Meet Jacie Morris | Owner/Photographer at MorPhotos by Jace

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacie Morris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacie, why did you pursue a creative career?
Honestly, it took a while to figure the answer to this out. It was something that really just called to me, at a time where I needed something different than what I was doing at the time.

However, the other day, I was going through a couple totes my mom had sent in the moving truck, going to my next destination. I knew what was in the totes: old birthday cards, schoolwork from when I was in elementary school, some old photographs. I also knew that I didn’t really want the tote taking up space at my house either.

They’re those totes that have old, sentimental things that you don’t really know what to do with, but you don’t have the heart to throw out either. Those totes that grow with those little sentiments. Those little things, that each time you pick it up, it reminds you of a moment when life seemed so much simpler. So much easier. Those little things, that you would never remember until you pick that little thing up.

In an attempt to condense the multiple totes into a smaller space I began to go through them. Paper isn’t really that heavy when you’re moving it piece by piece. But it sure was heavy as whole totes of them. I found birthday cards from when I was obsessed with Blue’s Clues, you know the good Blue’s Clues before Steve left. I found a picture of my grandpa in a thank you card to my parents, from when they got married. Even my parents’ wedding video on VHS. I found hundreds of old photographs. Old photographs from when I had my first dog, Cody. From my first Halloween with my grandparents. Of course, it was Fall in Michigan, so you could see my princess costume busting at the seams because of the giant coat I was wearing underneath. Photos from when I first met my childhood best friends in Kindergarten, Alyssa and Sydney. From my first basketball game and volleyball game and everything in between. Everything before and after. It was all documented. Before photographers were really a thing in my life, and it was just my mom taking pictures.

I sat there, admiring all the little things that have made up my life. The support my family, my teachers, my coaches all gave me. The things I exceeded at, and some things not so much. Would I be able to remember all these little moments, if it weren’t for all these old photographs? Probably not.

Life is so busy now that it’s hard to stop and be in the moment. For the number of times my husband has given me grief for saying, ‘Wait, let me get my camera out,” I will never apologize. I have a hard time being in the moment. Normally I focus on “what’s next?” instead.

I didn’t truly understand why photography was something I enjoy so much. I thought maybe because it’s something I was good at. Or something I was able to pick up very quickly? Nope. It helps me to be in the moment.

On my 16th birthday, I remember my Aunt Mindy trying to take a photo of the two of us. I gave her such a hard time about it, that she actually cried. All because I didn’t like my photo taken. I didn’t understand it at the time. Now I do. Photographs are tangible memories that you can enjoy, even after the moment has passed. Now, I’m the one taking photos of everyone and everything. Because nothing lasts forever. But memories can live on.

Now I know that being a photographer, I’m capturing those little things that people forget. For myself, for others, and for complete strangers. Because one day, you might remember a moment you forgot, because you have something to look back at.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I always say my journey is a work in progress. It really isn’t easy. It’s not perfect, and not where I want to be yet. If I ever get too content with where I’m at, I might as well stop. Before my business was a business, it was something I just thoroughly enjoyed learning about. Eventually, I found myself so enthralled with the idea of a photograph, and the effort that goes into creating a single image. It may be cliché to say, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” but what goes into creating that picture is worth even more.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to explore a new place. When I have free time, I absolutely love hiking and I love to find the places that are the most difficult to get to. I find that they are not only the most beautiful, but they’re usually some of the places that are the least touch by people. Being in a place that I know is taken over by nature is where I am my happiest. I would want to share that feeling with my best friend.

As far as food goes, Paris Crepes in downtown Colorado Springs is always my go to for visitors. I love the atmosphere, and the owner is always so friendly! Not to mention, the food is phenomenal!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to give a shoutout to my great friend, Jurate Alaseviciene of Jurate’s Photos-South Korea. Not only has she been a fantastic friend the last few years, but she’s been a wonderful mentor. She is someone who showed me the ropes of photography when I had no idea what I was doing. If it weren’t for her, things would probably be a lot different than they are now.

Website: www.morphotosbyjace.com

Instagram: @morphotosbyjace

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MorPhotosbyJace