We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Morgan E 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. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

I believe success starts from within. As cliché as it may sound, having internal drive and the willingness to keep pushing forward is essential. Without that, it’s easy to stay stuck in your comfort zone. I also think the people you choose to surround yourself with play a big role in your growth. Just as important are the words you speak to yourself and the thoughts you carry. Our mindset is one of our most powerful tools—when we lead with positive thoughts and self-talk, we create space for growth and opportunity.

Morgan, 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?

I’m 28 years old and have been doing photography for about seven years now. I live out on the prairie in northeastern Montana, and I truly love it out here. Before I started this journey, I was a single mom working in healthcare, looking for a way to earn more and feel more fulfilled. Creativity has always come naturally to me, and something inside just told me to go for it—so I did.

Photography is often misunderstood as simply pointing a camera and clicking a button. I’ve heard that phrase more times than I can count. But the reality is, there’s a lot more to it—scouting locations, managing unpredictable weather, understanding light, choosing camera settings, coordinating styling and posing, editing, and more. It took me years of trial and error to learn all of that, and I’m still learning every single day. Once you really commit to growing your skills, the work becomes incredibly rewarding.

One of the biggest downfalls I see in any profession is the belief that you’ve “made it” or learned everything there is to know. That mindset keeps people stuck. Our comfort zone can be the biggest thing holding us back. When you’re willing to step out of it, stay curious, and keep learning, new doors start to open.

Today, I focus mainly on couples, seniors, engagements, and some weddings. I’m based in Montana, and the West truly has my heart—the lifestyle, the fashion, the values. My photography is a reflection of all of that. It’s about capturing the spirit of the people and the place I love most—and that’s what keeps me inspired every day.

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

One of the most effective strategies for growing my clientele has been stepping out of my comfort zone and intentionally connecting with new people. Every new interaction has the potential to open doors you didn’t even know existed. Social media has also played a huge role in growing my business—it’s an incredible tool for visibility and reaching new audiences. But beyond that, building genuine relationships and consistently delivering a high-quality experience has made the biggest impact. When you’re confident in the service you provide, that energy is contagious. People notice, and they’re naturally drawn to it.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

There are two things that stand out as the most rewarding parts of being an artist. The first is seeing and hearing the genuine satisfaction from my clients—knowing I captured exactly what they envisioned is an incredible feeling. The second is the value my clients place on my work. When people are willing to invest in what I offer, especially in today’s tough economy, it means so much. I do my best to keep my services affordable because I know firsthand how hard things can be financially. So when clients choose to spend their hard-earned money on my work, it’s a powerful reminder of the trust they have in me and the impact of what I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cmphotography41.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmphoto_mt/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/100031017833476/

Image Credits

C&M Photography (myself)