Meet Meredith

We recently connected with Meredith and have shared our conversation below.

Meredith, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

I’m a naturally optimistic person, but that mindset is deeply rooted in my faith and the way I was raised. I believe that God is always at work — even when circumstances are hard — and that He can bring good from every situation. Challenges build strength, failures bring lessons, and there’s always a chance to grow if you’re looking for it.

Both of my parents modeled faith and optimism in their own ways. My dad was an entrepreneur who always looked for opportunity — even after his first business failed, he kept going and eventually built a successful one. That perseverance taught me that setbacks are part of the journey, and what matters most is how you respond, learn, and grow.

My mom taught me to see God’s hand in everything — in the timing, in the blessings, and in the way He answers prayers. Not always how we expect, but always in the way that’s ultimately best. Watching her look for the good in people and in tough situations showed me how powerful it is to live with hope and a heart for serving others.

That belief was also reinforced during my dad’s 12-year battle with cancer. Even in the hardest parts, we could see how God was working — through the people He brought into our lives, the strength He gave us, and the peace that came from trusting Him. While my dad wasn’t healed on this side of heaven, he’s whole now — and that eternal perspective keeps me grounded in gratitude and hope.

One of the verses I hold close is Galatians 6:9 — “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” That promise reminds me that even when the progress is slow or unseen, something meaningful is being cultivated. It helps me stay grounded in hope, keep showing up with joy, and trust that the work we’re doing matters — even before the results are visible.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

As a photographer, I specialize in personal branding, headshots, and high school seniors. At the heart of everything I do is the belief that everyone deserves to have photos of themselves that they truly love — photos that reflect who they are, who they’re becoming, and how deeply they matter.

One of my favorite moments is when a teen sees themselves through my lens for the first time — the way we see them, and even more, the way God sees them: full of purpose, potential, and light. For business owners, I love helping them feel confident and empowered in their visual brand, so they can show up boldly and grow with intention.

In 2024, I launched the IMPACT Award as a way to give back and highlight the power of kindness. It’s a community-nominated and community-voted award that recognizes a local teen and a small business owner who are making a positive impact on those around them. Winners receive a complimentary photo session as a way to honor their story and celebrate the good they’re doing. It’s one of my favorite things I get to do — using photography not just to capture beauty, but to honor goodness.

Outside of photography, I’m a stay-at-home mom to two beautiful little girls, and raising them is the most important work I’ll ever do. My daily life is woven with moments of teaching them what it means to be kind, faith-filled, and thoughtful humans. Around our house, you’ll often hear, “We are Kavanaughs, and Kavanaughs are kind.” We pray together, we apologize and forgive, we love big, and we dance in the kitchen — and through it all, I hope they see that living a life of purpose, faith, and joy is the greatest kind of success.

At the end of the day, I hope my work — in both business and motherhood — reflects my faith: in God, in people, and in the beauty of every story. If I can help someone feel seen, valued, and confident in who they were created to be, then I know I’m doing exactly what I was called to do.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

My journey really started with the values I was raised with — a strong family, a steady faith, and a belief that challenges are often the best teachers. Those early influences shaped the way I see the world and continue to influence how I run my business and care for others through my work. As I built my photography business, three key things really stood out as most impactful:

1. Mentorship.
I truly believe that having the right mentors can change everything. I was so blessed to learn from incredible photographers who not only taught me the craft and business side of things but also believed in me and challenged me to grow. For anyone starting out, my advice is: get a mentor. Find someone whose work and values you admire and learn from them — both what they do and how they do it.

2. Lifelong learning.
No matter how long you’ve been doing something, there’s always room to grow. I’ve invested heavily in education — from photography techniques to business systems — and every bit of it has paid off. Stay curious, stay humble, and be willing to learn from anyone.

3. Faith and resilience.
Running a business (and life in general!) comes with its fair share of challenges. But my faith keeps me grounded and helps me navigate uncertainty with peace and purpose. Galatians 6:9 is one of my guiding verses — “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” There have been plenty of moments when things felt hard, but I’ve learned to trust the process and keep showing up.

For anyone just starting their journey: surround yourself with people who encourage you, invest in learning, and stay rooted in your why. You don’t have to have it all figured out on day one — just keep going, stay open, and let your story unfold.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

When I was first starting out, I had no idea how much I didn’t know. I was undercharging, overdelivering, and trying to figure everything out on my own. I loved photography and serving people, but I didn’t yet understand the value of what I was offering. Then, by what I truly believe was God’s perfect timing, I met Jenn Lewis.

We were seated next to each other at a dinner for a local women’s photography group, and from that very first conversation, she began to pour into me. She didn’t sugarcoat things — she told me what I needed to hear, not just what I wanted to hear. Jenn helped me understand how to build a sustainable business — how to price my work fairly, invest in the right education, and believe in the value I bring to the table.

She introduced me to conferences that completely shifted my perspective, and through those experiences, I found my people — lifelong friends who truly get it and cheer me on. Jenn is a part of that tribe too, and I’m so grateful. Her guidance has helped me level up not just in skill, but in confidence, and she’s always there when I need her — whether it’s big-picture direction or a “quick question” text. She has become a trusted friend and mentor, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.liveoaksphotography.com
• Instagram: @liveoaksphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveoaksphotography/

Image Credits

Image#1 Allison Hinman Photography; Images #2-7 Live Oaks Photography