The first time I saw Meg Wachter’s work, I couldn’t help but think that this is how beautiful, yet fun photography looks. That this was art made my someone who was a true artist, that could capture something wonderful, all with a sly smile on her face throughout the whole process, knowing not only would she get some “ooohs and awwws” from the final product, but would also promote smiles on everyones faces as they viewed them. Continue reading for my favorite Meg Wachter photos, and a short but cute interview with the artist.

Serial Optimist: Do you consider yourself an artist or a photographer, or are they one in the same?

Meg Wachter: If they’re not one in the same, then I can’t imagine how dull some photography must be. I have always been a creative person and photography was the right fit to allow me to fulfill the desire to create.

‘Portraits’ Series

SO: You have done work in music, fashion, lifestyle, art, and advertising. If you had to choose only one of those areas to be involved with for the rest of your days, which would you choose and why?

MW: I like that portraiture can toe the line between anthropology and art. You can learn about someone based on their environment or expression–or you can completely turn the whole impression on it’s ear and make a narrative that doesn’t exist. I’ve always liked the Diane Arbus quote: “A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know.” So, to answer your question–I’d say portraiture.

‘Portraits’ Series

SO: What was the first photograph you remember taking, and seeing, that made you think, “This is what I want to do.”

Ray of Light

MW: I was probably 14 or 15. As I recall, it had been a cloudy day and then the sun peaked out and the light fell on my friend and I yelled across the creek for him to stop moving. I was using my dad’s Canon from the 70s and a roll of Tri-X. I was still learning how to use a manual SLR and I’m lucky that this exposure even came out. But it did. I still find it sort of sad that 14-year-olds now have no idea about the beauty of film–let alone the labor of the dark room (but fixer supposedly causes Alzheimer’s). So it goes.

‘Painted Beauty’ Series

SO: What is the best thing about being a photographer, and what is the worst thing about being a photographer?

MW: The best is the whole pseudo master of the universe thing. I can bring my crazy imaginings, like DUMPED! to fruition (for the most part and within reason) with the camera (and aid of the modern darkroom–Adobe Lightroom). It’s also the access you gain to places, like these, and to people (strangers usually) that under normal circumstances you would not have a chance to experience. It breaks down barriers. You can make a living off your passion. I see no downside to this besides occasionally not knowing where your next paycheck is coming from–but that’s the sacrifice you make.

‘DUMPED!’

SO: What drives you to create, to be an artist, to do what you do?

MW: Complacency.

SO: What current projects do you have coming up in the near future? Give us a little something to look forward to.

MW: Nothing confirmed at the moment except for pushing my work. Possibly delving into a New York-centric still life project…

‘Henry’ Series

SO: Describe to me what your perfect Brooklyn day is.

MW: Riding my bike to Coney Island.

SO: Sounds dreamy. Thanks Meg!

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SO Note: Go to Meg’s website www.megwachter.com to view her work and portfolio along with upcoming info, also check out her Tumblr Totes it’s a Blog, and follow her on Twitter @mtotheegg.