Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Hunker-Ruffing.
Megan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I got where I am today with a lot of faith, an incredible family, and some absolutely amazing clients! I first picked up a camera as a kid on my family farm and my interest grew from there. In college, I started using my camera more and more, and then after graduation had the opportunity to travel to livestock shows across the United States to photograph kids showing their 4-H and FFA projects. It was during these travels that I truly learned how to use my camera and found my artistic style. Fast forward a few years and the kidney disease I had as a teenager decided to show back up again. I found myself needing dialysis and another kidney transplant at 24 years old. With the support of that awesome husband and family I talked about earlier I decided that starting my own photography business at home in Bellevue, Ohio was a way for me to keep working on my dreams while also putting my health first. Fast forward a few years and I am three years post kidney transplant with a beautiful baby boy and a thriving business photographing weddings, families, seniors, and brands. I am forever thankful to those first few clients who have stuck with me through the learning years and kept coming back.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
What is a smooth normal road? Ask my friends and family and they will tell you a ‘normal’ life has never been mine. I first developed kidney disease at the age of 13 and that’s where the ‘bumps and potholes’ in my story began. Aside from the kidney disease some other struggles along the way have been what I would call fairly common business growing pains. Learning to balance schedules, technology, and camera issues along with just being a young woman trying to grow a business and start a family. Did I travel thousands of miles and take thousands of photos on dialysis? Yep! Did I photograph a wedding exactly one month after giving birth? Yep! Would I do it all over again? Absolutely!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Hi, I’m Megan, Owner & Lead Photographer of Megan Jo Photography + Creative. Faith, Family, Agriculture, Buckeye Football, and Organ Donation are a few words that describe me. If I am not behind the camera or a laptop, you can usually find me playing with our baby boy, Aiden, or in the barn with my family and pups working cows on our family’s cattle operation. I love to see genuine love and connection between couples and families. I love to hear about a senior’s future plans. I specialize in natural light photography and am known for my true-to-life color I bring out in my timeless images. Let’s be friends and make some magic together!
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I’d like to take this opportunity to encourage readers to be registered organ donors. You never know when the person needing the organ may be you or your loved ones. As a two-time kidney transplant recipient, I would not be here today without organ donors.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://meganjophotos.com
- Instagram: @meganjophotos
- Facebook: @https://facebook.com/meganjophotos
Image Credits
Cate Doubet Photography
