Meet Meagan Getz: Wedding Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Meagan Getz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Meagan, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
Being a small business owner, especially in the wedding photography industry, has taught me a LOT about myself and about running a business. I think one of the most important things I’ve learned that applies to both my personal and professional life is to stop comparing myself to others and focus on being the best photographer and small business owner I can be personally. In the photography industry, there are many shooting styles, personalities, and types of businesses. It can be very easy to fall into the trap of looking at what others are doing and noticing the ways in which we feel that we’re falling short. There’s a fine line between inspiration and imitation, and if we’re not careful, we can see someone that we admire and end up trying to be them instead of focusing on using our own strengths in our businesses. One of the best things we can do for ourselves and our clients is be authentic. We can’t serve our clients well if we’re so focused on trying to be like someone else that we neglect what WE have to offer them. Of course, I have many photographers that I’ve been inspired by and continue to be, but the difference now is that I don’t look at them and think I need to be exactly like them in order to be successful. Figuring out our strengths and utilizing them to the full gets us so much farther than comparing ourselves to others. This is true for anyone, but especially important for us as small business owners, and it’s worth the effort to overcome that habit of comparison. You’ll be so much happier AND a better small business owner all around in the end. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
One thing that sets me apart and that I really value as a wedding photographer is authenticity in photographs. I strive to make sure every client I work with receives a set of photos that is authentic to who they are and helps them remember their wedding day. As I’ve learned more and more about how to be a better photographer, I have learned different ways to do this, and now I have built my entire brand around that. I want to provide my couples with photographs that take them back to that moment and how it felt to be there with all the joy, laughter, and happy tears that accompanied that time in their life. Getting where I am today has not been easy. I’m naturally a quiet person, introverted, and I struggle quite a bit with shyness. Putting myself out there in the way I needed to in order to build my business was, needless to say, a considerable challenge. I knew that I couldn’t serve my clients in the best way possible if I didn’t overcome this, so earlier this year I decided that I was going to invest majorly in my business and learn how to put myself out there more. This needed to happen, no questions asked. Working with my business coach made the biggest difference for me, and she helped me to see all the ways in which I can do this. I won’t say it’s something I’ve completely overcome, but I have really improved and am constantly working to do so even more. Because authenticity is so important to my brand, I want my clients to see that in their interactions with me, too. Openness, honesty, and authenticity will always be things I value and strive for as a wedding photographer and as a person.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As I’ve traveled, I’ve realized how unique Tucson really is, so I would definitely make it a point to show them the desert scenery. I would take them to Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon for a hike, and Mount Lemmon because it’s so peaceful (not to mention 20 degrees cooler than Tucson haha). As far as restaurants go, I have a pretty long list! I love discovering new foods and supporting local restaurants. These are some of my favorites: – Baja Cafe for flavorful, unique breakfast options and fantastic pancakes – Prep & Pastry for brunch and some of my favorite french toast I’ve ever had – Street Taco & Beer Co. for my fave tacos, nachos, and their Street Dog, which is a variation on a Sonoran hot dog Their al pastor and carne asada make my heart happy. – Beyond Bread for some of the best sandwiches and delicious pastries – Jun Dynasty for delicious Chinese food (try the Beef Chow Fun!!) – Pizza Luna because they have the best pizza that I’ve personally tried in Tucson – Casa Molina so they could try some reeeeeeeally good Mexican food- and the tamales taste exactly like my late grandmother’s, so I’m a bit partial to them! – Coffee Times for top notch coffee drinks – Miss Saigon for boba (it’s my weakness haha!) – Eegees, last but not least, because they can’t come to Tucson without trying it! I could keep going but I’ll stop here haha!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I think that, as important as it is to have people that encourage you, it is equally as important to have people that are honest with you and help you see where and how you can improve. I want to give a shoutout to a few people that have helped me grow in this way and get to where I am today. I want to give a huge shoutout to Savannah Meikamp, my business coach who helped me overcome many hurdles to get where I am today in my business. She helped me understand how to utilize my strengths and all of the back-end work that goes into running a photography business. Investing in her courses and one-on-one mentoring this year was easily the best decision I have ever made for my business. I also want to give a shoutout to my family and amazing friends for their never ending support and encouragement. They have always believed that I could accomplish my dream of becoming a wedding photographer, and I am so grateful to them for their constant encouragement that has helped me get where I am today. Finally, I want to give a shoutout to my clients who make this all possible. I wouldn’t be here, able to have a career I love, if it wasn’t for them. Every couple that has entrusted me with their wedding and engagement photographs has helped me get here and I am so thankful for that!

Website: www.meagangetzphotography.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meagangetzphotography
Facebook: www.facebook.com/meagangetzphotography

Image Credits
All images © Meagan Getz Photography