Dearest Supporters & Clients

Dearest Supporters & Clients,

I have failed you. 

       Miserably. 

And I am, from the deepest parts of my heart, sorry. 

When I began this company last April I knew that it was going to be hard work. I'm not afraid of hard work. In fact, I eagerly welcome it with a ravenous desire to grow. However, I did not realize the gravity of not having an at home support group. I did not take into account that people in whom I thought would have my back and support would eventually just admit to not having it anymore. That people would openly say that they did not agree with my fervor hope to own a successful photography business; but more importantly to cultivate my art. 

When I lost that support things became extremely difficult to keep up with. And to be straightforward with all of you some serious changes happened to me last summer in my immediate family that would affect the remaining year and my business. 

I am now a single mom to four beautiful children. I do not have steady income { I am fervently job searching, need a waitress? I'm your gal! } and it seems that the Lord is throwing tests at me faster than I can pick up the pencil to take them. 

But I still am chasing this dream with an expectancy that one day it will give me means enough to support my family and to also impact the world. Because I am not just your average lifestyle photographer. I desire to be a world changer; and I wan to use my lens to do it. 

You will see a change in this business throughout this year; a new name, a new fresh look. With all of these challenges and changes sometimes you have to go radical and bold. I'm not afraid to do that, and I understand that is necessary. 

So, with that said, I ask for your forgiveness. Will you extend me grace? I know I am undeserving because at times I have been unprofessional, not prompt in my deadlines and in response to leads, but my goal for 2015 is to grow in leadership and as a small business owner. I will find mentors; I will ask for help; I will drink more espresso { win for me! } and stay up late into the night to get things done. I will work with you and we will create art together; if you will give me redemptive grace. 

From one small, community business owner, who has failed but wants to be redeemed I am offering 10% off any Mini Session or Family/Lifestyle Session throughout the entire month of February. Use code redeemed15 to get your discount. 

Visit my website at Meg Martino Photography to find out more information on me and the company. To book a session check out the packages at the above link and then email me for more information and booking availability. 

Sincerely,

Meg Martino 

The Group Shot

Yesterday something incredible happened for me. To be quite honest I don't know how I'm going to make it through this blog post without tears flowing freely. You see, this is what happens to the passionate. This is what happens to those who are so enthusiastic about something that they throw themselves forward, fully, into it. You put your soul into it, not just your flesh.

When I started my photography journey five months ago I knew that I needed lots of practice, lots of technical training, and models to get me through this journey. Models are important because if willing they will allow you to shoot them regularly so you can learn functions, poses, lighting, etc. I wanted to be the one to choose each of my models, very specifically, so that I could get diversity and different looks. I wasn't looking for perfect bodies, perfect hair, skin.....I was looking for personality. I was looking for individuals willing to let me pose them in awkward poses and also have a great time.

In essence I was looking for a group of people that would help me grow, stretch me, and support me. My first model was Brittany. She was incredible. She gave me a sense of empowerment. I wanted to work with both men and women so I had my eyes on a male model too. Mr. Ben. I love working with men in particular because they are more laid back and carefree. Ben was so gracious with me because when we did our first shoot I was honest and said, "So Benjamin, I've never worked with a male model. Help me learn how to pose you and your body." He did help me, tremendously and by our second shoot he was a pro!

Slowly I added in others. Michael came next. Grace has always been a model for me (that's my teenager, yo!). Than came Evan and his wonderful personality and lastly my newest model Meghan and her gorgeous face.

But last night was more to me than just my models and I getting together. The wonderful, amazing and talented Matt Vivanco of Matt Vivanco Photography came to join us on this shoot. Matt and I met at the Purple Stride race several weeks ago and instantly hit it off. After seeing his work and portfolio I knew I wanted to learn from him. He is an incredible teacher. It's a gift, truly. He taught me so much in one night and was very gracious in doing it. He went step by step explaining new techniques to me slowly so that I could absorb it all quickly.

I am like a sponge when I learn. I wake up daily with a constant sense of newness, of the thought that, "I'm a beginner today; what more can I learn?" It keeps me humble and it also keeps me passionate to learn more. To grow. To stretch.

Towards the end of this shoot I had all my models line back up on the stairs. I told Matt that I really wanted to get one of me in the center of them. I loved the way they were posed and just wanted to be surrounded by them and have a photo of it.

While I was sitting there, watching Matt adjust lighting this overwhelming sense of joy just came over me. This feeling of being loved by these people, supported by these folks, and that these 6 people have taught me so much about myself. They encouraged me. Loved on me. Helped me through moments of anxiousness and nervousness. They've become some of my very best friends.

Sitting there I started thinking of those precious moments throughout the evenings shoot when a model would come up, place their hands around my shoulders and say, "You are doing so great Meg. I can see you growing and learning. You are so passionate." Others laughing, telling me that they've always enjoyed working with me. Bringing these 6 people together, some who had never met the others, and it was like we had always all been family.

