Meet Morgan Sanders of National

Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Sanders.

Hi Morgan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My interest in photography started when I was around 12 or 13 years old. I’ve always loved art, and my mother played a big part in that. She would draw, paint, and add little designs to my backpacks, notebooks, and lunchboxes, which always made me happy showing me love and bringing me motivation . While I admired her creativity, I wanted to explore a different kind of art. I saw beauty in real life and everyday moments, and I wanted to find a way to capture them. When I shared that interest, someone introduced me to photography. I started researching it, and it quickly became my passion. I began taking pictures on my phone and downloading editing apps to experiment and see what I could create.

My dad contacted his friend who gave me my first camera during my ninth-grade year of high school. It was a film camera, and I didn’t know how to use it at the time, but it was still an important part of my journey. In tenth grade, my auntie gifted me a digital camera, and I officially started my photography business. I built connections by photographing sports at my school and other schools, which helped me gain experience and get my name out there. As I grew, I upgraded to a better digital camera to improve the quality of my work. That opened the door to more opportunities, more exposure, and paid bookings after spending time building my portfolio through unpaid shoots.

Toward the end of my eleventh-grade year, my dad passed away due to lupus, and I needed to take a break. With my mom’s support and the desire to make my dad proud, I found my way back to photography with even more determination. Now, five years later, I’m continuing to expand my brand, grow my business, and pursue the passion that started when I was a kid. Photography allows me to turn real moments into lasting memories, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, my journey in photography hasn’t been smooth. There could be a thousand photographers in one room, and you have to find a way to stand out. It’s a tough field, but I love a challenge. Connecting with the right people and gaining exposure can be difficult, but I’ve learned to start where I can, build from there, and keep pushing forward. There are moments of doubt, but I’m learning to trust my creativity and recognize the value of my work. As long as I keep getting back up and believing in what I create, I know I can continue to grow.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a photographer who turned my passion into a growing business. I specialize in photographing people through sports, lifestyle sessions, studio portraits, weddings, events, and more. I haven’t explored landscape photography yet, but I’m open to opportunities that allow me to get creative. I especially enjoy working with clients who trust my vision and give me room to bring something unique to their photos.

I’m most proud of how far I’ve come and how my dedication has helped me grow. I give credit to the Lord and my family for supporting my journey and helping me through hardships. My work is my greatest pride because I believe it speaks for itself. What sets me apart is my vision and the way I connect with my clients. During our sessions, I work to build trust and a bond that helps them feel comfortable, come out of their shells, and show their personalities. Those connections make the experience meaningful and help me create photographs that feel true to each person.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned in this business is to keep going, no matter what. If photography is what you truly want to do, keep pushing and give it your all. Build your portfolio, set prices that reflect your work, and make connections. Even when you feel stuck, think outside the box and find new ways to grow. Life doesn’t wait for you, but I’ve learned that growth takes patience, too. Staying consistent and putting care into your work gets people’s attention and gives them a reason to keep following your journey.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exceptional.media?obrf=MWJhZ3F6ZjMxbGxkaQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18Wgb5cvrk/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@exceptional.productions?si=3uRBvyb42XQVQWpQ
• Other: exceptionalmediaphotos@gmail.com