We were lucky to catch up with Shaun Morrison recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Shaun, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about how you got your first non-friend, non-family client. Paint the picture for us so we can feel the same excitement you felt on that day.

My first venture into photography led me to capture the beauty of maternity, a special gift from one dear friend to another. Stepping into this world felt like uncharted waters, having previously bathed in the rawness of street and intimate portrait photography. As we began, my nerves danced, making me momentarily forget the art I loved so deeply. But as the minutes ticked by, a beautiful camaraderie blossomed between me and the two radiant souls in front of my lens. I’ve come to believe that the heart of photography isn’t just in one’s technical prowess or an artist’s eye. It’s in the magic of creating a comforting space where people can shine as their most authentic selves. That’s where true beauty is captured – in those heartwarming, genuine moments.

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?

It all started with a quirky gift from my aunt for my 6th birthday: an orange Ninja Turtle film camera. To six-year-old me, it was magic. To my parents, probably a mild headache as I made them buy and develop countless film rolls. I clicked everything and everyone, but with each click, I felt a thrill. It was like capturing a piece of the world in my pocket. My aunt, seeing the gleam in my eyes, kept nudging me along, perhaps not realizing the photographer she was helping to shape.

Fast forward a bit, and I found myself wandering the halls of Miami International University of Art and Design. I can’t remember my professor’s name from my first black and white film class, but man, her advice was gold. “Shaun,” she’d say, “Never let your negatives go, bend the rules if your gut says so, and buddy, check your gear twice, no, thrice!” I wish I could say I was a star student, but I broke all those rules. Yet, oddly enough, it made me sharper, quicker, and always reminded me to have a blast behind the lens.

One sunny day, while wandering with my camera, I saw this couple. They were so lost in each other, the world didn’t exist for them. Instinctively, I captured their moment. When I looked at that photo later, the raw emotion hit me hard. It was beautiful and intimate. That was the moment; I realized I had a soft spot for portrait photography.

The word got around, and soon enough, folks wanted me to capture their moments, their stories. Some were lively, some were pensive, but all of them had a tale itching to be told. And somehow, I became their chosen storyteller.

When I look back, I can’t help but chuckle. That goofy orange Ninja Turtle camera from my aunt was the first domino. It set everything in motion. And every time I broke a rule from my professor’s list, it was like a little rebellion that led me closer to my true self.

Today, my adventures continue. Every face has a universe of stories, and I’m just here with my camera, trying to capture a glimpse of that magic. So, here’s to the stories yet to be told and the frames yet to be captured!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

At the heart of what I do, I’ve always aimed to capture beautiful, fleeting moments for people. It’s about forging a connection, understanding a shared vision with my clients, and then bringing that vision to life through the lens. To many, photography might seem like just an art, but to me, it feels more profound—almost like a superpower. Together, we photographers have this unique gift to freeze time, creating keepsakes that endure, speaking to generations long after we’ve walked our path.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Building a clientele isn’t about following a strict formula. From my personal journey, I’ve found that taking things one step at a time, embracing the ‘slow and steady’ mindset, often leads to genuine, lasting relationships. In our digital age, we’re all artists trying to wear many hats. Having a heartfelt portfolio on a user-friendly website can truly speak to potential clients, especially when you’re out mingling at local events, trade shows, or just chatting in photography groups. Social media isn’t just about exposure; it’s a space to genuinely connect, share stories, and build a supportive community. And remember, every collaboration is a chance to learn and grow together. Let’s embrace each opportunity with an open heart.

Contact Info:

• Website: morrfoto.com
• Instagram: www.intagram.com/morrfoto