Before I knew it, I'm getting emotional. I'm crying. Matt caught the perfect moment and even though my passion may never be understood by another and how it can move me to such raw emotion; I have this moment in a photograph and I get to keep it forever. Leaving this shoot I started getting texts from some of them, "You did an amazing job tonight!" and also, "Thank you so much for inviting me! I have an incredible photographer."

I am so grateful to Matt for being willing to impart wisdom. And more importantly I am so thankful to each and everyone of these models for helping me to grow into the woman I am, right now. The photographer that I am. God is so good to me to bring these people into my life and I am eternally grateful.

Kelly - Maternity & Family

 Meet Kelly.

Momma to one with one on the way. She's a beautiful, strong, intelligent woman and I was honored that she asked me to do her photographs. She wanted a more urban type feel and so I thought the downtown Kannapolis location would be perfect for her. It would give a subtle feel of city with a beautiful mix of country. The location was perfect for her family.

Kelly is also gorgeous (pregnant or not). Throughout our shoot I talked to her about possibly doing some modeling after she had her baby. I meant every word. Her facial features and natural slim physique is exactly what I am looking for in my newest female model.

Her husband was so patient. He is one of the best male clients I've ever worked with. He didn't fuss at his wife or daughter and let me pose him or did anything I asked. Because I specialize in lifestyle he was comfortable just being himself, walking with his expectant wife and his sweet daughter and letting me snap away.

I'm exited to announce that Jase has arrived, is healthy and ready for his first professional photographs. I will be photographing him within this week. I am so excited to see this precious little boy! Thank you Kelly for this amazing experience!

Support The Locals

Sweet Sophia

My schedule is beyond booked. I wake up at 5:30am during the school year, get myself dressed, grab a cup of coffee and than wrangle the four kids that need to be up and ready for the day. Take them to school, workout, and then really get ready for my day.

In between snuggles, whines, and housework I am editing, calling clients, returning e-mails. On rare days when my hubby is off/home (he travels a lot for work) I sneak away for several hours to do editing in a kid free zone (aka Starbucks or Panera). After picking up all of my children I head home to start dinner and our afternoon/night time routine.

Throughout this day I have gotten maybe 10 photographs edited. Maybe returned half an e-mail, and possibly completed a Christmas mini marketing file. When I'm at home it's almost completely impossible to focus solely on work because my little's need tending too (no regrets there).

After dinner, baths, prayer time, and bed time I grab more coffee after completing a load of laundry and edit. I work on both house work and editing/business related work until 2am (or later, darn insomnia) and than have to re-do the entire routine.

This does NOT include time away for photo shoots, ministry related events/meetings, and most of my weekends are spent photographing or volunteering. 

I'm a small business owner, mother, guardian, wife and friend.....and it sucks trying to get people to take me seriously.

When I started this business four months ago I did it because I love photography. I love offering a service to someone and they can keep that final product, forever. I haven't worked in four years and here I was throwing myself in hardcore to a business and passion adventure that would take so much time in between everything else I was already involved in. I don't regret it. I'm just surprised at the amount of people that do not see what I do as a "real living" or a real "career."

So, for those who aren't small business owners (because, I can't believe it still, that is what I am) lets talk a few points on what we are and aren't and what you probably shouldn't say.

1. Please do not dis-include me in the working field because I work for myself. 

So many times I will be in a group of woman, mainly working moms, who will be complaining about their situations. I often here, "You just don't know how hard it is to juggle everything. I work 40 hours a week, have two kids, and a house to keep orderly."

Um. Last time I checked I'm doing the same thing.

Just because I sign my own paycheck and can work my schedule 100% around my children doesn't mean I am any less of a working mom. I work really hard. I take everything I do seriously and give 100%. I know the struggle of having to juggle and balance it all. Not just that but I also know the struggle of having a spouse who travels 75% of the time for work. I do it alone, a lot, and I don't complain about it. I just....get it done.

2. Please don't discount me because I don't make a certain amount of money each month, or because I do volunteer and model work. 

60% of my work currently is either non-paid or volunteer work. Why? Well one it's because I'm new. The photography industry is a fast paced, high stress, high competitor field. I can google photographers in Charlotte and no for certain my name will not be on any of the front pages. My business is grown through word of mouth, lots of social media, and lots of hard work.

It sucks to pay out more for your business than you put in; but it's still just that, a business. I still am working. I still am pushing product out, and I'm constantly growing.

3. PLEASE do not ask me for free product.

Volunteering at Freedom House

Unless I offer it to you as a free service or volunteer opportunity I'm not going to just give you a free photo shoot. The first month I started my pricing was $50 for an hour shoot. You'd be surprised at HOW MANY people tried to bring me down to barely nothing. The gas, time editing, and prop supplies is worth much more than $50. I am not going to be taken advantage of just because I'm nice.

