Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Banks
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Sistahs with photos didn’t start until 2015, but I started taking photos 2 years prior to that for two reasons. One I hated working for people, hated my job at the time (working at a daycare). Secondly, I was talking to this guy who was a photographer at the time and it peaked my interest so much that I was finding myself in to it more than him…lol.
So, after 2 years of workshops and self taught videos on youtube, I decided to start doing freelance photography as a business. It was cool at first but then I realized I needed some formal education, when it felt like it started to lag. I applied to Maryland Institute College of Art photgraphy graduate program (MICA). And actually couldn’t believe I got in! In 2024, I graduated with my Masters in Fine Arts in photography and have been in multiple exhibitions, curated shows and now work as a Professor at Coppin State University.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road but it was not all bad. First, mentally I had to breakdown and build myself back up again. I felt like everything I tried to would fail. I graduated from Morgan in Applied Liberal Sciences because I could not pass the praxis to become a teacher. Which had me working in different daycares for a couple of years. Then when I decided to go into photography later in life, imposter syndrome took over my mind that just wouldn’t allow me to see the greatness that others saw in my creativity. Unlearning how I communicate because in the Arts there is a style to asking people to give you a chance (still learning by the way). Realizing management of care of self and those I love has to come first before anything materialistic. Discipline in charger of myself and others ( can be so scary).
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a digital photographer working in the realm and topics of Grief, Black Women, and healthcare. My photos surround the question of care of self and care for others through matriarchial and eldest daughters roles in Black Women. My most recent work is named Burdened By Blood and has been showcased in multiple exhibitions in Baltimore, MD and Montgomery, Alabama. What sets me apart is my need to choose to have a borderless practice in my artistry. Whichever way the work calls to be created I try my very best to stay true to that vision.
Any big plans?
I am looking to finish my book I am currently working on at the moment. I am also looking to receive funding to do another Sistahs In Truth (S.i.t) Retreat in Grief seminar this summer.
Pricing:
- All work is avaible for purchase at mj-photography-llc.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mj-photography-llc.com
- Instagram: Action_means_more, sistahsntruth, swp_photos
