photography fell onto the back burner for a while, but after I went on a mission trip to Haiti, my passion for photography was reignited and I started picking my camera back up. About a year ago, a stylist friend of mine asked me to take some photos of her modeling some clothing from a boutique. After that, a couple friends asked me to take senior/grad photos for them and things started to take off from there! I got connected with a couple wedding photographers in the area and began second shooting weddings and have now started pursuing wedding photography. I love photographing couples during their engagement session and on their wedding day!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I’m still working full time for a personal injury law firm since I haven’t jumped into photography full time yet. Working two jobs has been hard but definitely worth it. I don’t see photography as a job per se since I enjoy it so much but the reality is that it is a job and involves a lot more than just taking pretty pictures of clients. I have also invested in continuing education to grow my knowledge and skills so that I can better serve my clients. I feel like the first year in any business is a difficult one, so if you can make it a full year pursuing it, and still love it, then it’s worth continuing to investing in and sticking it out.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Lovin’ This Photography – what should we know?
I am a portrait and wedding photographer here in Houston, but ready and willing to travel! I was operating under the name MNE Photography, but I just rebranded and launched the new Lovin’ This Photography website on September 17th! I’m so excited about this new brand and I feel that it accurately represents who I am and my ideal client. Wedding photography is my passion right now and I love getting to meet couples and have them trust me to be their photographer on their special day. I want them to see me as more than just their photographer, I want to build a real friendship with them and get to know them so that I can better understand them and create a genuine portrayal of their love for each other. I want them to be able to look back on their images from that day and relive how everything felt.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Honestly, Instagram has been how I have gotten connected to other photographers in the area. I just sent them a DM and asked if they were looking for an assistant or second shooter for any upcoming weddings. I have also gotten connected through Facebook groups, one, in particular, is the Tuesdays Together group. It has been an awesome way to network with other entrepreneurs in Houston! I would just say don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, I feel like the creative entrepreneur industry has really focused on a community over competition mentality and there are a ton of people out there willing to help and give advice.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lovinthisphotography.com
- Email: megan@lovinthisphotography.com
Image Credit:
Kristen Giles Photography
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