(Editor’s note: A story in the Sept. 29 edition of Life on the Hill was incorrect due to information received by the Bryan County News. Megan Myrick Photography will hold Limited Edition Halloween Sessions, to benefit the United Way and local food banks, Oct. 29. This event is not part of the Bark Park's Howl-o-ween fundraiser at Fish Tales on Oct. 27. Myrick will also host Santa Experience photo sessions Dec. 11, to benefit Family Promise of Bryan County, and those are also unrelated to the Bark Park's Holiday in the Park on Nov. 19. We regret the error.)
Richmond Hill-based photographer Megan Myrick was recently honored by the Professional Photographers of America when four of her photographs were given merit at the 2016 International Photographic Competition.
Her prints were on display for a panel of 46 judges critiquing her work based on 12 criteria; impact, technical excellence, creativity, style, composition, presentation, color balance, center of interest, lighting, subject matter, technique and storytelling.
Art can be subjective, according to Myrick. In a matter of seconds, the judges would distinguish her credibility and evaluate her custom prints. Myrick could not be more pleased to receive the honor and has her sights set on furthering her abilities and credibility to ensure her clients and future clients are getting her absolute best.
Myrick’s winning photos — "A Mother’s Love," "Big Boy Indeed," "Pretty in Pink" and "Puppy Princess" — are images she chose from various shoots with her clients. Originally, Myrick entered a district competition where she submitted three photos. Of the three, two were selected to move onto the IPC. This allowed Myrick to select two additional photos for the competition.
"Most clients may not care about these honors, they just want to know the images will speak to them," she said. "Being a certified professional photographer is a distinction through Professional Photographers of America. I am striving for this and to be at the top of my game. I know I am giving my clients the best I have to offer through continuing to learn and grow."
Her next goal is to achieve "Lone Status" at the IPC in 2017. Gaining merit for all four photographs and earning Bronze status upon her first year entering is a huge accomplishment. Myrick wants to reach the top and knows attaining that validation from others in her field is a direction she will continue to focus on.
"I was not expecting all to merit," she said. "My next goal for this 2017 year I want a ‘lone’ image, but it is really tough."
Excitement is building for the upcoming "Imaging Conference" set to be held in San Antonio. This three-day expo will host hundreds of the top vendors offering the latest in equipment, backdrops, print labs, software and web design. It is a time to grow and be inspired, and this year Myrick will be acknowledged for her recent merits at the events award ceremony.
While at the conference, Myrick admits one of her biggest areas of focus will be maternity and newborn photography classes.
"That is your first opportunity to capture this time," she said. "Babies change so much in the first couple of weeks. We focus on all those details that often change or we as parents forget about as they grow. We create artwork that can be passed down. It is inevitable that digital will fail. Handing a client an album that captures the memories you cannot get back is what we focus on."
Although many photographers claim to be expert, MMP studio specializes and focuses on very specific newborn details. There are many nuances in capturing a newborn. From the posing, ensuring safety, to the temperature of the room; it all plays a huge role in the experience and in the product.
"I really love photography," Myrick added. "You are never done learning. There is always a new skill, new equipment out and I love this because I can continue to grow and never quit learning."
Myrick weaves her work within Bryan County and will soon be aiding in the limited edition Howl-o-Ween Session benefitting United Way and Local Food Banks; as well as the Santa Experience benefitting Family Promise at the 2016 Holiday in the Park event. Visit meganmyrickphotography.com or check out the MMP social media outlets on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for more details on her recent awards or upcoming community events.