Rising Stars: Meet Maegan Kopachy of Youngstown, Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maegan Kopachy.

Hi Maegan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was always that girl with a camera everywhere I went. Funny enough, I never considered photography as a profession until I started studying journalism at Youngstown State University. Over time, I realized journalism wasn’t fulfilling my creative side the way I had hoped. So, I switched majors — and that’s when everything changed. I started spending late nights in the darkroom, developing film and chasing the perfect print. Fine art photography spoke to my soul in a way nothing else had. From there, I began photographing weddings and families, and that’s when I truly found my passion in this industry.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not even close haha. Like most small business owners, I’ve had my fair share of bumps, pivots, and late-night “what am I doing?” moments. From figuring out how to run a sustainable business to navigating burnout and slow seasons, it’s been a huge learning curve. But every struggle has pushed me to grow, both creatively and personally, and I wouldn’t trade the ride for anything.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a wedding and lifestyle photographer who’s all about capturing emotion with intention. I specialize in photographing weddings, families, and small brands in a way that feels real, nostalgic and a little bit editorial. My work is known for its warmth — not just in tone, but in feeling. I gravitate toward honest, unscripted moments: the forehead kisses that weren’t planned, the chaotic toddler giggles, the quiet glances that say everything. That’s where the story lives.

I think what sets me apart is that I care deeply, not just about creating beautiful images, but about the people in them and the experience they have with me. I’m not just a vendor you book and forget about until your wedding day. I’m in it with you — helping build timelines, calming nerves, carrying veils, cheering you on. It’s luxury with heart.

I’m most proud of the trust people give me. The fact that clients return year after year, that they invite me into the most vulnerable, joyful, sometimes chaotic chapters of their lives — that means everything to me. This work is personal and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Right now, I think we’re entering the era of intentionality. Over the next few years, I think we’re going to see an even stronger shift toward storytelling over perfection. Clients are getting more interested in feeling something when they look at their photos — not just checking off a Pinterest-worthy shot list. That opens up space for more honest, documentary-style work that celebrates personality, movement, and in-between moments.

I also think people are craving connection with the artists they hire. It’s not just about who can take the “best” photo anymore — it’s about who makes you feel safe, seen, and celebrated. That’s going to keep pushing our industry to value emotional intelligence and client experience just as much as technical skill.

On a bigger scale, AI and tech will definitely keep evolving — but I think it’ll be the human side of photography that really stands out in the long run. The way we hold space for people, the energy we bring into a room, the stories we’re trusted to tell — that’s the magic you can’t automate. And I’m here for it.

Pricing:

• Weddings start at $3000
• Lifestyle sessions start at $500
• Headshot sessions start at $400
• Branding sessions start at $650

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.maebphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mae_b_photo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages.maebphoto