We were lucky to catch up with Erin Morrison recently and have shared our conversation below.
Erin, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
For me, self-care looks like physically blocking off time on my calendar. Because if I don’t block it, I’ll fill it.
I’ve learned that self-care doesn’t always come from saying “yes” to things that sound good; it often comes from saying “no” to protect my time and energy. Setting those boundaries allows me to be more present for myself, my family, and my clients. When I give myself the space to rest and reset, I show up with more purpose (and patience) in every part of my life.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Honestly, 2026 is going to be a year of refocusing for me. Over the past few years (especially post-COVID). The photography community has seen incredible growth in workshops and collaboration. I poured a lot of myself into helping build that community, but I’ve realized it’s time to pour some of that energy back into Erin Morrison Photography.
This next season is about refinement. It’s time to come back to the core of what makes EMP special: intentional storytelling and genuine connection that my families and couples know and love. I want to take this opportunity to elevate the client experience, strengthen my brand identity, and create from a place of balance rather than burnout.
It might not sound flashy, but it’s real. And I think sometimes the most exciting thing you can do for your business is slow down, realign, and make sure the work still feels like you.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three things that made the most significant impact on my journey weren’t flashy or trendy. They were foundational.
1. Learn contracts.
Understanding contracts early on saved me countless headaches and helped me protect both my clients and myself. It’s not the glamorous side of photography, but it’s one of the most empowering. Know what you’re agreeing to, and make sure your clients do too.
2. Learn SEO, not just social media.
Social media trends come and go, but a strong SEO foundation will keep your business visible long after the algorithm changes. I wish more photographers invested their time here. It’s a slower build, but a lasting one.
3. Focus on how you make people feel.
Anyone can take a technically beautiful photo, but clients remember how you made them feel. If your work and your energy create trust and comfort, that will carry you further than any viral post ever could.
My advice? Start by building your business like you plan to keep it. Don’t skip the boring stuff, don’t chase every trend, and don’t underestimate the power of empathy.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to encourage independence. I have siblings, and my parents never compared us to one another. They let each of us grow into our own person. We all had different strengths and interests, and they celebrated that individuality.
That freedom to explore who I was without comparison shaped how I approach both my life and my business. It taught me that success doesn’t have a single path or definition. My brother now owns the family business, my sister is a partner in a wealth management firm, and I have built a creative career that fulfills me in a different way. That sense of independence and confidence in carving my own path is something I’m endlessly grateful for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://erinmorrisonphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinm_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErinMorrisonPhotography
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/erinmphotos/
Image Credits
Photos by Erin Morrison Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
