Inspired, A Very Special Project | Megan Dill Photography

I am so honored and excited to bring to you Megan Dill of Megan Dill Photography. Her dramatic use of light and the moody and amazing story behind her imagery just takes my breath away. I spent a good amount of time going through her portfolio and came away so inspired. Her work just truly speaks to the heart.She is an artist. I will let you see for your self!

You can find Megan’s Website Here and her Facebook page Here.

Hi Megan!

Let’s get to know you! How would you describe yourself in three sentences?

I’m very introverted and find photography to be a wonderful way to express myself.  I’m happily married to my best friend and high school sweetheart.  I love being a mom.

What sparked your passion for Photography?
The anticipation of starting a family piqued my interest in photography.  I was in awe over bloggers who documented their family lives in an extraordinary way.  Once I found out that they all shot with DSLRs, I knew I had to get one.

What’s in your camera bag?
Oh boy, there’s too much for one camera bag!  For my digital work I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark III and an assortment of prime lenses: the 35L, 50 f/1.4, 100L, and 135L.  I have purchased and sold several lenses over the past couple of years before settling on this selection, which I’m quite pleased with.   My film cameras include a Canon EOS-3, my dad’s old Canon FT-QL, and a Mamiya c330.  I’m looking forward to familiarizing myself with the latter two this year.

What Camera/Equipment did you start out with?
I bought a Canon Rebel xTi and a nifty fifty in late 2007, and shot in full auto for a little over a year before making a commitment to learn manual.  I then floundered around aimlessly for a couple of years before getting serious about my craft in late 2011.

(just starting out image, circa 2010)

If you could only use one lens an entire session which one would you choose and why?
If indoors, the 35L.  I love the focal length and sharpness.  If outdoors, I mainly reach for my 135L.  The bokeh is dreamy, and skin looks beautifully creamy.  Plus it allows me to distance myself from the subject, which can make them more unaware of my presence.

What was your first official Photographer crush if you had one?
Honestly, the family bloggers that first inspired me to buy a DSLR.  I don’t even know who they are anymore.  I wish I had a fascinating answer, but this is the truth!

If you could photograph absolutely anyone who would it be dead or alive?
Frank Sinatra.

Describe your style in 3 words.
Emotive, mysterious, simple

Any challenges you have had to overcome to be where you are today?
Time management is my biggest challenge.  Like most moms, between work, family time, and my photography hobby, my life borders on insanity.

Favorite time of day to shoot is?
In general, my favorite time to shoot is when the sun is low in the sky.  I also have a fondness of shooting at night, which gets me through the long winter months.

If you had to stop taking photos right now, what would you do instead?
I’m a pretty unexceptional knitter.  I’d probably focus my energies on that, since it is such a relaxing hobby.

Have you attended college or had any formal education in Photography?
Several years ago I took an evening course at a local community college where I learned how to shoot in manual.  Other than that, I have learned everything online.

What are your photography related goals for 2013?
To explore film more and to start developing and scanning b&w film at home.  I also plan to submit work to juried shows.

How do you push yourself to keep growing and learning? Any Big Aha! Moments?
I’m very active on Clickin Moms as a mentor, and am constantly inspired by the talent pool there.  I also belong to several monthly blog circles that push me creatively.  I would say my biggest “aha” moment came when I decided to abandon my business and shoot entirely for myself.  Gone was the pressure to deliver obligatory shots to clients.  It was so freeing for me, and my growth accelerated.

Biggest Photography related insecurity?
I am very critical of my own work, and sometimes fear sharing it.

Digital or Prints?
Definitely digital—I am horrible at getting my work printed.  I did take a big step recently and ordered a 2012 family book through Blurb, which I just love.  Now I need to do the same for 2009, 2010, and 2011!

How do you set yourself apart from other local photographers?
By staying true to myself.  I’m not in business, so I just shoot what I love and create work that speaks to me.

What do you think your next photography related investment will be?
I’m very happy with my gear.  My next investment will be a scanner and chemicals for home film developing.

If you had to recommend ONE thing that a photographer needs in their camera bag what would that be?
An extra camera battery, hands down.

What would you say your biggest muse is?
My beautiful son.  The anticipation of him is what caused me to first pick up a camera.

Fun stuff:
Favorite Color: Brown
Favorite Season: Fall
Biggest Guilty Pleasure: Sweets!  Cheesecake is one favorite.  I’ll order and split a piece with my son every now and then 🙂
Pet Peeve: When you are standing in a long line at the grocery store, and when a new lane opens up, people BEHIND you rush to it.  I never know how to respond to these folks, I am so stunned by their rudeness!
Favorite Pandora Station: Frank Sinatra, Kurt Elling
Studio or On location: On location
What did you want to be when you grew up? A meteorologist.  I did that professionally for about 4 years.
One thing no one knows about you is:  I recently spilled the beans that my hubby and I are expecting our second child.  We’re ecstatic 🙂
PC or Mac: My desktop is a PC, but I love my iPad Mini and iPhone.
Lightroom Or Photoshop: Both
Film or Digital: Both.  I love the convenience of digital, but there is just something magical about film.
Props or No Props: No props
If you could travel anywhere it would be: Iceland
Glass Half Empty or Half Full: It depends on the day.
Raw or Jpeg: RAW
Favorite Quote:  “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” Scott Adams
Most valued material possession: My mom’s quilts
Processing Style: I’ve gravitated towards a clean style with rich, deep blacks in my b&w’s, though occasionally I go for a hazy/matte look.
Coffee or Tea: Tea
If you could photograph a Celebrity who would it be?  Probably Emily Blunt.  She has beautiful eyes.  It would be fun to photograph her in dramatic lighting.
What kind of Camera bag do you rock? A Ketti and a Porteen Gear.  Love them both!  
Favorite photo ever taken: I don’t have a single favorite, but here is a recent one.  This was actually from my first roll of film.  I love my son’s placement in the frame, the depth of field, and his kind yet intense gaze.