4. Support locally owned businesses because it creates community, creativity in community, and creates jobs.

Yes, if you support your locally owned business (whether they are photography businesses, florist, coffee shops, etc) you are supporting the opportunity for growth in your own backyard. Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.

If I were to have the support and financial profit in my own community I could hire on assistants, photographers, and grow. Without the communities, friends, and family support I could not do this.

5. Local business owners GIVE more. 

Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses. Why? I truly believe it's because we know the importance of non-profit organizations and have had to work much harder to have what we do because it wasn't just handed to us. If you want to see volunteer organizations and non-profits grow, than support your local small business owner.

6. Speak encouragement into your local business owner. 

Even if you were never to use my services sharing a photo on your timeline on facebook, re-posting an instagram photo, or even just "liking" and "commenting" on a photo will encourage my business pages to grow and connect me to potential clients. You may not need a certain service but you can be the person that provides income from another source. Don't discount a simple click of a button.

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Overall don't knock our spirits. We are hard working people, with possibly high profitable businesses and we want the same opportunity as large businesses. We want the opportunity to grow not only our communities but our creativity and bring a uniqueness and closeness to our communities that might not otherwise happen if large companies come in and take over. We need a good mix of both for growth and just want to be accepted.

Being a local, think locally first!

Happy Four Months

Wow. I'm here. It's here. Four months into this wild, crazy, adventurous story of becoming a photographer. A legit photographer. The kind that actually makes, ((gulp)), money. But that's not just it. There is a certain high I get when I take a good photograph. There is a high that I get when I work with a model, and I'm posing them and they feel good about themselves because even though they may not feel like they are good looking or attractive, they see the photograph and they see themselves in a new life.

That's just it. I can take good photographs all day. But it's the people behind the lens that makes those photographs come to life. Not kidding. I don't just say that to be humble, I say that because it's true. My subjects, the people I get to meet, they are wonderful. They make my job so fun, even in the stressful times.

So here we are. Here I am. Four months since I've started this business and I've never been happier. There have been so many bumps in the road. So many scary moments and times where I wanted to give up. I wanted to share just a few short snippets of what I've learned on this journey of following my dream. That's what I am doing and you can do it too.

Lesson 1: Don't doubt yourself.

The minute I hit "go" on my facebook page for Meg Martino Photography I started to doubt. "My work isn't good enough. Look at the coloring. I can't do this. It's too much." Stop. Just stop. If you don't push yourself, IF YOU don't encourage yourself, no one else will.

I had people tell me that what I was doing wasn't a "real job." That because I wasn't bringing in a certain amount of money on a regular basis (yet) that I needed to get a full-time job. I needed to do "my part" in bringing in an income for my family. This was my dream and I was doubting what I could be with it, what I could do, because of others opinions.

Don't doubt. Push yourself. You will need to grow, but growth is part of the process.

Lesson 2: Pass it along

Don't hoard your knowledge. I'm always taking interns. Currently Grace, my baby sister/baby bear of our family, is my intern. If I were to die tomorrow could my legacy go on? Could the knowledge and ideas in my head be put into action? If not, you aren't doing your part as a leader.

Lesson 3: Step outside of your comfort zone

I am so comfortable behind the camera. Like I said earlier, I get this feeling. I feel so happy, so content. I see the world differently. I see colors differently. I feel free. NO one judges me behind the camera. No one laughs at me, no one asks me to be different. They see me as an artist, as a working woman, as a mom, as an independent and beautifully creative woman.

But sometimes, we have to step out of our comfort zone. I had to do this when I got out from behind the lens and stepped in front of it. I have to grow.

Lesson 4: Be unique. Create your own style. Be You.

Why do I photograph people of all ages, races, and sizes? Because I don't want to be the same. Sorry, not sorry, to say that the "fake" look doesn't appeal to me. I don't just want woman who are skinny with perfect breasts and butts. I don't want just men with perfectly shaved beards and a six pack. I want real. I want life. I want relate ability.

I have my own style. I have my own ideas and my own thoughts and because I don't want to be a photographer who just snaps portraits, I will create and develop my own style. Do the same for you. Whatever you are doing right now, whatever dream you are pursuing, be you.

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So where is Meg Martino Photography at right now? I'm working on two big projects. One is a creative piece where I will re-create at least a dozen of the Grimm Fairy Tales. Throughout the fall and even into the winter I will photograph different models in these stories adding my own personal style.

I'm also now doing Humans Of Charlotte. This is a spin off the famous Humans of New York and will feature dozens of stories each week of people in and around the Charlotte area. Why? Because I love people. I have no fear and I'm bold and I want to use my talents.

Follow me? Come with me? This journey rocks.