Legend of Light: Meg Loeks

Tell us a little about yourself… Who you are, where you’re from, what you shoot/specialize in.

I live remotely in Michigan's Upper Peninsula with my husband, four young children and saint bernard. I’m drawn to lifestyle and fine art photography. Some of my greatest influences are nature and landscapes, Dutch Masters light, creative storytelling and rich color. I love to find ways to merge different photography genres together, especially children's portraiture and nature. Primarily my work highlights soft low light and rich tones. My overall photography goal is to document my family’s story and exude a sense of timeless nostalgia. I am a mentor and instructor at Click & Company. I am also a volunteer photographer for The Gold Hope Project, a non-profit organization that gifts pediatric cancer families a free photo session.

How did you get started in photography?

When I was child, my parents had a subscription to National Geographic. I used to collect the magazines and had dreams of one day being a photojournalist. In high school, I started shooting with film and fell in love with the developing process. I used to spend hours in the darkroom developing my prints. I switched to digital around the time that I started having children. I love the instant gratification of digital, but film will always have my heart.

What/who are some of your main influences?

My main biggest influence is my children. I have a strong desire to document this fleeting time in their lives. I’m also inspired by nature. We live in a beautiful, remote area. I love documenting my children exploring the incredible wilderness around us. Some other influences are Norman Rockwell and his gift of storytelling and Mary Cassatt and her beautiful portrayal of motherhood.

When did you start shooting with Profoto?

I started shooting with Profoto gear about two years ago. Before that I was strictly a natural light photographer. I love that I am no longer restricted with natural light. If I need to shoot later in the evening for example, I’m able to create natural light with my Profoto gear. I no longer run out of daylight.

What Profoto gear are you currently using?

I am currently shooting with and loving the Profoto B10 and A1. I love how portable these lights are. This is huge because I am constantly on the go with four little children and need something easy to work with.

Do you have a favorite lighting setup?

My favorite light setup is a simple one. I love to place the Profoto B10 on continuous light mode in a window either to help boost the natural light or create the light in general. I often place my white, translucent curtains over the light to soften it like I would with natural light. This setup gives me directional light that I’m drawn to and utilize in my everyday life.

What is one thing you’re able to do with Profoto lights that you weren’t able to do before?

The one thing Profoto lights have given me is flexibility. I’m able to create natural light whenever and wherever I want. I don’t run out of hours during the day now. This takes a huge weight off my shoulders as my family’s storyteller.

What is the most important piece of advice you’ve received pertaining to photography?

The most important piece of advice I’ve ever received from a good friend is the only person I should compare myself to is the photographer I used to be.

What is your biggest challenge being a newborn and family portrait photographer? How do you overcome it?

My biggest challenge, and I think many of us can relate to this, is time management. Over the years I’ve become better at juggling family time and photography, but it’s still an ongoing work in progress. My system is constantly evolving and while I I don’t think I will ever have it all figured out, things that help me stay organized are writing down my weekly schedule and learning to say no when I need to.

What is your dream assignment?

My dream assignment would be a lifestyle shoot in Ireland.

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Connect with Meg:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meg_nlo
Website: www.megloeks.com