Meet Sarah Morgan | San Diego Portrait and Brand Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Morgan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?

One thing about being a brand photographer that clients may be unaware of is the amount of planning and coordination that goes into a successful brand photoshoot. While the end result may be a collection of beautifully captured images, the process leading up to that point requires careful preparation and attention to detail.

Here are some aspects that go into planning a shoot:

Pre-production: I often spend a significant amount of time in the pre-production phase. This involves collaborating with the client to understand their brand, vision, and specific requirements for the shoot. It may also involve location scouting, securing permits, renting locations, organizing props or models, and creating shot lists or storyboards.

Concept development: I work closely with clients to develop a concept or visual narrative that aligns with their brand’s identity and marketing goals. They need to understand the target audience and create images that effectively communicate the brand’s message or values.

Team collaboration: Depending on the scale of the shoot, I may work with a team of professionals, including stylists, makeup artists, models, and assistants. Coordinating schedules, communicating ideas, and ensuring everyone is on the same page requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

Technical expertise: Beyond the artistic aspect, I also need to have a solid understanding of lighting, composition, angles and camera settings to achieve the desired results. Many times I need to work with various equipment and lighting setups, adapting to different shooting conditions and environments.

Post-processing: After the shoot, I spend a considerable amount of time in post-production. This involves sorting through hundreds or even thousands of images, selecting the best ones, meeting with clients to help them select their final images and enhancing those images through editing techniques. This includes adjusting colors, exposure, removing blemishes and undereye circles, whitening eyes and teeth, or adding effects to achieve the desired final look.

As you can see, being a brand photographer entails much more than a simple photoshoot such as a family portrait or headshot. It involves careful planning, creative collaboration, and technical expertise to deliver compelling visuals that effectively represent a brand’s identity and message.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I find joy being a photographer, particularly in my ability to help clients feel completely at ease during their photography sessions. Guiding camera-shy individuals and creating a warm, comfortable environment is my superpower. I take pride in fostering connections and building trust, enabling my clients to relax, be themselves, and truly enjoy the experience of being photographed. Witnessing their transformation from apprehension to confidence is a truly rewarding aspect of my work.

Throughout my 26-year journey as a professional photographer, I’ve encountered numerous challenges and setbacks. From a cross country mover, to navigating through economic recessions, enduring the unexpected trials brought on by the pandemic, as well as personal losses such as the passings of my parents, the road has certainly been challenging. However, it is through these experiences that I have grown both personally and professionally.

Because of these challenges, I’ve learned the significance of resilience, adaptability, and continuous growth in my craft. Each obstacle has served as an opportunity for me to innovate, explore new genres, and expand my skill set. Although, not always easy, embracing change and remaining open to new possibilities have been essential in overcoming the hurdles that have come my way.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that behind the lens, there is not only a skilled photographer, but also a compassionate soul deeply invested in helping clients feel comfortable and seen. I am genuinely passionate about creating a positive impact through photography. Alongside capturing beautiful images, I cherish the art of storytelling. Each photograph is an opportunity to weave narratives, evoke emotions, and preserve treasured memories.

I revel in the connection I establish with each individual, allowing their unique stories to unfold through my lens. It is my heartfelt belief that photography has the power to touch lives and create lasting legacies, resonating with authenticity, empathy, and the celebration of individuality.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Funny, you should ask. My sister visted for the first time in 20 years this past March and I was determined to show her why I love San Diego so much by taking her to all my favorite places. Here’s what we did in her 5 day visit…

1-San Diego Zoo
2-Dinner at Arrivederci
3-Hike Annie’s Canyon and Torrey Pines State Natrual Reserve
4-Dinner and Atomic Groove Happy Hour at the BellyUp
5-Walk around Santee Lakes
6-Stroll along WindanSea Beach
7-Visit to Soledad Mountain
7-Authentic Mexican food at Mr. Birria in Santee
8-La Jolla Coastal Walk
9-La Jolla Secret Swing
10-Coastal drive up to Oceanside pier with a shopping stop in Encinitas
11-Lunch at The Union in Encinitas
12-Walk along the Oceanside pier
13-Visit to the Top Gun House
14-Drive over Mt. Laguna to visit the snow
15-Lunch and pie in Julian
16-Down in to Borrego to check out the Ricardo Breceda sculptures

She needs to come back because I already have another long list of places to bring her or any of my visiting friends!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Sue Bryce and Sue Bryce Education have been instrumental in shaping my journey as a portrait and brand photographer. As my mentor, Sue Bryce’s guidance and expertise have helped me refine my skills and expand my knowledge in various aspects of photography, including marketing, sales, posing, and session planning.
Through Sue Bryce Education, I have gained valuable insights and practical strategies that have significantly contributed to my professional growth. From understanding the art of capturing portraits to mastering the business side of photography, Sue Bryce’s teachings have provided me with a solid foundation and empowered me to excel in my career. I am very grateful for the invaluable mentorship and resources offered by Sue Bryce and her educational platform, which have been instrumental in my development as a photographer.

Website: https://www.sarahmorganphotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmorganphotography/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmorganphotography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahmorganphotographicartist

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sarah-morgan-photography-san-diego

Other: Google: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sarah-morgan-photography-san-diego

Image Credits
Sarah Morgan Photography