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

Hi Marty, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Actually I avoided pursuing photography as a career for the longest time. Another photographer offered unsolicited advice back in the late 80s not to make it a career as then it would be a job and it wouldn’t be as enjoyable. Photography brings me so much joy and creative energy I wish I had pursued it more back then and avoided his advice.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I specialize in headshots, portraits and corporate events. Lighting and being able to tell a story is what sets me apart from other photographers. Whether it’s studio lighting, natural light or a combination it’s important to strike the right balance to best flatter the subject and keep the story authentic.

In 2022 I was recognized as the #1 editorial photographer in San Antonio by Peer Space Magazine and I thank San Antonio Magazine for providing me the platform to showcase my editorial work as one of their contributing photographers. I was thrilled to be ranked in the Top 12 but ecstatic to be #1!

It isn’t easy. You have to want to be better every single day so when people tell you no, you have to keep going. Feedback is probably the hardest part, for me anyway, and you can’t take it personal. I used to say the reason I never asked for feedback was because I didn’t want feedback but if your goal is to be better it’s essential. As an artist I know there are definitely times I question myself and my value but I have to push through and not let my inner judge zap my creative energy. For me passion projects add a dimension to my photography that brings joy and keeps my outlook fresh .
My brand is delivering exceptional client experiences in the studio or on location, with next level lighting and composition, whether it’s headshots, executive portraits, events or food & beverage. Regardless of genre, we’re here to deliver for you in color, black and white, digital or film.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So many great places in and around LA to take them. Some of the places we would eat and drink (in no particular order) are: The Inkwell Tavern, in Burbank, for smash burgers and craft cocktails, The Hotel Amarano Bar for drinks on a Thursday night. Ellen and Harvey make an outstanding “Fashionable” which is their version of an Old Fashioned, Verse LA in Toluca Lake for an amazing upscale dinner while listening to live jazz in a restaurant built inside of a sound studio,

Hiking Griffith Park is also a high priority then brunch/lunch at All Time in Los Feliz. Dinner in Studio City at The Front Yard for great food and amazing craft cocktails.

LA County Museum of Art(LACMA) is always a fun time too.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There have been so many great photographers that I have gotten inspiration from that continue to feed my creativity. Nick Fanchar, Platon, Dan Winters, Lindsay Adler and Peter Hurley to name a few.

A special shoutout to San Antonio Magazine for giving me an opportunity to shoot editorial and food/beverage assignments when COVID hit in 2020.

My family (Karen, Chloe and Jack) have always been huge supporters of my work and their love, encouragement and honest feedback keep me going. They’re the best!

Website: https://www.mpmphotography.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marty-morris-3b554313/

Image Credits
Marty Morris

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