'Calm, cool and collected' was the first impression I got from Morgan when she came into the studio to knock out her 'Intro' session, kicking off the rep sequence of shoots way back in March (right before COVID demanded our attention). Others might describe Morgan as kind, optimistic and funny. But she definitely has a relaxed demeanor and appears to easily roll with the punches. (Probably serves her well in this wildly swinging COVID crazy pendulum.)
Speaking of COVID, in a recent interview with Morgan I asked her how she spent her months in quarantine. As a student rounding out her junior year at the time, most of her hours were spent on schoolwork. Outside of that commitment, she really wrapped her mind around dance. She played with different dance concepts and tested her abilities as much as possible given the limitations. There was inspiration running through social media, however, and Morgan toyed with some of those trends during that time of confinement.
When asked about her favorite Netflix go to, Morgan responded with Greys Anatomy. Lots of time to spend binging on McDreamy, McSteamy and Meredith Grey! Actually, maybe some of that Hollywood created a bit of career inspiration for Morgan as she sees herself heading into the medical field in her future. While she hasn't cemented her decision just yet, she is looking at WMU with OT, PT or even athletic training in mind. She can't give up dance, though, and hopes to bring in this movement as a double major.
As soon as I learned that Morgan is a dancer, I could not WAIT to see how we could play in that arena with the camera. Combine that with my brand new rustic and loaded-with-character studio space and I KNEW I could create some magic with this lady. I couldn't wait! Some of my most favorite shots of the season so far came from my time with Morgan in my studio (see below). She is quite honestly and very simply...stunning.
It's easy to see the skill and grace Morgan has acquired from her time on the dance floor. I asked her what it was about dance that drew her in so much. Her response: "Dance allows me to be myself and it allows me to be creative. It has also taught me so many life lessons and has given me lifelong memories." As such, it is not really surprising who came up as a role model for her. Morgan identified her dance instructor, Miss Marisa, as the person she looks up to the most. "She has always been a role model to me. She has pushed me beyond what I thought I could do, and she has always believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. I also admire her hard work and dedication to the art of dance and it has inspired me to love it that much more."
Morgan cherishes her time spent with friends. Her favorite memories so far from high school include attending Friday night lights with her friends cheering on the Huskies football team. When asked what she most looks forward to heading into her senior year she responded "Even though our senior year will look different than those in the past, I am still looking forward to hopefully being able to experience all of my 'lasts' with my friends and not take any moment for granted!" I would say that is a pretty solid goal.
2021 Rep crew is the first for Daniall Poulsen Photography. I absolutely LOVED having Morgan on the team. She has such an inviting and friendly smile and when she switches into a 'thoughtful' look, it can stop you in your tracks. She mentioned that she will experience a whole lot of 'lasts' this year, but I have to point out that she was a big part of some of my 'firsts'. Not only was she part of the first rep crew, she was the first session in my new studio space...and the first dancer in that space. She was a first to be photographed in the quiet morning waters of Lake Michigan with nothing but endless blue all around her (see photo below). I have never taken photos with that scene, despite the large number of beach shoots I have taken. She was also the first dancer I have ever photographed on the streets of downtown Kalamazoo (see more photos below). Morgan may experience many 'lasts' this year, it's true, but she will also notice another shift quickly to follow of firsts as she heads off to her next new chapter. I am excited to see Morgan through her senior year and am 100% confident wherever she lands beyond that milestone will be full of light and joy. If it isn't already present, it will no doubt be brought in by her.
As a 2021 Senior Rep, Morgan was provided a handful of opportunities for themed mini shoots pre-season (May - July) for no charge. These sessions are geared to provide more images for the seniors in this milestone year as well as provide me with creative freedom and a willing crew to kickstart the senior season (July - Nov) with promotional images that will inspire future clients. The promotional win is just as valuable as the extra images for these seniors. I will be putting out a model call in February 2021 to pull in 2022 Senior Reps so be watchful if you have any interest! I will be looking for 4-5 excited individuals to represent my senior brand. Stay tuned.
I recently asked Morgan what she liked most about the rep program. Her response:
"Everything! The experience was amazing! Getting to have both individual and group shoots with the other reps was so much fun, and I got so many great shots from them! I have also made so many great friendships with the other reps."
One last fun fact about Morgan: I asked her for one bucket list item she has. Her response - "I want to travel to Greece one day!" I hope that is indeed in the cards for you, Morgan. <3 Thank you so very much for being the face of my business for the 2021 season!! I wish you the very best this year, no matter what it looks like, and on into the future. May you always be on the look out for the silver lining. It is there despite how hard it may be hiding sometimes. ~Daniall
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