Hey there! I’m Meg Hoechsmann, the face behind Hoechsmann Photography.

As a Lifestyle Family Photographer based in Munich, I understand that choosing the right photographer goes beyond liking a photography style and fitting your budget. This isn’t just an investment in one day. Photos are like a time-traveling machine. This is “one day” that you’ll come back to again your whole life. So, how did you feel?

Choosing the right photographer for your family is about finding someone who can genuinely connect with you and your family, capturing those intimate moments in a way that feels natural and true to your story. It’s about finding someone who respects your wishes, values, and understands the importance of these moments.

To help you get to know me better, I wanted to share more about who I am, my journey to photography, my why, my favorites, and what’s helping me in this parenting journey—all the things that make me, me.

Meet Meg Hoechsmann

Get to Know the Person Behind the Camera!

So, who am I? I’m your average American mom living in Germany, missing my beloved Mexican food and Target runs. I’m a recovering perfectionist who is learning to embrace the messiness of life with a heart full of love. I’m what you might call an “extroverted introvert” — I thrive on deep connections but also cherish my quiet time to recharge.

I’m a mom of two wild little girls. My girls are full of energy and keep me on my toes each and every day. They are smart and funny and a force to be reckoned with. They embody the whole “looks like an angel, but she’s a devil in disguise,” always finding new ways to keep things exciting around here. There is never a dull moment. Every day with them is a mix of laughter, chaos, and learning. They are my greatest teachers and my biggest source of inspiration.

I’m originally from Florida and grew up in a university town. I was never a big fan of the beach and always preferred the mountains, which is where I spent a lot of my time growing up — at my parent’s second home in North Carolina on Roan Mountain or at my favorite summer camp, Montreat. I always feel at peace in the mountains and as I grow older, I seek out more ways to stop and appreciate the simple beauty in nature.

I worked with kids while growing up, first at my church with their music and youth ministry programs and then babysitting through out college and grad school. I often wondered if I should have been a teacher, but my untraditional path turned out to be just right for me. I studied international business at the graduate level and then dove into the world of higher education, focusing on cross-cultural exchange and international programs.

I’m a big fan of exchange programs—my own journey began with meeting my husband through a high school exchange program and participating in various study abroad experiences during my undergrad and grad years. My love for Europe and travel was always there, although I’m not sure I ever believed I would be living here all these years later.

What Brought Me to Munich

Navigating life as an expat mom can come with its own set of challenges and rewards. I’ve missed a lot of major moments with friends and families, and the little ones like watching your best friends’ kids grow up from afar. I’ve felt the struggle of juggling parenting in a new language, and the process of finding a community far from home. But I’m a big believer in choice, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to live and raise my family here.

After living back in the US for three years, my husband and I decided it was time to return to Europe when our oldest daughter turned one. We were drawn back to Germany by the promise of a different kind of childhood experience for our girls—one where they could grow up in a safe environment with access to affordable education and the chance to enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle.

Living so close to the Alps and the beautiful lakes just south of the city has been a wonderful experience. We’ve been in Munich for three years now, and it’s been a fascinating adventure discovering new corners of the city and learning about the best places for families. Connecting with other expat moms and parents here has been especially rewarding. Building a supportive community from scratch can be tough, but I’ve loved meeting new friends and sharing experiences as we navigate this adventure together.

This or That Round

• Coffee or Tea? Black Tea all the way!
• Friends or The Office? Could I BE any more excited??
• Sunrise or Sunset?
• Spring or Fall? The most wonderful time of the year!
• Mountains or Beach?
• Early Bird or Night Owl?
• Book or Movie?
• Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings? Ok.. but that is impossible to choose.
• City Life or Countryside? the IG algorithm has me pinned: Cottage life dreaming!
• Sweet or Savory? Both.
• Skinny Jeans or Boyfriend Jeans?
• Adventurous or Homebody? A homebody who likes to travel and then come back home
• Netflix Binge or Outdoor Adventure? The mom in me just wants a day to be a bum!
• Historical Fiction or True Crime?

I hope this gives you a little glimpse into who I am! If you’re curious about my work as a Munich family photographer, check out my family photography portfolio to see how I capture those special moments. If you’re ready to create some beautiful family memories of your own, reach out through my contact form—I’d love to hear from you!