Meet Jina Morgese

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jina Morgese. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jina, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome showed up pretty strongly when I decided to leave my corporate studio job and start Ember and Earth Photography here in Sarasota, Florida. Even though I had gone to college for photography and had been taking pictures for as long as I can remember, stepping out on my own as a family photography with my own business felt huge. I kept wondering, “Am I really ready for this? Can I actually build something on my own?” What really helped me move through that feeling was reconnecting with why I wanted to do this in the first place and trusting myself that I could. I’ve always loved photographing families, the real moments when people feel comfortable and seen. Corporate studio work never gave me that, and I knew I wanted something more honest and meaningful. Little by little, each family I photographed helped build my confidence. Every time someone trusted me with their memories, it reminded me that I could do this. The more I leaned into my own style and stopped comparing myself to others, the more the imposter feeling went away. I don’t think imposter syndrome ever disappears completely, but now when it shows up, I take it as a sign that I’m growing. Building Ember and Earth Photography has pushed me to trust my voice, stay inspired, and keep showing up. And honestly, the experiences I have with my families and when they see their photos is the best reminder that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

As the owner and photographer behind Ember and Earth Photography here in my hometown of Sarasota Florida, my heart is fully in family photography. Becoming a mother, especially now that my son is seven, has changed the way I look at the families I photograph. Watching him grow so quickly has made me realize just how fleeting each stage is. That’s a huge part of why I do what I do. I want parents to have beautiful, honest images of their children right now, in this moment, before it becomes a memory. My focus is heavy on creating a space where families can relax, be themselves, and feel connected. I think the most special thing about what I do is getting to witness those little in between moments moments, kids running into their parents arms, a tight snuggle, a genuine laugh out of nowhere. Those are the moments I want to freeze for people. Those are the photos that matter years from now.

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?

Photography is something you grow into. It takes time to find your style, build confidence, and learn how to work in real moments and real situations. My advice for anyone starting out is to give yourself space to learn. Don’t rush it, and don’t compare yourself to people who have been doing this for years. Growth happens quietly and slowly, and that’s okay, that’s how you get there. I’ve been photographing since high school in the dark room, and continued my studies at Ringling College of Art and Design emerging myself in art and the technical side of things. The people who grow the most are the ones who stay curious. If you’re early in your journey, try new things. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other photographers who are doing what you’d like to do and ask to shadow them, you’ll learn so much. I spent years experimenting with almost every photography genre. Studio, on-location, wildlife, editorial, weddings, and food before discovering that family photography was the one that genuinely resonated with me. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to stay true to why you started and don’t give up on that.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

This is a great question. When I start to feel overwhelmed, the biggest thing for me is staying organized. I sometimes ruminate on what can go wrong. I’ve learned that being prepared makes everything feel more manageable. I have multiple calendar systems, backups of my backup files, shooting duel memory cards, second camera with me in case something goes wrong etc. Breaking things into smaller steps also helps so much too. I focus on one thing I can do right now, instead of the whole list. And honestly, getting outside is a big part of how I reset. Going for a run, cycling, or just being in nature helps clear my head. Those moments of moving my body and being outdoors help me reflect and come back to my work with a calmer mindset. My advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed is to build little routines that support you, whether it’s staying organized, taking breaks, or finding something physical that helps you release stress. Giving yourself grace and creating space to breathe makes all the difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.emberandearthphotography.com
• Instagram: emberandearthphotography

Image Credits

Ember and Earth Photography