We are so excited to be shining our photographer spotlight on Meg of Meg Loeks Photography. Meg lives remotely in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with her husband, three boys and saint bernard. She is drawn to timeless environmental portraiture, lifestyle photography, landscapes, low light, creative storytelling and color. She loves to find ways to merge different photography genres together, especially children’s portraiture and nature. Meg is a mentor and instructor at Click & Company and Sigma Ambassador.
How would you describe your photography? I would describe my photography, at least what I strive for, as nostalgic, timeless, rich with color, and peaceful. I spend a lot of time outside and love to capture the beauty of nature. Nothing makes me happier than watching my boys explore and discover the natural world around them. We live in a remote area and there’s lots of rural beauty around us. My favorite types of light are low light and golden hour backlight. I really love Rembrandt and Dutch Masters and they often influence a lot of my work.
What made you want to join The Gold Hope Project as a volunteer? I first heard about The Gold Hope Project when my own son was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, ALL. I knew that I would one day want to volunteer, especially because of how personal it all was to me. I waited till about a year after my son was diagnosed, when things were thankfully starting to get a little better, to apply. I felt I could offer something special, not only offering free sessions to families who have been effected by pediatric cancer but also being able to relate to these families on a personal level.
What is your favorite thing about being a Gold Hope photographer? While I have not photographed a family yet, my favorite part is just being part of an incredible organization doing amazing things for families in need. I know how hard it can be to watch your child go through chemotherapy. I know how special it is to have family photos. Just being part of an organization like The Gold Hope Project has truly changed me as a person and hope that I can one day uplift a family in need.
How has your child’s cancer diagnosis affected your family and your outlook as a photographer? Leo’s diagnosis truly changed everything for our family. It has changed the way we think and changed the way we live. We spend more time together than ever before, my husband and I often unplug more, we have a strong desire to adventure and explore but we know the value of a slow life at home too. It has made us acutely aware of how fragile and fleeting life is and what matters most. As a photographer I already know how important family photos are, but after Leo’s diagnosis that importance was increased tenfold.
What is one thing you hope the families you photograph for the project can take away from this experience? The one thing I hope families I photograph take away from our session together is joy. I want them to forget about all the hospital procedures and medicine. I want these families to simply be present and happy in the moment together. My ultimate goal is to capture their love and support for one another.
Be sure to follow Meg online! Meg Looks Photography | Instagram
A big thank you to Meg for choosing to give back with us. Want to follow her lead? Apply to be a volunteer photographer here.