Today we’d like to introduce you to Maegan Norman.
Hi Maegan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up I was always artistically inclined, and as I grew and my struggles with mental health continued to worsen I found an escape through art. My early twenties were a really challenging time for me: my bipolar disorder would become a real challenge and I was sexually assaulted twice in 2020. In the six years since then I’ve had several suicide attempts and hospitalizations. However, in 2024 I successfully graduated with my B.S. in Fashion Merchandising as well as receiving certificates in Fashion Buying and Global Fashion Brand Management from The University of North Texas. During my last few years of university I would become involved with a group in my community in Dallas and became the executive producer and creative director for multiple fashion shows in Deep Ellum. While searching for that desired post grad job I would pick up my camera again, originally just doing fun fashion shoots for my friends, and I fell back in love with art again. I would proceed to create my photography brand – The Alisabeth Edit – and I’ve been focused on growing and creating ever since!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to get here has been incredibly bumpy. My story with mental health began at a very young age and I would be hospitalized the first time when I was 13 and diagnosed with bipolar disorder when I was 14. In my early twenties things would get much worse. Up to now I’ve been hospitalized for my mental health 8 times and I’ve attempted suicide 3 times. I struggle with bipolar type 1, c-ptsd, ocd, atypical anorexia, and severe adhd. Thankfully I have a really great treatment team of doctors and therapists and my community have been a huge support system for me to lean on. My physical health is a similar story – I was diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos syndrome and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia when I was 16, and when I was 18 I would have a stay in the ICU after a really severe blood clot was found in my inferior vena cava. After graduation getting that dream job was a real challenge, I had multiple multi-round interviews and they just kept not working out. My first full time job I ended up having to leave after 5 months due to an emergency health crisis that landed me in the hospital. It was during my recovery from that crisis that I really decided to take the photography full time. Being my own boss felt like my best chance of success.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a photographer that specializes in bold, creative imagery. I like to say that my work is elegance with an edge, and you can really see that throughout my portfolio. Currently I shoot a little bit of everything from work for brands and businesses to personal work such as couples and portraits. I’m really passionate about fashion photography because I love giving people the opportunity to be creative with their clothing. I’m also really passionate about boudoir photography because I feel like everybody deserves images that make them go “Oh my god I can’t believe that’s me!” What sets me apart from others is I really try to make every session feel like you’re hanging out with a close friend. I want everybody to feel completely comfortable in front of my lens.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Currently I am taking a huge risk developing this business to where it’s at. I couldn’t do it without my support system of family and friends. Every dollar I earn goes back into my business, so I take a risk every day on things working out. In art I’m constantly taking risks when experimenting with new subject matter or new techniques, but sometimes through these risks I’ve been able to create some really beautiful images
Pricing:
- Portraits start at $200
- Graduations start at $350
- Boudoir starts at $500
- Commercial/Editorial price upon request
Contact Info:
- Website: https://unscriptedphotographers.com/1347099
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thealisabethedit?igsh=MTR6NWpqMG1yYm81bg==
