THROUGH THE LENS: A Conversation with Wedding Photographer Meagan Forbes

In conversation with photographer Meagan Forbes, we explore the story behind her decade-long journey in wedding photography and the passion that first sparked it all. What began in high school with her father’s vintage 35mm film camera quickly grew into a creative side hustle, capturing senior portraits, families, and local brands—laying the foundation for a lifelong career behind the lens.

Wedding Photographer Meagan Forbes. Photo Credit: Cameron Hayes

Meagan’s entry into weddings came unexpectedly when a local photographer invited her to second shoot. Initially hesitant, she soon discovered a deep connection to the energy, emotion, and storytelling of wedding days. Now entering her eleventh year of photographing celebrations, she continues to be drawn to the joy, creativity, and fleeting moments that define each couple’s story. Her work is guided by an intuitive, heart-driven approach that blends film and digital photography to create imagery that feels timeless, honest, and deeply personal. Known for her calm presence and ability to put clients at ease, Meagan creates space for genuine moments to unfold naturally while offering thoughtful guidance throughout the day. From quiet in-between glances to meaningful family portraits, her work is rooted in storytelling that prioritizes emotion, legacy, and authenticity—capturing not just how a wedding looks, but how it truly feels.

Can you share the story behind your photography business and what drew you to capturing weddings?

I was first drawn to photography in high school when I discovered my Dad’s vintage 35mm film camera. I quickly started offering sessions on film and with my little digital camera for senior and family photos, as well as for local companies and brands. For a few years, my little photography company was a side hustle and a passion project as I navigated high school and college. One day, a local photographer asked if I would ever consider photographing weddings with her, and truthfully, I was so hesitant to say yes! This was over ten years ago, a time when the term "bridezilla" was how I had heard about weddings. I still accepted the job and began second-shooting on the side, quickly realising that weddings are such a beautiful day and something I could see myself doing! Now, I am entering my eleventh year of photographing wedding celebrations. The excitement, creativity, and pure happiness of the day are what keep me coming back year after year.

How would you describe your photography style, and what sets your work apart?

I would describe my photography style as intuitive and heart-driven. I create a calm and ease with my clients, allowing moments to happen naturally so the imagery feels honest, effortless, and deeply personal. My personality translates directly into my approach to a shoot. By blending film and digital photography, I create imagery that feels timeless yet current, balancing modern sensibility with a nostalgic, artful approach. I want your final photos to reflect the full story—the joy, the quiet, the movement, and the emotion—captured naturally, beautifully, and without pretence. I am very organized, yet relaxed, and go with the flow. I think that is exactly what most people need during the high-stress moments of a brand shoot, wedding day, or family session, and it's what sets me apart from other photographers.

What’s one thing couples can expect when working with you?

I bring a calm, steady presence from the initial inquiry through the wedding day—offering guidance, flexibility, and thoughtful direction when needed, while always encouraging my couples to relax and truly enjoy the moment. From refining timelines to anticipating needs, I work closely with my clients to build trust and understanding, creating an environment where they feel supported, at ease, and fully present. It’s within that sense of ease that creativity thrives.

What are some of the most meaningful or memorable weddings you’ve captured, and what made them stand out?

Family photos are the most meaningful to me lately. It's such a fleeting moment in the day—often overlooked or rushed through—but in my mind, these are the legacy portraits that their future family will look back on. It may be the only time in that couple's lives that both of their families will be together, or the last time they'll have taken a photo with their mom, or great-grandpa. I am so honored to capture those simple moments that leave a lasting impact.

What advice would you give to couples when choosing the right wedding photographer?

My advice is to start looking for a photographer as soon as you start planning your wedding. Good wedding photographers' calendars can fill up 12-18 months in advance! This allows you time to research and get to know the photographers that you are interested in. This job is one of the most important hires of your day; it's one of the only tangible ways you will remember it. I think finding someone whose personality meshes with yours is especially important, since we will spend 8 to 10 hours together. Lastly, ask for full galleries to preview, this will help you envision how your wedding day will be captured. In the age of social media, many photographers post only their best work (which, of course, you should) but their full galleries may not reflect the same level of documentation. Consider how they photograph in different situations: harsh lighting, low lighting, and whether they know when and how to use flash. How do they handle photographing on rainy days? etc. Wedding Photography requires someone who is flexible and well-versed in working in any situation.