Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Dougherty.
Megan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve been a photographer for almost 11 years and I love what I get to call my career! I truly enjoy meeting the people that come into my life because of photography.
As I was growing up, models, actors, entertainers, musicians and makeup artists were scattered throughout the years of my life. Most nights I would be in the darkroom with my dad (Brian Dougherty, of Dougherty Photographics) as he developed the days’ worth of film and I would help him move prints from chemical trays. My dad loved photography, and it was his world.
I was home-schooled by my mother for middle and high school, and then attended the Atlanta College of Art where I studied graphic design. After working in graphic design for a couple of years, I realized I liked photography way more. After a few different jobs, I decided to start my own business shooting acting headshots.
Atlanta, Georgia is a multi-billion dollar film industry, and is #1 in the world for film production (2017)! We have so many shows and movies filming here all the time, and I’m so happy to be a part of it! I have seen the industry grow by leaps and bounds over the years. Since I am an Atlanta native, I’m really proud to be a part of the film and entertainment industry in my home state!
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t always been easy. There are many late nights, and there is always something that needs to be done. When you work for yourself, most of the time everything just falls on you. I design all my marketing materials, and my websites as well. Then there is social media posting that needs to be done on top of all the routine client work. I have always been able to manage my time well, and it has really helped me in this business. I work on tight deadlines for my clients and always deliver when I said I would.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am an established and highly recommended studio for actors, entertainers, models and individuals.
I am a full time photographer, and a proud member of Professional Photographers of America (PPA). I love working one on one with my clients, getting to know them and bringing out the best in them. I enjoy working with actors who are serious about their careers, and strive to give you headshots that get you noticed! I am a preferred photographer of many of the top agencies and know what they like to see for their talent. I also enjoy shooting corporate headshots, beauty, fashion, and family portraits. I’ve been published and worked with best-selling authors, Grammy winning singers, government officials and well-known actors.
The studio is a comfortable environment, and we try our best to keep the atmosphere calm and relaxed during your session. This allows for clients to feel at ease and give great expressions.
My philosophy while shooting is that it’s better to fix it right then than to make extra work for both of us later! I allow plenty of time for our shoot, and I never want my clients to feel rushed or hurried. Before we start shooting, I will look over your clothes and we will discuss what type of shots you need. This helps me capture exactly what you want to come across in your photos.
I love getting to know different people and their stories, I believe we are all unique and have a purpose, you just have to find it. I always try to treat my clients how I would want to be treated. If I can help people along the path that they chose, whether it is acting, modeling, public speaking, music, or writing books, or even through family portraits then I am happy! I absolutely love showing my clients how great they can look, and giving them headshots that can open doors for them, or capturing memories of their kids. There is nothing I get more joy out of than capturing photos that make my clients happy.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Atlanta is a wonderful city. I am a Georgia native, and as I was growing up I always thought other cities were better. As I’ve become an adult though, I have realized how multi-cultural and special Atlanta is. It has so many wonderful things happening here and it just keeps on growing. I’m proud to be from here and am very happy to be raising my own family here!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.megan.photo
- Phone: 770-309-8711
- Email: megan919@gmail.com
- Instagram: @megansimage
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megansimage/
Image Credit:
Megan Dougherty Photography
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