Step into the world of Chicago Lifestyle Photography with our featured artist, Meagan Shuptar. Known for her ability to capture authentic moments and relaxed vibes, she shares her insights on developing her signature style, navigating client relationships, and the lessons learned along her creative journey.
Website: meaganshuptar.com
Instagram: @meaganshuptar
Your images carry such a relaxed, yet in-the-moment feel to them. How did you come to develop this as part of your style?
I’ve spent many years connecting with people through my camera, and that includes “real” people as well as hired talent. This gives me the ability to capture a relaxed feel in my images; I am able to put people at ease with my laid-back demeanor and I give gentle prompts to get the shots I want while allowing things to unfold naturally so that the end result feels genuine and not overly posed.
In the realm of commercial photography, what do you find most rewarding and fulfilling about your work?
It’s not lost on me that I have a personally fulfilling career…I’ve always been creative and drawn to the arts, so it’s really rewarding to feel some level of success within that. The creativity feels endless and the relationships I’ve been lucky to build bring a certain satisfaction to my work that outweighs the daily grind of being a small business owner.
Can you share any valuable lessons you’ve learned about client communication and project management?
As someone who has a degree in communications this question is easy for me! I think clear expectations, active listening and transparency can help to avoid miscommunication or confusion and ensure that there aren’t unnecessary delays or issues in scope. It can also help to build trust between everyone involved which is so important for the best outcome of a shoot.
What have you learned from past mistakes or failures in your career that have helped you grow as a photographer?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to move forward and turn each mistake into an opportunity for growth. What can I do better next time? How can I adjust so that the next time is a success? In this career you have to be adaptable to have any kind of longevity.
What advice do you have for someone aspiring to become a successful commercial photographer?
Don’t be afraid to try new things. Connect with people who’s work you admire. Dive in and learn through the resources that are available to you. Get your feet wet on set by assisting or being a Production Assistant.
If you could choose only one song to play every time you walk into a room, what would it be?
If it’s a song to announce my presence, I don’t know (I’m not one to say “look at me!”), but if it’s a song that just plays in every room that I walk into it might be this one: Jacques Offenbach , Barcarolle , from ‘The Tales of Hoffmann’. Classical music can be so pleasant and so far I have not tired of hearing it. I first remember hearing it in the film “Life Is Beautiful”. It’s the song that Guido plays over the phonograph for Dora while they are at Auschwitz…such an emotional scene and inspiring movie!
If you had to live on an island, and could only take one thing, what would it be?
Is this island deserted? Or are we talking about living in Fiji? I’ll assume you mean a deserted island but either way I’d bring a boat!
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