Where Growth Began: A Year of Photography in Washington, D.C.

There was a season of my life where everything slowed down just enough for me to truly see—and that season happened in Washington, D.C.

I spent a year there, exploring the city with a camera in my hand and curiosity leading the way. I wandered through neighborhoods, museums, quiet side streets, and iconic landmarks, learning how light moved through the city at different times of day. I paid attention to shadows, textures, movement, and moments that would have been easy to miss if I hadn’t stopped long enough to notice them. That year became a turning point for me—not just creatively, but personally. Without realizing it at first, my photography began to evolve. I moved away from focusing on “perfect” images and leaned into storytelling. I learned to embrace authenticity, emotion, and the beauty of real, unscripted moments. I stopped chasing trends and started trusting my eye.

Exploring D.C. taught me patience. It taught me how to work with natural light, how to find beauty in simplicity, and how to capture a feeling—not just a photo. I learned that the most meaningful images often happen in the quiet moments in between.

When I came home, I carried that growth with me. My style felt lighter, more intentional, and more true to who I am. That year shaped the photographer I am today and laid the foundation for what Megan Leigh Photography has become—natural, heartfelt, and rooted in real connection.

This blog is a space where I’ll share stories, sessions, inspiration, and the moments that continue to shape my work. If you’re here, thank you for being part of this next chapter. I’m so excited to keep telling stories—one photo at a time