Rising Stars: Meet Meg Stautberg of Greenville, SC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Meg Stautberg.

Hi Meg, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a creative eye and a love for the way photos and videos can freeze a moment in time. I started taking pictures long before I ever thought of it as a career. Mostly for fun, documenting my friends, family, and little slices of everyday life that felt worth remembering.

My path into weddings happened somewhat by chance. A few friends from college asked me to film their wedding video, and that day completely shifted my perspective. I realized how much I loved not just documenting moments, but telling stories. Stories that carry meaning, emotion, and a sense of place. From there, I slowly started saying yes to more weddings, learning through experience, and refining my approach along the way.

Over time, Meg Silva Photography became more than just a creative outlet. It became a brand built around storytelling and human connection, capturing photographs that feel like memory, not performance. I’m proud of how far it’s come, and even more grateful for the people who’ve trusted me to tell their stories along the way.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but I think that’s true for most creative paths. When I moved from Atlanta to Greenville, I had to start from scratch in a lot of ways: building new relationships, finding my footing in a new market, and learning how to make myself known in a place where no one really knew my work yet. It was humbling, but it pushed me to get out there, connect with other creatives, and really lean into community over competition.

At the same time, I was in a season of refining my craft with updating equipment, experimenting with new workflows, and figuring out how to elevate my work without losing the heart of it. There’s a constant balance between creative growth and business logistics, and I’ve learned to see both as equally important parts of the process.

Every challenge has made me sharper and more grounded in why I do this, to tell stories that last and to create work that feels timeless, no matter where I’m based.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in wedding photography and videography, documenting stories that feel honest, intentional, and full of emotion. My work focuses on preserving the feeling of being fully present in a moment that will never happen again. Whether it’s a quiet exchange of vows or the energy of a packed dance floor, I want my couples to look back and remember what it felt like to be there, not just what it looked like.

While weddings are the heart of what I do, I’ve also developed a love for storytelling through brand photo and video work, helping businesses translate their vision and personality into imagery that feels elevated and personal. I plan to step more intentionally into that side of the industry in 2026, expanding my work to include lifestyle and brand storytelling alongside weddings.

What sets my work apart is the balance between composed direction and genuine emotion. I guide my clients just enough to make them feel comfortable, but never so much that it feels staged. I’m most proud of that – the ability to connect deeply with people and create photographs that feel timeless, true, and emotionally rich.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that there’s room for everyone in this craft. We all bring something different to the table. Our own eye, our own story, our own way of connecting with people, that’s what makes this industry so special.

Because of that, I really believe in mentorship and community over competition. Don’t be afraid to cheer on or guide the person next to you. There’s space for everyone to grow, and growth doesn’t have to look the same for all of us.

I’ve learned that it’s also okay to change direction when something new excites you. I started out doing a bit of everything, then niched down to weddings, and now I’m expanding again with leaning back into video work and brand storytelling. The creative journey isn’t meant to stay static; it evolves as we do.

Pricing:

• Wedding Photography starts at $4k and includes up to 8 hours of coverage with a second photographer
• Wedding Videography starts at $2k for up to 8 hours of coverage
• Branding Sessions start at $500

Contact Info:

• Website: https://megsilvaphotography.com
• Instagram: @megsilvaphotog