We recently had the chance to connect with Megan Jeglum and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Megan, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity to me is everything. Integrity is all about making sure my actions, words, promises all reflect my personal beliefs. In my business that means I’m transparent about what clients can expect, I keep my word, and I build trust by delivering exactly what I’ve promised….and then some. My work is deeply personal, so I never take shortcuts with the experience or the final product. If I say I’ll create a space where you’ll feel safe, celebrated and truly seen – I mean it, and I work every moment to live up to that.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Megan (not Elizabeth or Michael) – It’s become a bit of a running joke with my clients now, but my business is centered around my kiddos, that’s how all of this first started so I love that the name honors them.
I create beautiful, timeless, and full service photography experiences for families, maternity, couples and boudoir. I specialize in freezing real moments in time for loved ones to look back on for years. My work is deeply personal, it started with a camera gifted to me by my late godfather, and it’s rooted in connection, storytelling and celebrating every chapter of a person’s life.
Clients come to me for more than just photos, they get a stress free, guided experience. From my gorgeous, size inclusive client closet to my gentle direction that helps them relax and just be in the moment. My brand is warmth, soul, music and a lot of heart – think moody tones, rich colors and a tiny bit of alt rock music woven into art they can hang on their walls for years to come.
Since our last interview life and business have both evolved in huge ways. I opened Elizabeth + Michael Photography Studios (a space designed to feel warm, inspiring, and welcoming) and launched Blackbird by Elizabeth + Michael Photography, my new brand devoted to empowering and celebrating all women. I’ve always been drawn to the magic that happens when I work one-on-one with a client, helping them see themselves as beautiful, confident, and worthy. This new chapter has given me the space, the vision, and the freedom to pour my heart into creating those moments on purpose, every single day.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a kid, I was always told I was “too much”, “too loud”, “too talkative”, “too opinionated”. At the time, it hurt ALOT. I believed it meant I needed to shrink myself to fit in, and for years I tried to take up less space. As an adult, I’ve learned that those very qualities: my voice, my passion, my opinions, my presence are my strengths. They’re what allow me to connect deeply with people, to make them feel seen, and to run a business built on authenticity and heart. I no longer believe I’m “too much” I believe I’m exactly enough.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
No ones definition of who you are is the truth, only YOU get to decide who you are.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably tell you I care about depth, real connection, honesty, and the kind of moments that make people feel they matter. I’m fiercely loyal, I fight for the people I love, and I’ll always choose truth over surface-level niceties. Whether it’s through my photography or in life, I want people to feel seen, celebrated, and completely themselves.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I started out following a very very different path, and probably one that most people expected of me. I earned a double major in Criminology and Criminal Justice from UMSL and planned to follow my Mom’s footsteps and work with offenders. I thought I could make a difference. Over time, I realized that my true calling is creating, connecting and helping people feel seen and celebrated through photography. It took listening to my own instincts and honoring my own passions to step fully into this business. I still jokingly apologize to my parents for all those College funds every time I see them, but I hung my degree’s up on the studio office walls for decor.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elizabethandmichaelphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth.and.michael/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethandmichaelphotography/
