Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Shattuck.
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?
My husband and I have 3 beautiful children. I am an avid animal lover and nature enthusiast. I enjoy barrel racing with my mare, Zippin Rocks, who is the name behind my business.
When covid hit, I was waitressing and unable to work, so I needed to find something to fill my time. I have always loved trying to capture the perfect picture with my phone of my kids, my pets, sunsets. They always looked as good as they could for a phone, but I just loved professional pictures. My husband pushed me to invest in a camera and try my hand at it. We ordered a Nikon Coolpix from Amazon, and I was hooked. I started taking pictures for personal use, and started being asked to do photoshoots for friends. I then made my way to barrel races with it. I knew I wanted to do this.
To be able to combine my passion of photography and horses is nothing short of a dream come true! Being able to meet new people and animals is extremely rewarding. I am blessed to have an amazing support system who encourages and supports me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Photography can be hard. It’s not just picking up a camera and taking a picture. There is so much to learn. It was very confusing at first with all of the setting and numbers. YouTube was my best friend trying to piece it all together. Also, learning how to edit and finding my style was a challenge in itself. You’d be surprised how many photographers are actually around you. I’m so thankful that other photographers in the area are so friendly and helpful. Bouncing ideas off of each other, passing clients, and horse shows along when one of us aren’t able. The mentors and friends I’ve gained from this journey mean the world to me!
Right when my business really started taking off, my camera broke. I posted on my page that I needed to take a step back to save for a new camera. That post was quickly deleted when another local horsewoman and photographer saw it and reached out to me. She had a backup camera and lens I was more than welcome to use for as long as I needed. Cameras are not cheap, and I was very blessed that she trusted me with hers. I will forever be grateful for her. She has always supported me with horses and now my photography journey.
As you know, we’re big fans of Zippin Photography. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Horses are my passion. I’ve always been “the horse girl”. I absolutely love capturing shots at shows, sitting in the pasture to capture their beauty in a picture, and showing the bond between horse and rider.
Though horses are my favorite, I love taking family pictures. My husband and 3 children are my world, so to be able to capture memories for other families brings me so much joy.
Senior pictures, maternity, engagement, even some weddings this year I’ve been very thankful to do a little bit of it all!
I am most proud of the variety I am able to showcase for my brand. You can scroll through my page, and you’ll see images of cattle, weddings, even college wrestling! There is not much I will say no to!
I want your readers to know I am willing to work with their wants and needs! I am not the type of photographer that says “This is what we do and how we do it.” I will work with you to capture those images and feel that you want.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Camera technology, editing programs, Ai, is always advancing and changing. I am learning things daily. There are editing programs out there that you can create the most magical picture by simply typing in “mountains” and they appear and look realistic.
Nothing beats what you see through the viewfinder of a camera. It will always be something I strive to perfect while staying true to my style.
Contact Info:
- Website: Zippinphotography.shootproof.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zippin.photography/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ZippinEquinePhotography
Image Credits
Kaylee Gresh
Timeless Treasures Photography
