Meet Meg Barrales of Knoxville, TN

Today we’d like to introduce you to Meg Barrales

Meg, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up I was around family that had cameras taking tons of photos and had a couple point and shoot cameras myself growing up. In 2020 when the world shut down I had decided to pick up photography as a hobby when I was still living in California. Then overtime I realized my photographs could actually become something to someone, whether it meant freezing a memory for someone or bringing a new meaning of something to another. About then is when I realized I truly wanted to pursue photography, knowing the images I take could hold a lot for someone other than just myself. I started exploring the paths of photography I could take and I first choose to start going down the path of nature, landscapes, and some portraits. I was taking every possible class for photography through my high school years & knew I wanted to hopefully get a degree in photography in college, which I’m currently working on right now. About a year ago I changed my main course and decided to jump into concert photography, since it combines two of my favorite things (concerts & photography). I moved to Knoxville back in August of 2024, which threw me in a direction I knew was coming in my life but it for sure scared me in terms of opportunities since I was now living somewhere I didn’t know and only knew 3 people in surrounding areas going into it. Thankfully I am getting amazing opportunities and hope to continue to get great opportunities over here as time goes on to help me continue to grow as a photographer and grow as a person in general learning how everything is on the east coast compared to the west coast.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been the smoothest road, but it also hasn’t been the roughest. The struggle of confidence to start putting myself out there as a growing photographer and putting out my photos was definitely strong when I started. To get out and take photos was smooth because it had felt like a second nature to me, since I grew up with cameras around me and had a couple point and shoots growing up. Moving across the country was also a struggle because I had many doubts and worries, which did set me back a little once I had moved because of the fear of making a wrong move. Once I gained the courage to start back up with everything once I moved its been mostly a smooth road, with realizing there is many opportunities to be given and to take and continue to grow over here which helps demolish the feeling of worry of not getting many opportunities over here.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I do photography, as of right now mainly concert photography but I also do portraits and nature. I feel like I’m known for my concert photographs since that is what is mainly on my socials. I’m most proud of the photos I took at shows when I started doing photos from the crowd since I had no portfolio to show when asking for photo/media passes, because those gave me the courage to actually pursue this and want to capture shows not only for the memories for myself but for the artists themselves and their fans. It gave me the insights of myself knowing what moments to capture and what to keep an eye out for. What sets me apart from others, my age since I’m 19 (started at 18) so I knew what I wanted to do and started early and my determination to take on opportunities that could benefit me and outreach to gain opportunities.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
The advice I have for others just starting out is don’t give up, especially when it’s something you are very passionate about. Whenever it seems like its the wrong path, try to resolve whatever it is and keep going if it is truly something you want. Also don’t stop reaching for opportunities because they can turn into something bigger for you.
I wish I had known how many opportunities there would be for me in the path I had chosen a year ago so I could’ve potentially started earlier without worry, but I am also grateful to be where I am now at this time.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megbarralesphotography?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr