On embracing your artistic roots and putting people first
with Meg Smith, Photographer
Capturing intimate moments of beauty and joy, photographer Meg Smith comes from a long lineage of visual artists in her family. And, it’s a legacy she feels really privileged to continue. Meg has captured the most remarkable celebrations from Napa Valley to New York and exclusive destinations around the globe. So, having her with us is a real treat. During this episode of End of the Night, Meg kindly pulls back the curtain to show us what it’s really like photographing a wedding where there are so many human dynamics at play, and what gets her up in the morning to continue creating.
“My inspiration goes back to my parents’ wedding album. They got married at the Hotel Bellaire in Beverly Hills in 1969. It was photographed by this really cool Hollywood photographer who had photographed my mom’s entire upbringing, and it was sort of everything I aspired for my photography to be; candid – in the moment – energetic – classic – artistic – creative.”
Which brings us to a deeper discussion on what it means to create an heirloom-style experience and a product that matches that for clients.
Meg was able to perfectly contextualize the role we, as professionals, play in architecting a celebration for our clients. We caught ourselves in a bit of a daydream and agreed that even from the first time we speak with clients, we both envision what their day may look and feel like on a cerebral level. “Like I’m in both places sometimes at once.” said Meg.
But how does she prioritize what to actually capture, when there’s so much unfolding in the moment?
“I always put people first. And I know that’s perhaps not perhaps the most popular answer – um- for a planner to hear, but, I just know that at the end of the day, that’s what they truly care the most about.” she explains. And, if I’m being honest, totally agree.
Tune in here, Spotify or Apple Podcasts to hear about some cringe-worthy moments Meg has caught on camera and her must-read list of books that may spark a renewed appreciation for creation, connection and more below:
- Vivian Maier – A Photographer Found
- Looking at Photographs – 100 Pictures from the Museum of Modern Art by John Szarkowski
- NOMA – Time and Place in Nordic Cuisine by Rene Redzepi
- The Artists Way – Julia Cameron
- On Love – Alain De Botton
- Conscious Loving, The Journey to Co-Commitment – Gay Hendricks PhD & Kathlyn Hendricks PhD
- How to Get Married – The Wedding Ceremony And What Comes Before, And After – The School of Life
- The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work – John Gottman PhD
- Passionate Marriage – David Schnarch PhD
- Light on Yoga – BKS Iyengar
- Bringing Yoga to Life – Donna Farhi
Follow Meg and all her work on Instagram at @megsmithphotography and also her rep, Lisa Ashley of The Wedding Artists Co @theweddingartistsco – who I’ll be chatting with in the next episode of End of the Night podcast. Meg’s work can also be found on her website at www.megsmith.com
