Meet Morgan Bender

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Morgan Bender a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Morgan, thank you for joining us today and sharing your experiences and acquired wisdom with us. Burnout is a huge topic these days and so we’d love to kick things off by discussing your thoughts on overcoming or avoiding burnout

It is still early in my wedding season, so check in with me after my 8 weddings this fall! But, overall these past 10+ years of being a creative in the wedding industry has had plenty of ups and downs. The most important thing to me as a wedding photographer is to never get comfortable. I’m constantly trying to evolve and never stop learning. In addition to always learning and evolving I have really tried to stray away from creating images for my benefit, and instead choosing to get lost in the emotions of the day and documenting most authentically the couple’s love story. It is very easy to want to create and curate a beautiful and eye-catching Instagram feed, but what is more important is displaying to potential couples that you can really anticipate the moments and emotions well

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

As a proud military mom to two wonderful kiddos and happily married to my high school sweetheart, my life is a blend of commitment, love, and purpose. Professionally, I am deeply immersed in the wedding industry as a creative.

As a wedding photographer, I feel incredibly privileged to document one of the most significant days in a couple’s life. There’s nothing quite like the honor of capturing the raw emotions, heartfelt moments, and the beautiful narrative of each unique love story. It truly is the best job in the world, and I cherish every opportunity to witness and preserve these unforgettable experiences. My brand specializes in a dramatic flair and candid, joyful shots that capture the essence of each wedding day as it unfolds. I’m thrilled to announce that I am now based in Washington DC, Virginia, and the Maryland area, and I’m eager to immerse myself in these new areas with such interesting architecture. Additionally, I’m excited to expand my offerings with 35mm film photography, adding a timeless and artistic touch to my portfolio. This new chapter promises to blend traditional elegance with modern innovation, and I can’t wait to share these moments with couples in the area.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

In my journey, three qualities have been particularly impactful: confidence, business insight, and networking.

Firstly, having the confidence to step in front of any room and represent my brand proudly has been crucial. This self-assurance not only helps in presenting my work effectively but also in building trust and credibility with potential clients and partners. To develop this confidence, practice is key. Regularly putting yourself in situations where you speak or present, whether through workshops or networking events, can build your comfort and skill in these areas.

Secondly, a deep understanding of business operations has been vital. Knowing how to manage an LLC effectively—from finances to legalities—ensures a solid foundation for profitability and long-term success. For those starting out, seeking mentorship or educating themselves online because truly there is so much knowledge out there to help aid the process.

Lastly, networking and building relationships with other business owners has proven essential. Word-of-mouth referrals from peers and vendors significantly contribute to gaining clients. Engaging actively in industry events, joining local business groups, and fostering genuine connections with others in your field can expand your network and create new opportunities.

For those early in their journey, focusing on these areas can provide a strong start.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

The number one challenge currently is getting visibility from the planners and venues here in DC. I am resolving this by joining every facebook group for VA, DC, MD for photographers and jumping at every second shooter opportunity that presents itself. I truly hope that this will get me connected to vendors and planners effectively.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

@morgankayphoto

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