An Inspired Chat with Meghan Rae

Meghan Rae shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Meghan, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Aside from doing the job I love as a full-time photographer, I’m a stay-at-home mom to my 8-month-old baby. This season of life is the most exhausting and the most rewarding all at once. There are sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and moments when I feel like I have nothing left to give. Then there are the gummy smiles, the little giggles, and the milestones that take my breath away. Watching my baby grow, learn, and discover the world reminds me daily of how precious and fleeting this time is. It’s a kind of joy that’s deep, grounding, and unlike anything I’ve ever known.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Meghan, the face behind Meghan Rae Photo. My journey with photography began straight out of the womb, and after graduating in 2016, I never put my camera down. I’m completely self-taught, which means I’ve built my brand from the ground up by designing my own website, running my social media, and even managing my own ads. My business was originally called MRS Photography (named after my initials), but I recently rebranded to Meghan Rae Photo to make it easier for clients to find me and connect with my work.

I’m a lover of all things creative and cozy. I have two dogs and a cat, and in the past I’ve been lucky enough to own some more unique pets like a hedgehog and geckos. I’m also a big coffee enthusiast, which helps fuel both my editing marathons and my mom life.

Right now, I’m focused on growing my clientele and reaching a larger audience, with a special love for capturing the stories of mothers, families, and couples. The photography industry is a competitive space, but it pushes me to keep learning, creating, and finding new ways to connect with people through my lens. For me, photography isn’t just about taking pictures. It’s about capturing moments that captivate the heart. A standstill in time with a beautiful story behind every photograph.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was simply myself; curious, creative, and full of dreams, without the weight of comparison or expectation. The digital age is both powerful and scary. The internet shows every side of humanity, and sometimes sides that don’t feel human at all. It’s easy to get lost in the noise and feel like we have to fit into a mold that was never meant for us. But the truth is, the internet doesn’t define who we are. We define who we are. Every day, we have a choice to stay strong, to stay true to ourselves, and to keep becoming the best version of who we were meant to be and not just for our own sake, but for the people whose lives we touch.

For me, that has meant holding on to my humility, my caring nature, and the values that have guided me since the beginning. No matter how much the world changes, I want to remain grounded in kindness, compassion, and authenticity.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have definitely been moments I’ve felt like giving up. The photography industry is competitive, and in today’s world, many families and couples are facing financial challenges, which naturally means photography isn’t always at the top of their list. There have been slower seasons that tested my patience and my perseverance.

But I’ve never wanted to compromise who I am or why I started. Instead, I’ve used those quiet times to grow my skills, dream up new ideas, and connect more deeply with the clients I do have. Every season, busy or slow, reminds me that this career is about so much more than bookings; it’s about creating something meaningful and staying true to the heart behind the work.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the photography industry is that you need the latest and most expensive equipment to create beautiful work. While good gear can help, it’s the vision, creativity, and connection with your subject that truly make a photograph special.

Another common misconception is that photography is purely about innate talent or that formal education and training don’t matter. I believe talent is just the starting point. Growth comes from constant learning, practice, and pushing yourself creatively.

There’s also this idea that stunning photos can only be taken in faraway, visually spectacular places. Some of my favorite images have been captured in the most ordinary settings, simply because the emotion, lighting, and story were right. At its heart, photography isn’t about the tools or the backdrop. It’s about the perspective and heart of the person behind the camera.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days. 
I have those ‘tap-dancing to work’ moments all the time. In fact, with every single client I work with, there’s always at least one shot that makes my heart skip a beat, the moment I just know I’ve captured something magical. It’s that instant rush of, ‘Yes! This is the one!’ and suddenly I’m grinning behind my camera, trying not to squeal. Sometimes I even do a little happy dance right then and there, because I can’t believe I just froze that perfect, one-of-a-kind moment in time. Those little bursts of joy are what keep me endlessly excited about what I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.meghanraephoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghanraephoto?igsh=MWxjZGxxNXB1aGR5Mw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16gDVu9EMi/?mibextid=wwXIfr