Life & Work with Megann Galehouse

Today we’d like to introduce you to Megann Galehouse. 

Hi Megann, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey began when I first moved up to Cleveland and really got into the freelancing world. I started out as a prop masters assistant doing catalog shoots and from there, I networked my way into becoming a photo assistant at some of the large studios. I lived in that realm for a long time cultivating my skills and discovering what I really enjoyed shooting. I met a ton of great and interesting people and ended up working full-time at a food studio here in Cleveland for a couple years after that job ended, I went out on my own and decided that I wanted to be my own boss. I strive to be a woman in this industry and always working to better myself. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wish I could say that it was a smooth easy road for me but you know like everyone in this world I had struggles. I had to hustle really hard to get a place in the freelance world as a woman. I had to self-teach myself lighting techniques and general things in the commercial world. I came from a photojournalism background so none of that skill set was taught to me and I really had to be a self-starter in order to grow and survive in this industry. I had to hustle every day for jobs and had to learn the hard way for months about the freelancing world and not getting jobs and/or knowing where my rent was coming from that month. I had a lot of people that came into my life that ended up being huge life lessons on how brutal this industry can be, but I can look back now and be thankful for all my experiences good and bad. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a commercial photographer who specializes in food photography, product, and lifestyle. I have many vast clients that I enjoy working with. They range from small businesses such as Harvest Owl and Sprinly to midsize companies such as Hartzler Family Dairy and Zoya; to larger international companies like Marriott international and MiBev. I love collaborations and working with a ton of creative individuals that aren’t necessarily in my genre of expertise. 

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I am a true-crime podcast junkie at heart. So, I have always been in love with My Favorite Murder. I’ve recently gotten into a fantastic podcast called This is Actually Happening which interviews people that have had crazy experiences in their lives. I recently finished a fantastic book called The Trauma Cleaner, which delves into this incredible trans woman’s life. From her being given up at birth to her childhood abuse. She led an incredibly hard life working as a prostitute but in the end, still holds her kindness and now helps as a consultant cleaning and organizing people’s homes who have experienced trauma. Highly recommended. 

Contact Info:

• Email: Mgalehouse@gmail.com
• Website: Mgalehouse.com
• Instagram: Meganngalehouse