Welcome to Maggie Keegan Gross Photography! If you’re here, you probably already know me. If you don’t, I’m Maggie! You can read all about me on the About page. Or you can head over to Making Me Cranky, my personal blog to get a little more…ummm, personal.
Getting my photography business and this website up and running has been a true labor of love. I’ve been working hard building a full portfolio (check out the Gallery page), getting all the business side of things together, and working with my husband, Josh, as he designed this site. Yes, it took seven months. Keep in mind we both have day jobs, Josh is a bit of a perfectionist, I really wanted a full portfolio, and I, of course, needed new headshots!
I spent a lot of time thinking about how to introduce myself and my new business to the world and I finally decided that the very best way was to have the person who likes me best introduce me to you, via semi-ridiculous interview questions. Cue Josh:
Josh: This website is awesome, how many thousands did you pay for it?
Me: Well, luckily, I’m pretty cozy with a fantastic web designer, so he let me pay for it with “favors,” if you know what I mean. And you do, since you’re him.
Josh: What’s the deal with all these pictures, did you take them?
Me: Yup, they’re all me! Except the headshots in this post, those are by Amy of Teegan Photography fame, aren’t they fabulous! Hire her for your wedding, people!
Josh: How did you get so awesome at taking pictures?
Me: Well, while not professionally, I’ve been a photographer for about 13 years. As a very small child I knew that I was an artist of some sort. I know that sounds odd, but I did. However, I didn’t seem to have the skill or patience for drawing or painting, nor the natural talents needed for any of the performance arts. So I had decided that I must be a writer. And I think I’m a decent writer, but definitely not a great creative writer.
And then in high school some friends were taking a photography class at Cal Arts offered for free to high school students so I joined in. From my very first roll of film, I fell head over heels in love. From then on, I always had my camera on me. I took a bunch of classes and learned everything I could about the technique and history of photography. I set up photo shoots of my friends, choosing their outfits and locations. I don’t think at that time that my technical skills were all that great. I still hadn’t developed the patience to really learn what I was doing. But my teachers told me I had an “eye” for it, that I was a natural at composition.
In college, without a free class, I could no longer afford to pursue my art (film, processing, etc. is expensive), so I reluctantly let it go. That is until I switched to digital and Eleanor was born. Having something amazing to photograph again really drove me back to my photographic roots. I fell in love once again and I can’t imagine ever letting it go again.
Josh: I know that every good photographer has their own unique style. Can you describe yours?
Me: I like to say that my images are simple, stylish, and romantic, and I sound a little pretentious when I do. But I do try to create a certain mood in my images using light, location, composition and and just the right processing in an attempt to elicit an emotional response from the viewer. I like to keep things simple and classic with minimal processing. I don’t want anyone looking like a soft-focus Barbara Walters or like a plastic-faced Barbie. I want my clients to look naturally beautiful, so I do just the smallest amount of retouching to achieve that goal. That being said. I’m super picky about how I look in pictures so I do my best to ensure that my clients will love how they look in theirs!
Josh: You’re cute.
Me: Thanks.
Josh: Is this post almost done? It’s really long.
Me: Yes, yes, almost! Sorry, I’m really excited. I have a lot to say about this stuff!
Josh: Any dedications?
Me: Heck yeah! Always! First of all I want to thank my amazing husband without whose support and web designing skills this business and it’s beautiful new website would not have been possible. You are truly my partner in life and all of it’s adventures. I love you!
Next, my daughter Eleanor. Who really is the cutest kid you have ever seen. Thank you for being so lovely and entertaining. Who knows, if you had turned out to be an ugly baby I may never have picked up a camera! I hope I’m making you proud of me!
To my best friend Andrew (he’s going to hate that I mentioned him, sorry dude!) who moved back to L.A. just when I started picking up a camera again, after being out of my life (all the way in Phoenix) for far too long. Andrew has been my best friend since high school back when I first had the dream of being a professional photographer. Being able to spend so much time with him again, really reminded me of the person I was back then and the person that I wanted to be. Andrew is the type of person that really makes you want to be true to yourself and pursue what you love. Thank you Andrew for reminding me that it’s okay and even pretty great to just be Maggie!
To Andrew’s wife Amy, the wedding photographer. If it wasn’t for Amy pursuing her goal of being a professional photographer, I might not have been brave enough to do it myself. Thank you for your advice, resources, and inspiration Amy! I’m very lucky to have you in my life! You’re the best!
Lastly, to all of my family and friends who have given me support, encouragement, kind words, and even let me take their picture! I love you all! Thank you so much!
Now, spread the word people! I need business! XOXOXO!
