We’re looking forward to introducing you to Megan Dillingham. Check out our conversation below.
Megan, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Absolutely. I recently had an in-person consultation with a wonderful woman who told me she chose our studio—out of so many others—because we showcase real, diverse bodies… not just one version of beauty. And that moment made me feel so proud.
It wasn’t the first time I’ve heard that, but it reminded me exactly why I do what I do. Inclusivity isn’t a trend here—it’s a core value. Every woman deserves to feel seen, accepted, and celebrated, just as she is. That conversation reaffirmed how important it is to show all kinds of beauty—different sizes, shapes, ages, and stories—and how powerful that representation really is.
Knowing that our work is helping women feel worthy. included, and seen makes me incredibly proud, and deeply honored – it’s what I set out to do.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I specialize in women’s portraiture—boudoir, maternity, beauty, and professional headshots—because it’s so important to me that women see themselves as beautiful, capable, and strong… not just in relation to the roles they play, but in their own light.
What makes our studio different is the full-service experience we provide—from consultations, personalized prep and styling, our client-closet, professional hair and makeup, fully guided posing, to a private reveal and ordering appointment. But beyond that, it’s the heart behind what we do. We create a safe, empowering space for women to reconnect with themselves and feel celebrated exactly as they are.
Right now, I’m especially proud of our Modern Muse Project—a portrait experience designed to highlight inspiring women while also giving back. Every Modern Muse session supports a local or women-focused nonprofit, so each woman’s story and transformation directly contributes to a bigger purpose!
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I think everyone feels that deep, human need to belong—to fit in, to find your tribe, to be accepted. I don’t know that I was ever directly told who I had to be, but the suggestions were always there, in one way or another.
As a teenager, it showed up in wanting the trendy clothes, the newest stuff, the feeling of being “in.” And as an adult, especially as a woman, the influence shifts—you’re subtly told to shrink yourself, to be more polite, less loud, more palatable, to not speak your thoughts, to “fix” things that are actually completely normal and natural. There’s this constant pressure to meet impossible, ever-changing standards.
I’d like to think I’ve always stayed true to who I am and not blindly followed the crowd—but I’ve definitely been shaped by the messages around me, and the situations i’ve been through like we all are. The difference now is: I see it. I question it. And I choose authenticity over approval.
That’s part of why the work I do matters so much to me. I want every woman who steps into my studio to feel like she’s coming home to herself—not the version she was told to be, but the one she’s always been underneath it all. Sometimes we need a reminder.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Oh… the fear of being seen—not so much physically, but emotionally. The fear of truly putting myself out there. Doing something new.. of stepping into new spaces, of people witnessing my failures or struggles. That fear has definitely held me back at times.
It’s so easy to let self-doubt and insecurity keep you from walking into the rooms you were meant to be in. Sometimes you get right to the door and turn around, never even giving yourself the chance.
I’ve been working on that a lot lately—especially since starting my business. Personal growth is uncomfortable, but it’s powerful. And once you start facing the hard things, you realize: you are capable. You can do hard things. Believing in yourself and staying consistent, even when it’s scary, is how you move forward.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is absolutely real—yes.
Do I polish things up a bit for business events or networking? Of course. But I’m still me. I don’t put on a persona—I just adjust my energy to fit the setting.
I’m naturally introverted, so being in a room full of people can be a bit draining. It’s not that I’m disinterested—I actually love deep, meaningful connection. I just tend to listen first, think, and then speak. That said, during a session, I’m often more talkative—not because I’m suddenly extroverted, but because I know that my energy helps ease nerves. I want my clients to feel safe, comfortable, and truly seen.
And I think that’s part of why my work resonates so deeply with the women I photograph. They’re being celebrated by someone who shows up as her real self—someone who understands the vulnerability in being seen and uses her own stories and mannerisms to create connection. That authenticity is what helps transform a photo session into something empowering.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Definitely—especially when it came to jobs in the past. I’ve landed roles that were meaningful and enjoyable in many ways, but I’ve never done well with feeling stagnant. I crave growth. I want to learn, evolve, and keep becoming more. Did I get comfortable with them in knowing I did them well? Yes, and that’s nice, but I get bored.
The idea of topping out in a role—with nowhere else to go—just doesn’t sit well with me. I’d rather pivot entirely, go back to school, earn a new degree—whatever it would take to keep moving forward.
That’s part of what I love about photography. I’m my own boss, and I’m also my own motivator. There’s always more to explore, more to refine, more to offer. I’m constantly pushing myself to learn, improve, and evolve. There’s no ceiling here—just a limitless path of creative growth. And that’s exactly what keeps me fulfilled.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://megankathleenboudoir.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: @megankathleenboudoir
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeganKathleenBoudoir
