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

Alright, Sharon thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I come from a very creative family, but I can’t draw or sing so when I got my first camera at 8 years old, I realized that photography allowed me to be creative, to tell stories, freeze memories. After college I got married and had kids and bought a camera to take photos of my little family. Slowly, other people started asking me to photograph their own kids and I realized I could make this into a business. I’ve invested a lot in good equipment, but especially in my training and education.

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

My business and “focus” have evolved over the years. While I started as a children’s and family photographer in 2006, over the years I’ve spent more time photographing dancers and doing corporate and branding photos for individuals and businesses. My favorite part of both of these areas of photography, is that I can affect how someone sees themselves and that’s something I take very seriously and brings me a lot of joy. My clients often come to me telling me that they hate having their photo taken, that they’re not photogenic etc. I shoot into a screen, and am trained to use flattering posing and lighting, so people see their shots in real time and that increases their self esteem and confidence! I really love that.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had invested more in the beginning on my education as a photographer. Learning from the right mentors and being a part of photography groups have given me a community and made me the best photographer I can be. I’m always evolving and learning – and I wish I had started that earlier. Photography can be a lonely profession and love my mentors and colleagues.

I wish I had invested more in the beginning on my education as a photographer. Learning from the right mentors and being a part of photography groups have given me a community and made me the best photographer I can be. I’m always evolving and learning – and I wish I had started that earlier. Photography can be a lonely profession and love my mentors and colleagues, especially Peter Hurley and the members of The Headshot Crew.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

That a creative business is a business and has to be run as such, otherwise it’s just an expensive hobby. Owning a nice camera doesn’t make someone a photographer anymore than owning a nice piano qualifies someone to be a professional pianist. That’s something I didn’t know and I don’t think most people understand that. If you don’t pay attention to business, you’re a starving artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sharonmorgenstern.com
• Instagram: @dancerimages

Image Credits
All images my own, except my headshot. That was taken by Scott Rosenthal Photography.