Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Jones.
Morgan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I moved to this beautiful city in 2009! Ever since I moved from Tennessee to Texas, I knew that this is the city I want to stay in for the rest of my life! Moving here at the beginning of freshman year for high school was a little challenging to me, mostly because I didn’t know anyone. That quickly changed when I became a dancer for my high school and eventually yearbook editor and varsity cheerleader.
Being yearbook editor my senior year really helped me find a new passion that I had that I never even knew was there. Photography! Quickly after high school, I went to the University of Houston (main) and studied arts and photography within the digital media aspect. While at U of H, I started my photography business and ever since then I eat sleep breathe portrait photography! Being able to photograph my subjects and make them feel beautiful is my goal with every shot!
I always grew up extroverted yet as I got older I started to lose confidence in myself as well as in my work! I’ve learned that you can only be the best YOU that you allow yourself to become. So, with that determination, I started to challenge my self with new ideas for my shoots and started to create a new look for my work — lately I’m all about the studio work for photography. I am happy to say that with time and determination I now have my very own studio that I’m able to create any looks my clients are going after!
As well as photography I have many other passions. I like to think of myself as an artistic Jack Of All Trades. My second love is dance! I’ve been dancing since early childhood, but it only got more serious once I moved to Texas. I guess you could say my love for dance has always been motivated by great Texas teams such as The Cowboys Cheerleaders, The Rockets Power Dancers, and for sure, the Houston Texans Cheerleaders. So, once I moved here and was able to take classes taught by my inspirations, my love for dance was rejuvenated!
Houston has so many opportunities when it comes to dancers! I have taken advantage of that in every way that I can. Currently, I take around eight hours of dance weekly. My goal with my dancing career is to go pro and be able to represent Texas as one of its most passionate dancers!
Whenever I’m not photographing subjects or taking dance classes at studios, I’m working as a full-time interior designer/home stager. Growing up, my first dream job (besides becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader) was to become an interior designer! By the grace of God and many prayers prayed, I can now say that dream has become true. I am so fortunate to work for The Designers Niche. Such a great firm with an awesome team!
Moving to Texas from Tennessee all those years ago has turned out to truly be a blessing. I’m so thankful for this amazing city I call my home. There’s no place like Houston!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Along with my journey, I faced constant insecurities within myself, whether it be about my photography work or even dance abilities. For the longest time, I would turn to social media to compare myself to other photographers or even other dancers. I learned this is the quickest way to make yourself feel defeated. I had to learn very quickly that every person has their own uniqueness about them and that is what makes ALL of us special.
Now I try to help as many other young girls who may not feel their worth. Its a scary thing for young girls nowadays. They have some many pressures, many of which I did not have to face at their age. Insecurities about my appearance have been something that I’ve been working on for a little while now. I’ve learned to just love myself and not get into my head.
Speaking positively about myself, my work, and dance ability has definitely made the road become a little smoother. After a while of just speaking positively, I start to not only believe the affirmations, but I start living by them! It’s a wonderful thing to love yourself and just be happy with who you are!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Mjp Studios – what should we know?
My company MJP Studios is a portrait photography company that specializes in artist fashion inspired portrait work. I tell clients to express to me the mood and look they’re going for whether it be dark and dramatic like a Vogue magazine cover or maybe something more artistic!
Whatever my clients are going for I try my best to recreate that image. I’m known for having very artistic and fashion inspired shots! There’s nothing like a good low lying fog machine to create drama! Or don’t even get me started on my use of lighting! I believe a good image is all in the lighting.
I’m most proud of my final images when I see the look on my client’s faces, and they’re like omg there’s no way that’s me! I believe my company sets apart from others because my mission is to captivate my clients most beautiful moments one click at a time while making them feel like a famous model during New York Fashion Week!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I believe being dedicated and driven are the two main qualities that are important to success. There has to, of course, be passionate about what you’re doing in my opinion. But dedications, ambition, and passion are what helped me get to where I am today.
Pricing:
- Photoshoots start at 200
- Weddings start at 400
- Mini Shoots start at 160
Contact Info:
- Website: mjpstudios.net
- Phone: 3467744571
- Email: mjp.studios.contact@gmail.com
- Instagram: mojojojo_jones
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
