DWF – Let’s start off with a little bio, tell us a little bit about yourself.
MEGHAN AILEEN -I am originally from the east coast. My degree is in illustration, I have been married for 3 years, we have 2 rescued dogs and like outdoor activities. I worked in the world of entertainment, doing commercial art for several years before choosing what I do now. I worked for Nickelodeon, Sony, and even Playboy doing design and illustration. I had always done photography as a hobby and to as part of my design work, until I decided to make it my main business in late 2006.
DWF – How did you become a photographer?
MEGHAN AILEEN - When I was looking for my own wedding photographer, I found myself staying up late at night to look at people’s work, I mean unusually drawn to looking at the talent that is out there. I had no idea that wedding photography could be so creative and unusual. I was captivated by the idea of documenting the start of a new family as well as all the generations coming together and of course the gorgeous details and style! I have always been an entrepreneur at heart and never worked well for others so I knew starting my own business was the best thing for me. I feel that my experience with design, as well as many jobs that require people skills prepared me well for running my business. I was able to keep some of the start up costs down as well by being able to design all my marketing materials. I also found my skills in Photoshop useful when I made mistakes with exposure in the beginning!
DWF- Who or what inspires you as an artist?
MEGHAN AILEEN - My illustration work was inspired by very moody landscapes and I find that the same style inspires my photography. I love to incorporate the landscape in my images as much as possible and I feel that the moodiness I am drawn to translates well into a feel of romance. I do have a soft spot for the nostalgia of the vintage style. I grew up in a little town in NJ with very historic buildings and have always loved history. Adding that bit of nostalgia to my images I feel hits a spot in people’s hearts. Not everyone of course, but for my clients it really does.
DWF- If we needed a photographer today why would we book you? What makes you unique?
MEGHAN AILEEN - My clients tell me that the way I incorporate the landscape, romantic poses, and combination of classic and modern style with a vintage feel is what draws them to my work. I spend a lot of time on each wedding and I think that shows to them and makes a difference. One of my favorite new things to do is what I call the “Concept Bridal”. It is like a day after or trash the dress but with more of a concept and less trashing…more editorial I suppose. My clients love it so far and I have several booked for future weddings.
DWF- If you had to pick a favorite “Tool of the Trade” what would it be? and why?
MEGHAN AILEEN -I LOVE my 50mm 1.2, it is one of my favorite lenses. It is the first Canon lens I bought and I just fell in love! The color, depth and ethereal feel it can create is just wonderful for me.
DWF – Care to share your favorite photographs?
MEGHAN AILEEN - This one is one of my concept bridal sessions. I love the contrast between the burnt trees and her softness.
This shoot for Huntington Library and Gardens is meant to have a painterly quality
This shoot for Huntington Library and Gardens is meant to have a painterly quality
I wanted to make the cactus have a softer feel in this one to compliment her soft skin. I framed it to be all about color!
(see the gallery below for larger version)
DWF – How about some final words to live by?
MEGHAN AILEEN- Try to educate our clients without getting annoyed with them. Structure your business however needed to not get burnt out, it is very dangerous to not love what you do any more in this business I think. So doing projects you love and having boundaries for work hours is really important I think. Not that I have that figured out! It is a constant struggle!
Location – Los Angeles, CA
Business Name – Meghan Aileen Photography
Websites - www.meghanaileen.com
Blog - www.megfotojournal.com
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11 Comments at "Commercial Artist Turned Photographer Meghan Aileen"
I never think of cactus having so many colors. I really like that last image, sweet- warm- cute- . I like your editing a lot.
I bet coming from the job as illustrator, that has helped form your style a lot.
Congrats on being featured, Meghan! You know I’m a fan of your stuff.
Not only am I a fan of Meghan’s work, I am lucky enough to call her a friend! You are amazing. Congrats on being featured
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GORGEOUS work, Meghan!
Amazing work. I’m a bug fan!
,..] http://www.digitalweddingforum.com is other relavant source on this issue,..]
These are amazing photo’s. Which designer are these dresses by??????
Hi!
I was reading your forum for a long time now and just thought I might wanna get an profile here and comment once in a while.
OMG…they are so fabulous…i mean….look at them…they are awesome…dresses…oh god…marvelous!!
I am lucky enough to know Meghan and have gone to high school with her in NJ and she was talented then and it shows even more today! She photographed my younger sister’s wedding and she will hopefully be photographing mine next year…I cannot say enough wonderful things about her or her work!
Liesl
Bless you, this class happens to be interested in such a things!
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