We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Megan Ruffing a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Megan, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
In situations where I find myself as the only person who ‘looks like me’ in a room, I’ve learned to approach it with a perspective that empowers me. I genuinely believe that God puts me in this ‘room’ for a reason. It might be a chance for me to share my story, offer a different perspective, or simply be a source of encouragement and kindness to someone who might need it. He might also be placing me in that room to teach me something, challenge me, have me meet someone to inspire myself. My agriculture roots play a role too; they’ve shown me how shared passions can bridge gaps between diverse backgrounds.
My belief is rooted in the understanding that every individual’s story carries a unique value, and sometimes, I might be the one to share a perspective, a narrative, or an insight that could resonate deeply with someone else in the room. This realization guides me to embrace such situations with authenticity and openness, knowing that my presence might offer a different viewpoint or touch someone’s life in a meaningful way.
Equally, I see these instances as occasions to connect with others who could be instrumental in my journey. Whether it’s exchanging ideas, forming partnerships, or finding mentors, these encounters have the potential to propel me forward in unexpected and exciting ways.
Ultimately, I’ve learned that being effective and successful in such scenarios is about embracing my faith and uniqueness and the role it plays in shaping my interactions. My belief that every individual’s path intersects for a reason gives me the confidence to engage, contribute, and learn. By recognizing that my story and experiences hold value, I can navigate these situations with a sense of purpose and the potential to leave a positive impact.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself and share more about my business with your readers. I embarked on my journey in the photography industry as a livestock photographer, traveling the United States to capture the hard work and memories of 4-H and FFA families. However, when my kidney condition resurfaced, I made a conscious decision to transition my focus to portrait and wedding photography, allowing me to remain closer to home while pursuing my passion.
Over time, my photography business has evolved into a thriving business that specializes in a wide range of services. From weddings and family photos to senior portraits and more, I strive to capture the uniqueness of each individual and milestone. I am deeply committed to delivering exceptional photography experiences that go beyond just capturing images, but also evoke emotions, tell stories, and create lasting memories.
What truly sets me apart in this industry is not only my photos, but also my kindness, dedication, and drive to serve my clients. I take pride in going the extra mile to ensure their needs are met and their expectations are exceeded. Whether it’s bustling a dress, pinning boutonnieres, or providing guidance and support throughout the wedding planning process, I am there to assist and support my clients in any way I can.
One aspect of my work that I am particularly proud of is my commitment to preserving true-to-life colors in my photographs. Unlike the prevalent trend of applying a “brown edit” to images, I believe in representing the genuine colors that were present on your wedding day. This attention to detail allows the skin, dress, and flowers to accurately reflect their vibrant and authentic hues, creating a timeless representation of the special moments captured.
Above all, I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my brand represents not just a business, but a deep passion for photography and a sincere desire to create meaningful connections. My approach is characterized by kindness, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to capturing the essence and emotions that make each moment special. By choosing me as their photographer, clients can expect a personalized, attentive, and stress-free experience that will result in photographs they will treasure for a lifetime.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, there are three qualities that stand out as truly impactful in shaping my path. Firstly, having remarkable mentors has been an invaluable asset. Their guidance, insights, and willingness to share their expertise have provided me with priceless lessons and shortcuts to success.
Secondly, my strong work ethic has roots in my early days of showing livestock in 4-H. The discipline and dedication I learned back then translated seamlessly into my professional endeavors. This experience instilled in me the understanding that hard work, commitment, and attention to detail are the bedrock of any achievement.
Thirdly, my unwavering determination to never give up has been a driving force. Challenges have emerged, obstacles have appeared, but I’ve held onto the belief that persistence pays off. This mindset has pushed me to overcome adversity, learn from failures, and keep pushing forward no matter the odds.
For those embarking on their journey, I offer this advice:
1. Seek Out Mentors: Surround yourself with mentors who have walked the path you aspire to. Learn from their successes and setbacks. Their guidance can provide clarity, save time, and offer insights you might never discover on your own.
2. Embrace Work Ethic: Cultivate a strong work ethic from the outset. Whether it’s from childhood experiences or new challenges, putting in the effort and going the extra mile sets you apart. Hard work becomes a habit that fuels your journey.
3. Embody Resilience: In the face of adversity, remind yourself why you started. Embrace setbacks as stepping stones to success. The drive to never give up is your secret weapon. It turns stumbling blocks into building blocks.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely, I am definitely open to partnering and collaborating with fellow kind-hearted creatives. Whether you’re seeking vibrant brand photos to elevate your image or searching for a content creator to bring fresh insights, I’m excited about the potential to work together on unique and exciting projects.
My creative journey thrives on new connections and ideas. Whether you’re a fellow photographer, a passionate business owner, or anyone with a creative spark, I’m all ears! I believe that the combination of diverse talents can lead to truly exceptional outcomes.
If you’re reading this and feel that a collaboration with me could bring some magic to your project, I’d love to connect! Feel free to reach out via [email protected] or on instagram @meganjophotos, and let’s chat about how our combined creativity could yield something great!
Contact Info:
- Website: meagnjophotos.com
- Instagram: @meganjophotos
- Facebook: Megan Jo Photography + Creative
Image Credits
Photo of Megan by Cate Doubet Photography All other photos by Megan Jo Photography + Creative
