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

Hi Morgan, what’s your definition for success?
I always thought success was centered around money, but that is far from the truth. I define success as finding your purpose in life, being genuinely happy, and not caring what anyone else thinks. Success is about waking up every day with a sense of fulfillment and passion for what you do. It’s about making a positive impact on the lives of others and contributing to your community. Ultimately, success is about living a life that aligns with your values and brings you joy.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey into photography began in high school when I enrolled in a photography class. I was immediately captivated by the art, but I never considered it a viable career path. After completing my bachelor’s degree in business management, I assumed I would end up in the corporate world. However, after the birth of my daughter, I faced a pivotal decision: should I put her in daycare and continue climbing the corporate ladder as an office administrator, or should I stay home to raise her myself? I chose to become a stay-at-home mom, which allowed me to delve deeper into my passion for photography.

Initially, I offered free photoshoots to my community, family, and friends. Over time, I realized that I could turn my passion into a career. I began charging clients, building a portfolio, and establishing a name for myself. My goal as an artist is to create realistic, vibrant portraits that my clients can cherish forever. While there are many talented photographers in my area, what sets me apart is my unique, vibrant, and realistic style. I ensure that I capture both candid and posed shots, and I have developed my own presets to give each gallery a unique touch.

I believe in the importance of continuous growth and learning. Although I still consider myself at the beginning of my photography journey, I approach each session with dedication and strive to create work that I am proud of. My goal is to connect with people, learn from them, and grow together. Throughout my journey, I have faced numerous challenges, but I have been blessed with amazing clients and a supportive community.

I want the world to know, especially moms, that it is possible to raise our children and have a fulfilling career. Supporting small businesses, engaging in trade and barter, and living naturally can help our communities flourish. I am excited to continue growing, learning, and sharing my art with my community.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Northern Colorado is an incredible place with endless activities to choose from. If I had one week to show my best friend around, I would start with a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park. We would hike numerous breathtaking trails and end our day dining in a charming mountain town. Estes Park is a must-visit, with its small businesses, adventure park, and abundant wildlife.
Next, we would head to Horsetooth Reservoir for boating or kayaking, followed by a simple picnic on the mountain. After all the mountain adventures, we would return to my hometown, Greeley. Greeley is a small community with great restaurants, activities, and resources. One of my favorite events is Downtown Friday Fest, featuring live music, food, and activities for kids. We would also visit a few local Mexican food trucks for an authentic meal.
Lastly, we would spend time driving on country roads, admiring the beauty of the front range.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I couldn’t have achieved any of this without the unwavering support of my partner, Shawn, and my wonderful mother. Shawn has been incredibly supportive and has assisted in every way possible. My mom has probably viewed every single photograph I’ve taken, always offering words of affirmation and making me feel loved and confident in my work. I also want to acknowledge the talented photographers in northern Colorado; their work continually amazes me. Lastly, thank you to my daughter, family, and friends who have all modeled for me at some point.

Website: https://morganraephotography2.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganraephotography_/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MorganRaePhotography7/

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