We’re looking forward to introducing you to Morgan Shattuck . Check out our conversation below.
Hi Morgan , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
As much as I love photography and my clients, I have a beautiful family and a passion for horses that bring me so much joy!
I have been barrel racing for almost 10 years and I absolutely love it! Roxanne is my current mare that I run but she takes a backseat during the fall as photography is the busiest for me. She loves her job just as much as I do! My kids also love horses and watching me ride so it’s great to be able to share that part of me with them as well!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Morgan Shattuck! I am a mother, a wife, business woman, barrel racer and what brings me here, a photographer!
When Covid hit in 2020, I was a waitress, and where I was working, closed down due to the pandemic. Aside from horses and my kids I had no idea what to do. So, with a push from my husband, I decided to purchase a camera and try my hand at photography! It was by far the best decision I’ve made!
During that time is also when I bought my mare, Zippin Rocks, who is also the reason behind Zippin Photography.
She was my model who I practiced on the most! My business took off when I decided to take my camera along to a barrel race and take pictures.
While, I don’t photograph barrel races, and rodeo much anymore, I will be forever grateful I did! They are what helped get me clients and give a kickstart to where I am today!
I have shifted gears and have been doing many weddings and one on one sessions!
My next big project is actually coming up next week! I saw a dress that I loved and it gave me the idea to do a big western fashion content day with some other local photographers and videographers. I cannot wait to see what can be accomplished and make these models feel so confident and bold!
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
My early 20s, I call my rebel era. It’s served its purpose of letting me live and experience new things. It was fun breaking out of my shell and having fun. However it also came with a lot of heartache and things I regret.
The good and bad decisions, love and heartbreak, all lead me to where I am today. It showed me how I didn’t want to live my life forever and led me to my husband and my three beautiful kids.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Actually, there was a time earlier this year that I really debated giving up photography and selling my gear. I wasn’t booking any sessions and was feeling pretty bad about myself. I was thinking I wasn’t good enough anymore. After talking to other photographers about the struggle, I heard I wasn’t alone. Nobody was booking or buying pictures that shows.
I then thought about how expensive life was for my family and realized it might be the same for others. I pushed through. I started second shooting for weddings along with doing my own. For sessions, I decided to offer some more affordable options and accept payment plans. But then I started thinking about something different to do. I started offering more one-on-one sessions that focused on making my client feel beautiful and confident! These took off and took me in a bunch of different directions!
I am so glad I pushed through! My regular client started booking again, I started getting more weddings. I was actually able to upgrade my camera and lenses just last week to go mirrorless! I have been loving it.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie that I feel photographers tell themselves is they have to have the newest gear the minute it’s released.
I do feel technology is always changing and improving. However, you do not need to spend a ton of money on the newest model of a camera or lens the second it’s released. The equipment does not make does not make the photo, the photographer does!
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely! The things I do in life I’m not doing for a pat on the back.
I do things thinking of my family. The effort you put into the things you do is a reflection of who you are as a person. If I am happy and setting a good example for my kids then I am happy and will continue to give life my all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.zippinphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zippin.photography?igsh=aTIxdXEyMnRjaXA1&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/zippinequinephotography
Image Credits
Alex Mosley with Moody Essence Photography
