Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Derby.
Hi Megan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am very much a “noticer”
I fell in love with film photography in high school — the grain, the process, the darkroom, and the magic of not quite knowing what you were going to get. I carried disposable cameras everywhere and was constantly creating ridiculous images with my friends. I just loved keeping memories, in physival form.
My mom saw that in me and bought me my own film camera my junior year of high school.
And then… life happened.
I tried different jobs, different paths, and different versions of what I thought I was supposed to be doing. But I could never quite shake the idea of owning my own creative business.
Then I had babies, and suddenly I wanted to photograph everything. Their tiny hands. Their personalities. The chaos. The everyday moments I knew I’d want to remember. Also, becoming a mother changes you, makes you more present.
Digital photography was completely new to me, so I taught myself. I practiced. And practiced. And practiced some more.
A dear friend eventually let me follow her around at weddings — essentially second shooting for free — and honestly, it was some of the most valuable education I could have asked for.
Then friends started taking a chance on me.
They trusted me with their families, their weddings, their milestones and their memories before I had any idea where this little business would take me.
In the beginning, I photographed everything. Events, families, weddings, reunions… you name it. I was learning how to run a business while also figuring out what kind of artist I wanted to be.
And somewhere along the way, I found my thing.
Movement.
Motherhood.
Real emotion.
Beautiful light.
The in-between moments.
The weird, wonderful personalities that make people them.
Most importantly, I discovered how much I genuinely love connecting with people and creating images that feel like them, not just photographs that look pretty.
Now, 11 years into owning my own business, I can honestly say I wouldn’t have it any other way.
It’s changed. I’ve changed. My work has changed.
And I love that it is ever evolving.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No way!
There have been tons of learning experiences.
Sometimes I struggle with having a creative business, not being a business minded person. It’s a struggle to not feel like you’re keeping up with trends, but still staying true to you.
It’s a struggle to be a mom of 3, while still running a business on my own.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a Minnesota Photographer.
Art driven photography rooted in connection, movement and real moments.
I am most proud of the connections I make with my clients, and building this business from nothing.
I have had a lot of the same clients for over 10 years, and feel really lucky that they trust me with their memories.
I think what sets me apart from others, is that I notice the little things, and I genuinely care about my clients experience.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Our industry is ever evolving.
Always shifting, changing. There is ALWAYS room to grow and learn.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tenthousandtakesphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tenthousandtakesphoto
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/tenthousandtakesphotography
Image Credits
Ten Thousand Takes Photography (Me)
