Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Swersey.
Hi Morgan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born and raised in Northern Virginia, my journey as a photographer started in high school where I first learned how to use a camera, develop my own film, and do basic photo editing. I quickly began using my friends as models for posed shoots and even partook in a multi-school photography trip to Spain.
Early in my corporate career, I used my love of photography and my affinity for writing to get a job as a social media manager. It was here that I got my first taste of commercial photography and learned both the importance of branding as well as how to use images to create meaningful stories.
During the next decade or so, I had less and less opportunities to incorporate photography into my marketing roles. So, I began doing unpaid sessions on the side. A maternity session here, a family session there… and with each session I began to understand the impact that photos can truly have on a person. Over time, I grew increasingly driven to use my photography to uplift and empower the women around me.
I finally left the corporate world towards the end of 2024 and decided to pursue photography full-time, starting Morgan Swersey Photography.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Ha, I’ll be super honest– it’s definitely been like driving without a map on a poorly paved, pothole-filled road. In short: There have been a lot of lessons. For example. I learned after my first client ghosted me why you collect payment before you deliver a gallery.
On a more personal note, I have also really had to work on my confidence. When you are operating under the banner of someone else’s company, it’s a lot easier to feel sure of yourself because it isn’t all riding on you. But, being the only one determining the success of your business or how much money you make can be incredibly daunting.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
If I were to distill my work and my brand into one sentence it would be this: I translate the stories women and women-focused brands want to tell into meaningful visuals with the help of a camera.
From fantasy cosplay and maternity sessions to branding and promo shoots (and everything in between), I work endlessly to understand the ultimate vision and bring it to life.
Doing this entails far more than just taking pictures and, because of that, I work to ensure my clients feel comfortable, heard, and informed throughout the entire process. This can include a myriad of offerings such as storyboards, questionnaires, wardrobe help, prop and staging assistance, and more.
I actually conducted an open-ended experience survey for 2025 clients and “comfortable” was mentioned in almost every single response. It seems small but considering that many people suddenly forget how to sit naturally the moment they see a camera, I’m pretty proud of it.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
To be honest, I don’t know if it’s the ADHD or my innate personality, but I am not a human who can sit still for any notable length of time. That being said, I absolutely love how much there is to do in Baltimore. Want to see animals? You can see lions at the Maryland Zoo or observe sharks at the National Aquarium. Like art? Both the Baltimore Museum of Art and Walters Art Museum are excellent. My inner bookworm may have actually died the first time I saw The Peabody Library. Outside of the more touristy stuff, there’s almost always a festival or music performance happening somewhere. And, there are so many interesting local businesses to pop into… I could probably go on forever, so I shall cut it off there.
I think what I like least about this city is the same thing I like least about most cities– the traffic and parking situation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.morganswersey.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganswerseyphotos/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morganswerseyphotography
