Meet Megan Velez | Professional photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Megan Velez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
The short answer is, it brings me joy.

I think in a society who pushes higher education, and 9-5 corporate jobs it’s not always an easy decision to pursue a creative career. I grew up in a small town, and it honestly never dawned on me that I could become a professional photographer for a living. I think the way I was brought up so warped, and it took me doing what I love to do as a “side job” for many years before I realized THIS is what I want to pursue for my life, and as my career.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Although I still take on several session types, my ultimate goal is to be exclusive to weddings, elopements, destination weddings, and boudoir photography. These are the things that I’d consider my specialty. I love photography all together, but weddings and boudoir add a little more joy to my life. I have been so honored to be featured in MAC magazines for my boudoir work and I’m in the process of working with Artells Magazine for some of my more artistic work to be featured. It has taken hard work and dedication to get where I’m at today. I know that sounds so cliche, but it’s not always been easy. I started Skye Image Photography in 2011 and through the years I’ve faced so many challenges. I took me never giving up on furthering my education in photography. To this day, I still am constantly hunger to learn new skill sets that’ll benefit my career. There has also been periods of time where I didn’t pick up my camera for months. As I said I was working full time for many years, and for a couple of years I was going to school full time as well. It was easier for me to put photography on the back burner, because in my head I was trying to start a new career. In the end, those things weren’t what I was called to do and my camera always wound up back in my hands. I’ve tried so many different avenues throughout my life, and over the years I’ve learned that you should do whatever makes you happy. I never look at what I do as a job. I happen to be blessed with a certain skill set that brings me nothing but joy, and I can help support my family while doing what I love to do. I promise, I’m just as excited, if not more excited than my clients for every single session. I get butterflies every time. For the session itself, to the editing. It legitimately brings me so much joy to do what I do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ohhh there’s so much we could do. I think the “must dos” would start with Grapevine Mills Mall. It’s just one of those places everyone has to experience at least once, especially if you enjoy shopping! While there you definitely have to try Rainforest Cafe, it’s an experience on it’s own. For fun we’d also go to MONL Creative Studio which is basically full of super fun photo-ops. Speaking of fun we’d go to Magic Time Machine for dinner. Who doesn’t love being served by their favorite characters and eating what looks like a carnival fun house?! Even though this next place is MORE food, it’s fast-food, and my favorite eating joint ever… Steak’n’Shake! I 10/10 recommend the garlic burger, and a Nutella shake!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Of course, I have to start with my mom. She has always been my biggest supporter, even if that means she didn’t agree with my decisions. She was there to help me along the way. My mom is actually the first person who bought a professional camera for herself, because she enjoyed taking pictures. I was involved in a lot of activities growing up, and my mom was there capturing the moment. However, I always did the editing for her. I started editing pictures from a pretty young age, and it’s something I’ve always had a passion for. Eventually, I decided to pick up a camera myself and discovered I too really enjoyed taking pictures and editing. I think the most important shoutout has to go to my husband, Joseph. I was set up for success, but I didn’t take that leap of faith until he came into my life. When we got married I had been doing photography for 9-10 years on the side. He was my biggest hype man and he gave me the confidence to go for it and make this my career. I honestly think that if I had never met him, my business would not be flourishing like it is today. He helps me continuously grow, and is the most encouraging person I’ve ever met.

Website: skyeimagephotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skyeimagephotography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skyeimagephotography

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpDYfu7riIuJxSs9aKIidhw

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@skyeimagephotography?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Image Credits
All credits go to Skye Image Photography