Edit Values Daily Inspiration: Meet Megan Johnson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Johnson.

Megan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When I was twenty-five, my boyfriend of 18 months was given a career opportunity to move to Guangzhou, China. When he got that opportunity he told me I was going with him. My response was, “Not quite…” while holding up my left hand. That week we got engaged, eloped three days later and were living in Guangzhou just three short weeks after.

While living abroad, so many travel opportunities were presented and we decided to get a “good” camera. I found myself in our apartment reading the manual, beginning to end, and reading anything photography-related I could find. I’d go around our city taking images of buildings and construction sites; on vacation, I’d be photographing the beach and our adventures. That all changed when we went to Cambodia.

When visiting tourist sites in a foreign country, it is always helpful to hire a tour guide to show you unique things you may not experience in a large group. Our guide during our trip and my husband were walking ahead, as I was click-happy and taking my time. As I fell behind, a little Cambodian boy, no more than 8 or 9, approached me offering to show me around. I can still hear his little voice, “I show you this rock, and I show you here… all for one dollar!” Seeing we already had a guide, I offered him a dollar for his photograph. That moment is the moment I was so inspired to photograph people.

Fast forward a decade, we are now living in Cincinnati with two children of our own and I am doing what I dreamed of 10 years ago in that little Cambodian town.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Owning a business is never easy. I have definitely learned some hard lessons along the way, but because of those experiences, I am better as an artist and offer a superior service. I am very thankful for each experience I have had! Now, when someone books with me, they get an in-home consultation, professional hair and make-up, an expertly guided photo shoot, and a reveal/order appointment. I want people to have an experience unlike anything else they have done with a photographer and I want them to enjoy their portraits and think of the experience they had with me when they admire their portraits.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a photographer that specializes in fine art portraiture. I am known for photographing women and making them feel beautiful in their own skin. Creating something simple and yet so beautiful is rewarding, it took a long time to perfect my craft… from proper camera settings, lighting and wardrobe selection… there is so much detail that goes into a photoshoot. And while I am proud of the portraits I create, the way I make people feel is what I am most proud of. When I get women in front of my camera that have experienced low self-esteem or self-doubt or they talk to themselves negatively and they come in and see their portraits, the biggest compliment is, “You made me see that I am beautiful. And I am.” My biggest goal is that each woman feels like the prettiest one in the room and she sees herself in a completely new light. Giving women that is what brings me the most joy.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
My network of people has been the most valuable resource in helping me get to where I am today. This includes family and photographer colleagues. Some helpful people that I follow are Simon Sinek (Author of Start with Why), The Sharks, Megan DiPiero and Sue Bryce. I found Atomic Habits by James Clear and Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller most helpful.

Contact Info:

• Email: Megan@MeganMJohnsonPhotography.com
• Website: www.MeganMJohnsonPhotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.megan.johnson/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meganmjohnsonphotography

Image Credits
Megan M. Johnson Photography