We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Morgan Duke a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Morgan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

I think there are two big challenges. The first challenge as a female small business owner, that provides a service, is knowing what your time is worth and setting a price to reflect that. There is fear in being rejected or being told “no,” so most of us set a low standard for what we feel our value is. The second challenge is learning how to navigate the social media world, or more so… HAVING to learn the social media world in order to be successful. I will be the first to admit I don’t even know what an algorithm is, so I have a lot more to learn.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am the owner of Morgan Duke Photography, and have been a photographer for the last 12 years. I started off working primarily with families and children, seasonal sessions. I also shoot weddings, but I do not primarily advertise that. In 2019, I had the opportunity to shoot some branding content for the yoga studio I attended, which would be used for their social media, website, and general marketing. Shortly after this, word spread, and I was contacted by other small businesses in town. Fast forward three years later, I now work with a number of small and large local businesses and entrepreneurs. My work includes food and beverage, fashion, lifestyle product photography, and interiors. I’ve really enjoyed watching my business grow in the past few years, and if I could give any advice… walk confidently in the direction you want to go. Do not be afraid to send that email or social media message and sell your service. As the kids say these days—slide into those DMs! *wink* Also, do not be afraid of growth. If you are ready for it… most likely, so is everyone else!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is seeing others enjoy and appreciate your work. It’s not always easy being a photographer on social media these days, and I by no means have any large following. But, seeing my work shared on social media or published in a magazine… well, there’s just no way to explain how that feels. It’s like— Yeah! I did that!

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Honestly, word of mouth is a very powerful thing. Especially when you live in a somewhat smaller community like myself. Although, there have been many times I have reached out to businesses or entrepreneurs, and basically suggested that they need my services to help grow their brand. Of course, in the back of my mind I feared being told no. But…you’d be surprised how people respond when you are confident in yourself and the service you are providing. And even when you’re not confident, just show up like you are!

Contact Info:

• Website: morgandukephotography.com
• Instagram: @morgandukephotography

Image Credits
Self portrait : Alex Molina Photography, LLC All other images: Morgan Duke Photography, LLC