We had the good fortune of connecting with Macy Morehart and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Macy, what is the most important factor behind your success?
In the realm of photography, whether you’re booking a photoshoot for yourself or taking the photos, it can be quite daunting to compete within the industry. Success in photography can vary greatly from one creative to another. For some, it might mean booking 30 or more weddings a year, organizing content retreats, or excelling in teaching other creatives. For others, success might be defined by securing fewer weddings but at a higher rate, shooting in diverse locations, or staying true to their original vision.
The point to this is that success looks different to everyone. Every Single Person.
For me, success is defined by the fulfillment of my purpose: capturing distinct love stories, embracing the raw emotions of different seasons, and building meaningful connections with those I work with.
As creatives, we often become preoccupied with surpassing others and presenting ourselves favorably on social media. However, it’s crucial to refocus on our core purpose for being behind the lens, regardless of how we measure up to others. Your purpose remains intact even if you don’t land a particular wedding, photoshoot, or content retreat. It’s the underlying “WHY” that drives what you do, not the accolades or bookings.
The essence of my business lies in stepping away from the creation of the conventional or expected. While it’s possible to pose clients in a manner similar to other photographers, the true objective is to encapsulate moments that are uniquely theirs. The heart of profound photography is in capturing the unfiltered emotions, the authentic laughter, and the whimsical memories—these are the moments that photographs are meant to preserve, capturing the present to cherish in the future.
The cornerstone of my success is not found in merely conforming to industry standards, but in forging a distinctive vision in partnership with my clients. It’s about creating a space where imagination can thrive and where each photograph is an expression of genuine creativity.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In the world of photography, many of us can appear quite similar—sharing comparable poses, edits, and social media aesthetics. To those within the industry or even to outsiders, it might all seem alike. The true distinction lies in who we are at our core.
My approach to each session, event, or coffee meeting is to deeply connect with the person in front of me or behind the camera. How can we, as photographers, authentically capture someone’s essence if we haven’t taken the time to understand their life journey, the seasons they’ve experienced, or their future dreams? While many photographers may seem caring on social media, the real measure is how deeply they align with their purpose.
What sets me apart is my genuine desire to engage with the couples I work with. Those who have been photographed or collaborated with me can attest to how attuned I am to their stories. I ask questions, listen, laugh, and connect with the hearts behind the lens, aiming to capture their true essence.
Building deep, lasting relationships is what keeps connections vibrant and meaningful. For some, photography is just a business and a source of income, but for me, it’s far more than that. It’s about sharing tears during wedding ceremonies, enjoying the laughter at toasts, and maintaining relationships long after the wedding day. When you book me, you gain a lifelong encourager, present through every season, regardless of the distance.
It’s the people—the connections and friendships formed through each wedding, session, and business interaction—that drive me forward.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Based in Charleston, South Carolina, I have countless spots to take a friend visiting town. As an early riser, we’d start the day with some cozy snuggles and catch up on each other’s lives. Then, we’d get dressed in cute outfits, grab some coffee, and explore the historical parks and downtown farmers market. While lunch in Charleston can be pricey, a delicious homemade Norwegian salad will do just fine! Oh, We’d stop for sodas on our way home, a perfect midday drink.
After recharging, we’d head to the beach for some real fun—getting in the water, not just sunbathing!!!! A few hours later, we’d come back home for a quick nap, then prepare for a sushi dinner, accompanied by another Dr. Pepper. To wrap up the day, we’d enjoy some pickleball in the fading sunlight. Finally, we’d return home for card games, a movie, or perhaps even an early bedtime.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother played a significant role in encouraging me throughout my childhood and young adulthood to persist in capturing stories, recognizing the potential in my talent. She was a steadfast supporter from the start and remains a source of encouragement to this day.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macymorehartphoto
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/macy-morehart-06901b1a7?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/macymorehartphotography/
Other: https://pin.it/pTXzLhmXy
Image Credits
Macy Morehart Photography