Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christopher Mortenson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Christopher thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

My most meaningful project to date is my solo art show, “Mediations” This was the one time in my life where I fully emersed myself in my skills as a photographer and collage artist. I sat in my kitchen working hours at end. Exploring the depths of my psyche. Years prior I had survived a near death experience that left me with many questions of my purpose and what death had taught me. I knew that I had to spill it all out. Starting with my demons, dreams and finally getting answers for what had happened to me. My favorite piece of the show was titled “Fans in the garden of Eden” Where I depicted two women embraced in each other surrounded by a ransom note. The words that flutter throughout are the beginning sentiments of the First Testament. Jesus, Mother Mary and St. Francis gracefully placed on the women to show the juxtaposition of sex, creation and religion.

Christopher, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Christopher Mortenson, but everyone knows me as Morty . I am an editorial/commercial photographer based out of the wonderful city of Long Beach. My origin story starts in a small rural town of Silver City, New Mexico. My mom was a photographer in the Navy and witnessing her photographs growing up inspired me to follow in her footsteps.
I went to college at New Mexico State University where I received a BFA in photography. After graduating, I got a job as an art director for a Los Angeles based street wear clothing company called Quintin Co . This job gave me creative freedom and also gave me access to photograph some of the top athletes in BMX and skateboarding.

After leaving Quintin Co. in 2014, I spent the last ten years developing my vision and sharpening my skills as a photographer. This motivated me to learn as much as I could about the intricacies of photography. I continue to bring this knowledge to all my shoots, big or small.

“To make a photograph is to align the head, the eye, and the heart. It is a way of life” this quote by Henri Cartier Bresson is something that rings true to me everyday. This has influenced me to connect with my subject, wether it be a person or a product. I strive for the environment to be one that is balanced and comfortable. Every photographer should have this as their foundation when telling a story through a photograph.

As of now I’m a staff photographer for many publications in the Los Angeles area including LA Downtown News, Pasadena Weekly, and The Argonaut. These weekly community newspapers have connected me to business owners, artists, actors, and your fellow Angelinos with a story.
But my passion does not stop there, I also have a wedding/event photography business called “Wedding Crashers Worldwide” My clients have said that I’m able to capture their special day through a lens of warmth and candid moments.
And when I’m not on an assignment or shooting lovers at a wedding, you can find me at client shoots, personal projects, or my new love for large scale collages.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

As a more seasoned photographer I can’t stress enough the idea of putting yourself out there as someone who is starting out in the industry . Having been a student at an art college, I was in a small bubble that quickly popped as a I arrived in LA. I was not aware that you could simply reach out to others for work. Once I discovered this, I began to assists on shoots more frequently. Now with 9 years of assisting work under my belt, I can confidently say that networking, reaching out and emailing as many people as you can is your ticket to expanding your repertoire.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My curiosity for how others live and reside in their homes has been a source of creativity. I’m fascinated by the human condition. It always shocks me how people trust me to enter their complexities of their emotions, their moralities and conflicts within the event of their human life. I want to capture those moments in real time.

The second thing that drives me to do what I do is education. I find that influencing the younger generations is the key to creating the future you want to see. I find time to work in mentoring programs where I teach children how to use cameras and find subjects throughout the city. Through this work I have found new knowledge and skills that I think would off been left untapped otherwise.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mortyvision.com
• Instagram: mortyvision
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-mortenson-92031317a/
• Twitter: https://x.com/themortyvision/status/601980070840893440
• Other: https://www.mortyvision.com/everythings-better-on-grass

Image Credits
Photography by: Christopher Mortenson