Life & Work with Megan Hannon

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

Hi Megan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story? 
I was going to college to become a Special Education teacher when I got pregnant and dropped out. My husband and I both got jobs, we hated to support our family, and we barely scraped by. After my daughter was born, I borrowed my sister’s camera to start taking photos of her, and I was hooked! I started taking photos of friends’ families, and my sister-in-law and I started a photography business together. We had a friend of a friend ask if we would take photos of their wedding and we charged $250 total for all-day coverage, but I was hooked. I loved the idea of documenting such a special day and connecting with all of the people in attendance, and the rest is history. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has absolutely not been a smooth road, just like I’m sure so many small business owners would say. I have always been so passionate about what I’m doing and have always been a really hard worker, but this little side hobby turned full-time career has been full of ups and downs. I have been filled with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, thoughts of ‘maybe a 9-5 would be easier’ and so much more, even still. I think sometimes we can portray a really glamorous life as an entrepreneur, and while I’m 100% certain this is what I’m meant to do, it can still be very challenging at times. Owning a business that relies on large events during a global pandemic was very scary at times, but I’m so grateful that it’s stood the test of time. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a wedding photographer, and my heart and soul is to tell a beautiful story that is emotion-filled and genuine. I’m not one that wants to spend her days copying Pinterest boards, but one that will take the time to genuinely connect with each of her couples to be able to allow us all the gift of being present in the moment and actually creating memories instead of imitating experiences. I think there is so much beauty in this life and I want to help my couples to feel comfortable enough to let their guards down and be photographed connecting with the people that mean the most to them in their life. I am most proud of the experience that I provide because anyone can learn to take a great photo and then have that be what they feel proud of. I truly love the relationships that I’ve built with so many people through this job and the fact that oftentimes, it doesn’t feel like a job at all. I am so grateful that I love what I do so much. 

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice for finding a mentor or networking is to put yourself out there! I really struggle to do this, myself and oftentimes feel really intimidated in networking situations, but I’ve found that if I lead with authenticity, I can make genuine connections. There is so much more that connects us as small business owners or creatives or entrepreneurs, or even people, and I think it’s important to truly believe that over any fear that we may have as an individual. We can learn so much from our community, and there is such power in building connections with like-minded creatives as oppose to having a competitive mindset. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.meganhannonphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganhannonphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meganhannonphotography

Image Credits
Megan Hannon Photography
Emily Furney Photography