Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Reed.
Hi Megan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I started taking photographs when I was 13 years old. My uncle bought a nice Canon camera, used it 5 times, and decided he was bored of it so he gave it to me for my birthday that year. I had no idea how important that camera would become to me.
I switched high schools to take photography classes and minored in photography at Mizzou. While in college, I was able to expand my photographic knowledge to include shooting large format films, 35mm films, and developing all of my own films. I also experimented with making artists’ books.
Currently, I work at a Financial Planning company, so my photography is limited to weeknights and weekends. I try to attend workshops when I can. I love working on large collaborative group shoots. The ability to bounce creative ideas off each other is amazing.
Alright, 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?
I definitely still have struggles. Getting someone to actually pay you (let alone pay you a fair price) for your services is difficult in this day and age where people can use their phones or “have their cousin do it for free.”
By no means do I have a steady client base, but I have been lucky enough to meet a lot of amazing local models and photographers who like to work together to create incredible shoots based on our unique perspectives. I fund most of my shoots myself, buying my own props and even often outfits for the models.
The pandemic has definitely been a struggle as well. It wasn’t safe to shoot with others for a long time. I was worried my ability to be creative and make something beautiful was all dried up.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love shooting with people, whether it’s a single person or a large group. My favorite thing to do is come up with an idea for a large shoot and get other photographers and multiple models involved. I’d say overall I’m known for my spooky shoots because I believe you can use fake blood no matter what time of the year it is.
I am definitely most proud of the series “Aftertaste” that I made while in college. It is a series of large-format black and white film photos depicting my personal experience with sexual assault. I have been wanting to continue the series and include other people from the local community to help share their stories but haven’t gotten that off the ground yet.
I think one big thing that sets me apart from others is my editing style. I like to edit my photos in many different ways because I know what I think looks great may not be what someone in the photo thinks is their favorite. I give an abundance of photos all edited slightly differently so the people in them can choose their favorites and feel their best in those photos.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I learned that even taking almost a year off from shooting doesn’t mean you are a failure and it doesn’t mean you can no longer be creative.
I also learned that, for the most part, the KCMO community of photographers, models, MUAs, etc., were very focused on staying safe and not spreading the virus. I think that sets us apart from other cities around the country.
Pricing:
- 1 hour shoot – $150 (15-20 images)
- 2 hour shoot – $250 (20-25 images)
- 1 Hour Family Shoot – $200 (15-20 images)
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://meganreedphoto.myportfolio.com/projects
- Instagram: @meganreedphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meganreedphotography1
Image Credits
Lana Moerer, Kayla Shelton, Lexie Marie, Carina Rose (AKA Rose the Mermaid), Grace Jeffries, Mackenzie Welch, Naomi Perkins, and Alicia Briggs
