Welcome to the first of our new Artist Profile series, if you know a local artisan who we should feature please email us at talk@newburyport-today.com
NewburyportToday: How long have you been a photographer?
Meg Manion Silliker: I have loved photography since high school. I won’t even tell you how long ago that was!! I grew up watching my Dad with a camera in his hand all the time. it was after the birth of my daughter Annie in 2005, that I found I never went anywhere without my camera – I didn’t want to miss a thing in my little ones life. I had always shot for family and friends and they really loved what they saw. I was hesitant to start my business but decided last summer that the time was right as my husband and I had resolved to close our business here in town. I truly have found something that makes me completely happy and fulfilled. When you find your hearts desire you have no choice but to go for it. I’m happiest behind the lens and knew this was the perfect job for me. It is an honor to photograph people, to be a part of their lives, to see them revealed in front of my camera.
Newburyport Today: Much of your work is portraiture, what is most challenging about this?
Meg Manion Silliker: I adore the complete and utter innocence of a child and their ability to be themselves (and comfortable with that) 100% of the time! Whether that’s good or bad you have to take them as they are. Sometimes it just doesn’t work out – smiles aren’t forthcoming, cooperation has left the building. I never have a problem rescheduling a shoot when the happy factor fades. It’s a challenge but so worth it in the end.
Newburyport Today: What emotion would you say is most often elicited from your work?
Meg Manion Silliker: All emotions are elicited! I can go from a frown to a giggle in a few frames! – I’d like to think that my ability to make my subject(s) comfortable would encourage many emotions. happiness, hope, joy, love. If I’m shooting a couple I hope to capture admiration, affection and tenderness. If I am shooting a child I hope to capture delight and pleasure. Or if I am shooting a teen I hope their confidence, desires and aspirations are captured. I know you only asked me for one emotion but how can I choose – perhaps just pure delight – that’s a great emotion.
Newburyport Today: Your subjects all look so natural, how do you put them at ease?
Meg Manion Silliker: I know I like to be behind the camera, not in front of it! It can be uncomfortable to have this thing pointing in your direction – I engage my subjects, in conversation about their lives, their careers, school, whatever inspires them.With a child it may be their favorite toy or game….and soon I find they are just talking and laughing back at me and my camera just happens to be there in the hopes of capturing the many moments of our dialogue. I’ve been known to be silly but a girl’s got to do what a girl’s got to do.
NewburyportToday: What about living in Newburyport feeds your work creatively?
Meg Manion Silliker: I have lived in Newburyportfor 18 years amazingly enough! It’s a wonderful community of so many talented people that just continue to feed my need for art. I think we live in such a unique corner of the planet – the ocean, the river, parks, historic homes, wonderful places to walk or ride your bike to – hidden treasures everywhere. I am always on the hunt for unique locations to use as my “on location” studio – You can get a hip urban feel or a completely tranquil country setting. Since I am a natural light photographer I appreciate the diversity that surrounds me.
