Hidden Gems: Meet Megan Decker of Megan Rae Photography

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

Hi Megan, 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?
The first time I picked up a camera was when I was about 12 years old, on a summer afternoon at my Nana’s house. We spent the day digging through boxes filled with old family photographs. My Nana told me stories of her childhood and I got to relive those cherished moments with her. She explained to me that photos have a way of connecting us to our past and defining who we are and where we came from. She then gave me her old 35mm camera. That was the moment that ignited my love of photography and a desire to create timeless images. I am so grateful that I get to do what I love, perfectly preserving moments that will last longer that our days on earth and be treasured by future loved ones.

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?
I have found that the most challenging part of being a self-employed photographer is that it can easily take over your life. Working from home can blur the line of work and personal time. It was so important to me to keep a dedicated work schedule so that I can make time for family and friends too. Not to say that I don’t find myself answering emails long after my son has gone to bed or editing galleries while on vacation but as a small business owner you wear many hats. When you are the official photographer, marketing director, accountant, social media manager and so much more, there is never a dull moment or a lack of work. It’s a balancing act I am still perfecting but as a wife and a mother my family is the most important thing to me.

As you know, we’re big fans of Megan Rae Photography. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am a born and raised Arizona based photographer particularly focused on weddings and elopements. I love what I do whether I am capturing images locally, in the valley of the sun or traveling to some other breath taking locations in our beautifully diverse state. I feel so blessed that my work has taken me on some pretty incredible adventures. I have climbed, quite literally, to the vortex on top of Cathedral Rock in Sedona. I have stood at the edge of the awe-inspiring vistas of the Grand Canyon and I have ventured to Joshua Tree for a bohemian dream elopement. I have explored the golden windswept sand dunes of Glamis to capture a sunset engagement session. Where ever you want to say “I do” my lens and I will follow. There really isn’t anywhere I wouldn’t consider going. In the fall I will be whisked away on a 7 day cruise around the Caribbean to capture a romantic elopement with two of the most fun loving and adventurous clients a girl could ask for. While traveling to beautiful locations is amazing, the most gratifying thing about what I get to do is witness this legacy moments of people that are deeply in love!!

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice for any photographers just starting out is to be patient and most importantly be persistent. It takes time to be good at photography. It takes time to be good at marketing. It takes time to really figure out how to effectively run your business so be kind to yourself while you figure out what works best for you. Secondly, put yourself out there to meet other creatives and small business owners. Especially other business where you can cross promote each other and do collaborations. I personally love the process of creating stylized shoots with other local entrepreneurs. It is such an inspiring experience and I love the energy that is shared during a collaboration.

Pricing:

• Wedding packages starting at $2,100
• Elopements starting at $800
• 1 hr portrait sessions $350

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: meganraephotography.com
• Instagram: @meganraedeckerphotos
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeganRaeDeckerPhotos
• Other: https://g.page/r/CSLxpOBgZZryEAE