Today we’d like to introduce you to Meg Stautberg.
Hi Meg, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Capturing and sharing stories creatively through visual media is something I’ve been attuned to for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was always creating something – either writing cheesy romance novels or producing music videos with my friends. This passion of mine has evolved into an interest in both photo + film over the past several years. I appreciate how these outlets allow us to capture what is good in any given moment. Almost as a time capsule, of sorts.
I’ve enjoyed photography for quite a while, but video is actually where I got my start. Like many young teens in my generation, I was influenced by several YouTube vloggers and decided to learn the craft on my own. Making fun DIY/beauty videos in my free time was something that caught my attention for quite a few years. In college, my experience behind the camera led me to work alongside talented videographers in Atlanta and for some top brands including Chick-fil-A. As much as I appreciate all the opportunities working in video production enabled me, I became drawn more to the creative side of photography as opposed to the more technical side of videography. My last couple of gigs before making the switch to full-time photography included filming some of my friends’ wedding videos.
Meanwhile in college, I was also starting to get paid by friends and local businesses finding me through web searches for photography. Full-time photography is something I dreamed about and always knew I’d love to do but never really imagined it would happen. I thoroughly enjoy creating in the portraiture, commercial, lifestyle, and event spaces; however, it wasn’t until November of last year that I photographed my first wedding (a month after filming my first one) and absolutely fell in love with the experience. Thus my interest in intersecting my passion for weddings + photography came to fruition.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I appreciate this question greatly because I’d love to meet someone whose story is smooth sailing. Like most if not all of us, there were definitely some curveballs thrown my way during this journey.
Last May, I graduated from Kennesaw State University with a marketing degree. During my time in college, my dream job post-grad was to work specifically in social media. After working a social media role for a year, I quickly realized that wasn’t my favorite thing to do.
I started my first business – a missional clothing brand – a month before graduating. Of course, I also dreamed that would be my full-time gig. Then I went back to working for an agency, then content creation for another agency, before finally just saying yes to photography and pouring my efforts into growing my photography business from there.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
If you’ve read this far, hey, I’m Meg! I’m the owner of Meg Silva Photography and I’m a Southeast Wedding + Elopement Photographer. I adore working with couples who are free-spirited, wildflowers, and dreamers. Those who want to candidly capture their love story in a unique and creative way. Through my work, I aim to portray a romantic & nostalgic sense of imagery, sharing couples’ stories candidly through visual media.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’m big on taking risks – not that they always pay off.
Instead of accepting a full-time creative role post-grad, I decided to continue looking for other opportunities I was more passionate about. So many people expressed how my first job didn’t have to be my dream job, but I still wasn’t interested in a role that wouldn’t necessarily benefit my long-term career goals. I went from refusing two full-time job offers to trying out another internship with one of my dream agencies. Of course, I always saw how there was wisdom in what my advisors were mentoring me towards, but I definitely don’t regret the path I took to end up where I am today.
After wrapping up my internship, I took the leap to pursue photography full-time, honestly not even knowing if I’d be able to support myself by it. Nevertheless, I’ve been so amazed at the amount of support I’ve received from my friends and family as well as the wedding photography community here in Atlanta as well. I’m so thankful for all the new friendships I’ve made and for all my couples who invite me into their love story and trust me to photograph their special day.
Contact Info:
- Website: megsilvaphotography.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/megsilvaphotography/
- Facebook: facebook.com/megsilvaphotography
