Today we’d like to introduce you to Ren Morrison.
Ren, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve actually had a camera in my hand since I was little so my passion began early. I was the yearbook photographer as well as the go to for my school’s informational brochures in high school but the flames were fueled when while in high school I participated in my first competition and won top accolades.
After attending NYU and graduating from SMU with a degree in Advertising and a Public Relations minor my heart was not with those options. I was fortunate enough to begin working with another photographer and the passion was fueled again. I learned so much, especially the business side, but as the “B” photographer didn’t have much connection with the clients.
After two years, I knew it was time, to take the leap and go out on my own. I was yearning for that client connection. I was once told that 50% of freelance photographers would fold within their first 5 years and consider yourself lucky if you make it to 10 years. I knew I had what it took. I’m now in my 11th year.
Much of my success comes from an unwavering belief in getting to know a client ahead of time. The awkwardness of showing up to a client shoot without first meeting them is often a recipe for disaster. How can you expect a client to feel comfortable during an important shoot, whether a head shot, event shoot, wedding or birth, when neither of you know anything about the other, what they want, what they expect, or how you work?
More important than the actual photographing of a client is making them feel at ease to bring out the best in them. I’m very good at doing that. And as a result, I’ve been blessed to photograph many C-level executives, former U.S. Presidents, Foreign Dignitaries, celebrities and musicians, as well as weddings, births, album covers, restaurant, gallery and hotel grand openings locally, across the United States and abroad.
I don’t have a favorite kind of shoot. To see a baby take its first breath, to witness a buttoned-up executive, politician or dignitary laugh when they think they can only be serious, to catch a chef prepare that first meal in the restaurant they’ve dreamed of for so long – it’s all candid magic.
Has it been a smooth road?
In a word, NO!!! But nothing worthwhile ever comes easy, right?
Starting a business is an adventure. There are speed bumps and a huge learning curve. But, I was blessed to have clients right away – friends and acquaintances that believed in me and are still with me today.
The first major problem was learning how to price my work. It’s a fine line between making a living and pricing yourself out of the game. At first I would take any shoot that came my way.
The second problem was understanding I don’t have to take every job that comes my way anymore. Not because I’m above the opportunity, but because sometimes it’s just not a good match. I’ve learned how to say “thank you for asking, but no.”
The third problem is Pinterest!
So many don’t realize the photographs on Pinterest are the best of hundreds of photos taken over hours, not just an afternoon at the park. I’ve had clients present me with a list of Pinterest photographs they would like to recreate. I try to remind them that catching a candid moment is more precious and valuable than a Pinterest recreation. Pinterest is great for inspiration, but it’s more important to be in the moment.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Ren Morrison Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
I specialize in photographically bringing out the best in people. It’s a talent God blessed me with. I don’t take it lightly. My business mission statement is very simple. When a client books me, I’m 100% dedicated to them. I don’t have package pricing that limits them to time and quantity of services. I’m known for always going above and beyond, paying attention to the details so the client doesn’t have to. I believe in quality. That’s what my clients get and deserve. This is what I’m most proud of as well as sets me apart from others. My business is all word of mouth.
How do you, personally, define success? What’s your criteria, the markers you’re looking out for, etc.?
Pablo Picasso said “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
I am constantly trying to learn more and improve myself personally and professionally but I’m not afraid to step outside the box, break some rules or take a risk. I believe in “going for it.” You will never fail as much as your fear says you might. And it’s imperative to listen to those who have gone before you.
I believe in giving back to others and my community. If at the end of the day, you can say that you treated others around you well, did what you love and something you were afraid of, then you had a successful day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.renmorrison.com
- Phone: 2812221992
- Email: hello@renmorrison.com
- Instagram: @renmorrison
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Renmorrisonphotography/
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