We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Morgan Converse. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Morgan below.
Morgan, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I am the epitome of taking the damn risks. In 2019, I made the choice to quit my full time job I had been at for 8 years. I was hustling on the side of my job doing photography for 3 years as an official business. While juggling a passion side gig with a safe paycheck job something inside of me said “take the damn risk”. I didn’t know if I’d fail, I’d succeed or if it’d all work out and I’d find myself along the way. I just knew it was important, I’d known I’d have regrets if I stayed the same and most of all I knew I needed the change. All of the above happened, I made mistakes, I learned to pivot, I learned a ton about myself but most importantly I have now been running a successful photography business full time since 2019. If you are an artist you know this is a shaky career choice, artistic services are a luxury, they are not something everyone can afford nor something everyone sees the value in. There have been many times where I have pivoted to do the scary things, the things I thought I couldn’t do all because this choice I made pushed me out of my comfort zone. I would have never had the opportunities I do now, had I not taken the leap. I got out of my own damn way and just did what I needed to do, I didn’t care if I made it or not I just needed to try. I started photography, not because it was a passion but because self love has always been my passion and my camera gave me a tool to help others start to find their own magic. Because of this journey, I now do photography full time, teach photography classes, mentor for a local ceo group, work with a local non profit as well as speak to our local schools and host art classes focusing on finding your magic.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
To the outside world most know me for being the person behind the lens of Converse Candids Photography. My job of capturing joy has been the most rewarding career jump I have ever made. I specialize in: family photography, boudoir/empowerment sessions, senior sessions, creative sessions as well as real estate photography.
When I started this journey I knew that the self love portion was powerful and I felt it was important for me to take opportunities that helped spread my message. Since starting this business I have had the honor to talk with organizations, schools and other communities about self love and finding your confidence. I teach classes, directed towards children and teens, about how their bodies are good bodies and deserve love and respect at every journey. We talk about the power of words, the power of our self love and that the magic we search for is already within us. Because truly, our self love is our superpower, it’s what keeps us unique, spirited and true to who we are. I have always said that my main goal is to be the person I needed when I was younger. Therefore I work hard with the opportunities I am given to take up space and talk about what’s passionate to me. Had I seen a fat girl, not only owning that word but just taking up space as herself, owning her body and giving herself love while talking so kindly about the human she is – I would’ve spoken to myself better and been much kinder to my body. Selfishly, I am healing my inner child every time I have the platform to speak about self love, as much as it may resonate with someone else it heals me too.
Aside from being a photographer and self love advocate in my community, I also work with a local non profit called Pay It Forward Inc. What started as an opportunity to photograph and document their work turned into taking on the role of being on their board. I help with projects, fundraisers and all the in-between year round. Giving back to my community is incredibly important to me. What gravitated me towards joining this crew, was documented with my cameras during their big home remodel they do yearly, in March. They ask the community to nominate families, neighbors, humans in need of a bathroom remodel and pick one lucky winner to receive this treasured gift at no cost to them. However, this is where it gets WILD, they think they are getting a bathroom remodel but with the amount of businesses that donate their time and community donated money to this project, we end up redoing 90% of their home in ONE WEEK. Yes, you’re reading that right. We remodel a home at no cost to the homeowner in one week. It’s truly the most incredible experience to see so many people come together and do something for someone they know nothing about. Gina Grundmeier, the owner of Pay it Forward Inc. has created this non profit and is the reason we all give to this organization, she has a heart of gold and will live life with less to give others she doesn’t know more. Pay it Forward Inc. is 100% community funded, without donations we cannot continue to give back to so many families year after year. For more information, please check out our website, you can find photos/videos/interviews of our past projects and donate for the future ones. 2024 will be year 11 for us!
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
The biggest lesson I had to unlearn quickly was knowing it was okay to say NO.
Society sculpts us to think we must say yes to everyone, every opportunity and every goal. That we must burn out to be successful. I measure success differently, I am proud to say that is something I have worked hard at. Success to me is taking up space in your community just as you are. Success is saying YES to the right clients and saying NO to the clients who aren’t suited for you. It’s not your job to be for everyone, just it’s not my job to take every client. If I feel a different photographer in our area would better suit a client’s needs, I will happily refer them. I refuse to do shoots that feel half assed, that I don’t feel passionate about or confident in. There is another artist out there that is made for that shoot, I don’t need to take up their space.
I know it sounds scary to turn away work, but the right clients will always find you.
You do not need to settle, or put yourself into positions that jeopardize your artistic views.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
I’d say 75% of my clientele is repeat customers, they’re clients who have either been with me from the beginning or came to me as a referral from another repeat client.
The best way to grow your clients is to BE YOURSELF.
You need to take up space online showcasing not only your artwork but you as a person. Do not try to fit into molds that aren’t made for you. Do what brings you joy, follow what sets your soul on fire.
You are not supposed to be everyone.
The right people will find you.
Take care of yourself first, pour into yourself before you start to pour into someone else.
You can’t be on your best game, if you’re not taking the best care of yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.conversecandids.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conversecandids/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conversecandids
- Other: https://payitforwardtng.org/ https://conversecandids.bigcartel.com/
Image Credits
Headshots by Copper & Coal Photography