Meet Stephanie A. Morrison

We were lucky to catch up with Stephanie A. Morrison recently and have shared our conversation below.

Stephanie A., we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Being a photographer was always a dream of mine, but doubts, fears, insecurities, and feeling required to follow a more practical career pulled me away from what I’m truly passionate about. Life led me to everything from running a cash register to teaching in a classroom, but one constant through each season was my desire to learn more about people. I love getting to know people, where they’re from, what they’ve been through, and what makes them who they are.

In 2020, (Yes, that crazy year where the world turned upside down.) I made the decision to finally combine my love of photography and interest in people to go after that dream of becoming a photographer. Because why not?! Life is too short. The least I can do is try.

I was also diagnosed with anxiety and depression in 2020. As time passed…I realized I had been battling anxiety and depression undiagnosed as well as untreated throughout my entire life. I spent almost a year from my diagnosis of working with my PCP to get to right doses of medicine. It took until my 30th Birthday in April 2021 for the fog I always felt to lift. I have been in Counseling consistently from 2020 to now. I would talk with My Counselor Bi-Weekly. I just got to the point at the New Year of 2024 where I no longer feel as much as in “Crisis Mode” and am able to better regulate my emotions on my own now that I have learned tools to help me do so.

I come from a Family who has Generational Trauma from all around. I am The Cycle Breaker. It has been the hardest thing I have ever done in my entire life. But I am determined to do it. I have a wonderful village of loved ones (A Partner, Co-Workers, Friends, and Family) who have been there for me through My Journey of taking care of My Mental Health. 2023 was a turning point in my life. I invested in myself more than ever before. I worked with a Photography Mentor as well a Life Coach. They both have helped me throughout My Journey as well. I have learned since 2020 that no matter how hard it is, I have to choose to take care of myself. It has been a process to learn how to set boundaries within my life and take care of myself. But it has been worth it. The main thing that has helped me persist despite my challenges related to mental health issues has been learning that it is okay and it is also necessary to ask for help. We are not meant to go through life alone. There are so many people who are willing to be there for us and there are so many resources available to help us when we need them.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I was born and raised in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. I love stories in all forms: music, books, movies, and especially photographs.

All of my friends and family joke about how I always have a camera in my hand and in their faces. I’ve been known to fuss until everyone is looking at the camera and smiling a time or two. But you know, they thank me for capturing all of those memories now and I’ve learned to cherish those candid moments when people aren’t posing or ready for the camera. Because you know what…that right there is real life and those are the moments worth remembering and sharing. It’s the most rewarding feeling to see someone share one of my photographs on social media and know they have saved that moment forever!

I am learning as I go and looking forward to helping others tell their story through photographs one day!

I believe everyone has a Story worth telling. & I have learned that at the end of the day…People are more alike than different. All we have to do is simply take a moment to get to know someone and connect with them. My Favorite Word is Hope. & I’m also a Dreamer. I always have been. & I always will be. For The First Time in my life…I can honestly say I am FINALLY following My Dreams instead of just talking about them. I’m nervous. But I’m also excited. Life Is Way Too Short. So Take A Chance. It might be a Risk…But I have no doubt that it will be more than worth it. I want to encourage others to Dream Big & Hope Always!

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?
I am determined, passionate, and have interpersonal skills. I still have a lot to learn about photography. There are many different Photography Courses to take and Podcasts to listen to that have been created by Photographers as well as Entrepreneurs. My advice for folks who are early in their journey are to find others in their field that that admire, are inspired by, and want to learn from. There are so many courses, resources, as well as Podcasts to learn from so it will take time to research what will work best for each individual within their own Business. One important thing to do that cannot be overlooked in your own Business Journey is to network with others.

I attended two Wedding Shows in Early 2023 both hosted by Events By Victoria Stallings. I joined The Lake Norman Wedding Professionals Networking Group which are hosted by Events By Victoria Stallings and Color Me Glitter Events. I met a Wedding Photographer (Jamie Marie Photography) through The Lake Norman Wedding Professionals Group. I asked Jamie who took her Branding Photos and they were taken by Mabyn Ludke Photography. Mabyn is who I chose to be My Photography Mentor. Mabyn worked with Melissa Pepin (A Confidence & Business Coach) and Corry Frazier Photography of The Business Reboot. The Business Reboot worked with Ashleigh C Henry of The Cheetah Company. I came across Jackie The Life Coach after she was featured on The Cheetah Company. Jackie is The Life Coach that I worked with. I also discovered Nicole Hill of Horizon Found. She has a Photography Course called The Photographer’s Path that I signed up for. Melissa Pepin and Corry Frazier of The Business Reboot as well as Nicole Hill of Horizon Found both have Podcasts that I enjoy listening to. These Business Women have all helped me as a Business Woman.

I have also made multiple Friends through The Lake Norman Wedding Professionals Group who include Photographers, Event Planners, Wedding Venues, DJs, Bakers, and many others. We all support one another in our Businesses. I also met a Wedding Venue through The Lake Norman Wedding Professionals Group and ended up being one of the Photographers for a Refugee Ukrainian Couple’s Wedding along with Savvy Leigh Photography. I have worked with The Lilac Lion Photography as well. Connections with others are truly everything. You never know where they will lead you.

Events By Victoria – https://www.eventsbyvictorias.com/

Color Me Glitter Events – https://www.colormeglitter.com/

Jamie Marie Photography – https://jamie-marie-photography.com/

Mabyn Ludke Photography – https://mabyn.com/

Savvy Leigh Photography – https://savvyleigh.com/

The Lilac Lion Photography – https://thelilaclionphotography.com/

Horizon Found – https://horizonfound.com/

The Business Reboot – https://thebusinessreboot.com/

Melissa Pepin – https://melissapepin.com/

Corry Frazier Photography – https://corryfrazierphotography.com/

The Cheetah Company – https://thecheetahcompany.com/

Jackie The Life Coach – https://beacons.ai/jackiethelifecoach

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am looking to partner or collaborate with others. I want to be a Brand Photographer. I am looking to work with Businesses, Entrepreneurs, Events, Athletes, or Artists who want photos taken that they can use for content whether it be for their Website, Blog, Social Media Accounts, Promotional Materials, etc. I live in North Carolina but I am always willing to travel anywhere within the United States as well as around the World! People can connect with me on Facebook, on Instagram, by E-Mailing me, or by completing the Contact Form on My Website.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Image Credit For Personal Photo: Emily Brady. (The Other 9 Images Are All Taken By Me.)

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