Connect
To Top

Meet Megan Kelly of Kansas City

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

Hi Megan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Photography began as a creative outlet long before I ever imagined it would become my career. I was always the one with a camera in hand, documenting the people I loved and the little moments that often went unnoticed. What started as a hobby gradually became something much bigger as I realized I wasn’t just taking photos- I was preserving memories and telling stories.
As I continued learning and growing, that passion naturally turned into a business. I discovered that my favorite images were always the ones that had a story or memory behind it. We all know the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words” and that is exactly the reality. That philosophy became the foundation of my work and eventually led to the creation of my business, Moments by Meg.

One of the biggest turning points in both my life and my photography came through travel. Leaving behind what was familiar and spending extended time living abroad pushed me far outside my comfort zone. It taught me to embrace uncertainty, slow down, and appreciate the beauty in everyday moments. Exploring Europe solo, backpacking through Central America and South East Asia, and experiencing different cultures changed not only how I see the world, but also how I photograph it. Every place, every conversation, and every experience has reminded me that meaningful stories exist everywhere; you just have to be willing to notice them.

Those experiences have shaped my style into one that is warm, honest, and deeply rooted in connection- whether I’m photographing a family at home, an adventurous couple, a destination, or a local business. I’m incredibly grateful that what began as a simple creative hobby has grown into a career that allows me to meet people from all walks of life, travel to beautiful places, and preserve stories that matter. I’m still learning, still exploring, and still chasing meaningful moments & I hope I always will.

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?
It definitely been anything but a smooth road, but I think that’s what has made the journey so meaningful.

Like many small business owners, I’ve had to wear every hat: photographer, marketer, editor, accountant, social media manager, and everything in between. Building a business from the ground up has come with plenty of uncertainty, self-doubt, and moments where I questioned whether I was on the right path. Imposter syndrome and perfection paralysis/procrastination have been the hardest things for me personally. Both as an entreprenuer and as an artist.

But external things within life had their part as well like living abroad, traveling extensively, and adapting to unfamiliar environments. This did teach me to be flexible and resilient, but they also meant constantly rebuilding routines, finding new opportunities, and learning how to stay creative even when life felt uncertain.

I’ve also balanced other jobs alongside photography to support myself while investing back into my business. It hasn’t always been glamorous and far from easy, but each experience has taught me something valuable and reminded me why I started in the first place.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change any of it. The challenges have made me a more compassionate person and a better storyteller. They’ve taught me that growth rarely happens in a straight line, and that some of the most meaningful opportunities come from taking risks and continuing to show up, even when the path isn’t clear. So I will always continue to keep pushing through the struggles, as my dream is worth it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At the heart of everything I do, is storytelling.

Whether I’m photographing a couple on their wedding day, a family documenting a new season of life, a new boutique hotel welcoming guests, or an international destination showcasing its culture, my goal is always to create imagery that feels genuine, emotional, and true to the moment.

My style is warm, natural, and documentary-inspired. I love the in-between moments; the laughter that wasn’t planned, the quiet glance between loved ones, or the details that often go unnoticed. Rather than focusing on perfection, I strive to capture photographs that feel lived in and authentic, allowing people to remember not just what a moment looked like, but what it felt like.

Travel has become one of my greatest sources of inspiration. Experiencing different cultures and seeing how people connect around the world has shaped the way I approach every session. It has taught me to slow down, observe with intention, and appreciate the beauty in everyday life. It makes you realize each story you are capturing is unique. I want to encapsulate that each time.

What I’m most proud of isn’t simply building a photography business- it’s building meaningful connection and creating art that people use, love, and remember forever. Some of my favorite compliments from clients have nothing to do with the photos themselves. They tell me they felt comfortable, beautiful, and genuinely themselves in front of my camera. To me, that’s what great photography is about. Beautiful images are important, but creating an experience and allowing people to be themselves is what I believe truly sets my work apart.

I hope that when someone sees my work, they don’t just see beautiful photograph. I hope they feel something. If an image can make someone pause, smile, remember, or relive a moment they thought they had forgotten, then I’ve done exactly what I set out to do.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
This is quite a hard question, as many memories that have not been thought of in quite some time flood my brain. But mostly, I cherish the memories with my grandparents whom are no longer with us. Specifically the mundane things we shared. Like doing an entire fashion show for them after I went back to school shopping to show what they bought for me. Or trying to teach them how to use the computer, even making them partake in the hilarious ‘Vine’ trends at the time. Them coming to all of my dance recitals & swim meets.

Of course as well, I would show them all of the photos I took of my friends or family after I printed them out or put them into scrapbooks. They were always so supportive of all my endeavors, they were even the first to buy my first ‘real’ camera for Christmas while I was still young. It was because they realized photography was something I would continue to love, or moreso just who I was naturally, after watching me wear out each of my little pocket digital cameras by taking them absolutely everywhere and capturing every moment.

Pricing:

  • Mini Sessions starting at $300
  • 1-hour photoshoot starting at $450
  • Weddings starting at $1,700
  • Branding starting at $250
  • Events starting at $500

Contact Info:

A couple in wedding attire holding hands under an ornate archway, with trees and sky in the background.

Woman walking barefoot on sandy beach with ocean and sky in background, holding a branch, hair blowing in wind.

A couple lying on grass outdoors, facing each other, smiling, with sunlight in the background.

Two hands with wedding rings gently touching, outdoors with blurred trees and bushes in background.

Two people standing outdoors in front of a historic building with arched windows, one person appears pregnant.

Woman sitting on a chair outdoors near a large tree, holding a bouquet, in a black-and-white photo.

Person sitting on grass near water, looking up, with a landscape and sky in the background.

Suggest a Story: VoyageKC is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Local Stories