Meet PI Graduate Ellie Morgan

Today, we’re delighted to chat with talented #PIgraduate Ellie Morgan. In this informal chat, she shares her journey into photography, the ideas behind her work, the challenges she’s faced, and her experience studying with The Photography Institute.

Image Source: Ellie Morgan elliemorganphotography.co.nz

Please share a bit about yourself

I am 45 years old, I'm Mum to two amazing teenagers, and have a wonderful supportive husband.

I had worked as a florist for many years when I felt I needed something extra in my life, so decided to study with the Photography Institute in 2022. I continued to work part time as a florist while completing my course and the last few years while developing my skills as a photographer.

I did the course with the plan of becoming a family portrait photographer, but found myself sidetracked somewhat, with a huge passion for bird and nature photography. I still did some occasional family portrait work, but my main focus was my nature photography while still working part time as a florist. I finally bit the bullet a couple of months ago, and gave up my florist job to focus on building my own family portrait business.

What was your childhood dream?

I have always been creative, and was drawn to floristry from a young age. I had dreams of either being a florist, hairdresser or fashion designer.

What’s on your wish list?

I have a few places on my wish list that I want to visit, including Tiritiri Matangi Island where I hope to photograph a Kokako bird. Also Stewart Island, where I've heard the wildlife is just amazing.

My number #1 bird I want to find in Australia is the Pink Robin. I went to Victoria in May this year and photographed my #2 Aussie bird, the blue Fairywren, which was amazing! I hope to go back and find the Pink Robin one day.

Also on my wish list is for my website to gain traffic, and my family portrait business to grow to a point where I have regular clients wanting to book me!

What brings you joy?

Apart from my children and pets who bring much joy and fulfilment to my life, the other major joy in my life is now my bird photography. The past 4 years I have learned so much about our native birds, discovered birds I never knew existed and had the thrill of finding and photographing rare and endangered birds. Nature brings me joy, just seeing a beautiful sunrise (I have a huge catalogue of sunrise photos!) seeing a beautiful blossom tree, or a snowy mountain. This is why I love to take most of my people portraits outdoors in nature, amongst gardens, forests or the beach.

Image Source: Ellie Morgan elliemorganphotography.co.nz

What are your hobbies?

Heading out to my local forest, estuary and wetlands looking for birds to photograph while getting a good walk in. Going on early morning adventures to find amazing sunrise spots.

I also like to do a bit of baking, and enjoy eating out with my family and trying new foods. I also do Wordle and Birdle every morning while I eat breakfast :)

What inspired you to become a photographer?

I have always enjoyed taking photos, and once I became a Mum, I took hundreds of photos of my kids when they were babies and as they grew up. We lived in Marlborough for 6 years, and I would find myself trying to get good shots of the beautiful vineyard landscapes, especially during autumn. I think my interest and passion for photos grew gradually over the years before I realised it was something I could actually be quite good at, and look at doing professionally. I felt like I needed a change from floristry, and a couple of people I knew were taking photography courses, which inspired me to do the same.

What is a typical day in your life like as a photographer? Do you have any rituals that you stick to?

As I am just starting out with my family portrait business, my typical day at the moment is working on my advertising, updating my website and social media, and trying to grow my brand. I signed up to Pixiesets, where I can make online galleries for my clients to view and download their photos.

I realised that in order to make a name for myself as a portrait photographer, I needed to separate my nature and portrait work on social media. If someone is looking for a family portrait photographer, they don't need to be bombarded with bird photos!

I now have separate pages on Facebook and Instagram so I can continue sharing my nature photos and selling landscape canvases, bird calendars, etc., while keeping another page purely devoted to promoting my portraits. When I have portraits booked, I spend the day before checking the weather and thinking about lighting and location. I clean all my lenses, charge all my batteries and make sure I have plenty of space on my SD cards.

Image Source: Ellie Morgan elliemorganphotography.co.nz

What are some of your goals in photography?

In addition to Family Portraits, I would like to get into Newborn Photography. I have done a few newborn shoots, but I feel I still have a lot to learn and need more practise with indoor portraits.

Do you have any professional achievements in your photography journey that you would like to share?

I have been lucky to have won some photo competitions with my bird and landscape photos. In 2024, I won the best Wildlife shot with my Grey Warbler photo in Wilderness magazine's photo competition. This won me a mirrorless camera! I have also won cash or prizes in 5 other photo competitions. I recently achieved a dream of mine when my Waxeye photo was the cover of Kiwi Gardener magazine for June. And I was over the moon when Forest & Bird used my photo of a New Zealand Falcon on posters all over New Zealand for one of their Summer promotions.

How do you find a healthy work/life balance?

Currently, I am finding a good balance between family time, nature photography, and family portrait work - although I would like more!

Is the online community important to your work?

Social media is important to my work, and it is currently where I do most of my advertising. While doing the photography course, I found the online PI community very helpful and supportive when I was looking for ideas or guidance with my studies.

Describe your work in three words:

Natural, real, striking.

Image Source: Ellie Morgan elliemorganphotography.co.nz

Rapid Questions

What is your favourite colour?

Can't choose between pink and green!

What is your favourite quote?

Energy and persistence conquer all things.

What are your favourite books and/or magazines?

I have read all of Marian Keyes' novels; they are a wonderful mix of drama and humour.

What are your favourite movies and/or series?

Forrest Gump is one of my favourite movies. Currently re-watching the Ted Lasso series, which is brilliant. We all loved Stranger Things in my house!

What is your favourite photography genre and why?

Wildlife. I am fascinated by all the Earth's creatures and never tire of seeing amazing photos of them in their natural habitats.

Who is your favourite photographer and why?

Paul Francis is a photographer who also lives in Christchurch. He runs an online bird photography page that I belong to, where we share our photos. His work has awed and inspired me for the past few years. His photography is phenomenal.

What are your favourite accounts to follow?

• Stacey Cavalier
• Amy Walker
• Catherine Smith
• Paul Francis
• Josh Overend
• DBL

Image Source: Ellie Morgan elliemorganphotography.co.nz

Work & Study

Why did you choose to study with PI?

I browsed online at different photography courses, and felt that the PI course was best suited to me for many reasons. I thought the course was comprehensive and that I would get a lot out of it for the price.

What did you like most about the course?

I liked that it was split into 12 modules, so I could focus on one thing at a time and not feel overwhelmed with the course as a whole. I liked that there were no set due dates, so I could make it work around my family and work schedules. It was great to have a tutor I could contact for advice or support when needed.

What advice would you give to new students?

Use YouTube as a learning tool; there are many great videos to help with everything from lenses to lighting. Chat to others who have done the course or are also currently studying. I had a couple of other students with whom I chatted, who were a great support and helped me with some parts I found tricky. And the most important advice: Take photos, Take photos, Take photos! Keep practising, keep improving. I am amazed at how much my own photos have improved in the last few years.

What projects are you working on now?

I am currently putting together my shortlist for my 2027 landscape and bird calendars. I am also working on an advertising brochure for my portrait photography to do a letterbox drop in my local area. Old school, but I'm trying all avenues :)

How can people connect with you?

Follow my work on elliemorganphotography.co.nz

Image Source: Ellie Morgan elliemorganphotography.co.nz

Ready to Unlock Your Potential?

Ellie’s story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when you follow your passion with intent. If her journey has sparked your own creative ambitions, why not try to accomplish your goals? Start today and begin the Photography Institute journey with flexibility and expert guidance.

Enrol on our photography course today and start your journey!