Q&A with music photographer Morgan Jones

As a photographer and event organizer, Morgan Jones found ways to channel her love of music into a creative passion and an impetus for driving change and awareness in her community. Morgan has been capturing artists in their element for the past three years and shared some of the photographs she’s most proud of with us, as well as her thoughts on the importance of building your craft and your community as an artist.

What drew you to music photography? 

A few years ago a bought a camera to essentially do portrait and landscape photography but quickly realized that music photography was where I really wanted to be. From a young age I was really connected to music and started going to 2-3 shows a week. I was 100% one of those kids who would look at a concert event page the day after the show, searching for photos that professional photographers had taken. I realized that music photography combined two of my passions, and the only thing better than 1 passion is 2. I started shooting local, smaller shows and worked my way up from there! 

How did you learn the craft?

I have taught myself everything I know about photography. I’ve read countless books, watched hundreds of youtube videos, and have had tons of trial and errors in order to acquire the information and skill for photography that I have now. Luckily, now I have a lot of friends that do photography and I can ask them questions as well. 

What do you enjoy most about working as a music photographer? 

I think my favorite part is being able to capture a moment in time that can easily be forgotten if not documented. I think it's really cool when I capture an artist smiling on stage when they hear the crowd yelling back their lyrics or when a fan is crying because they finally get to see one of their favorite artists live. There are so many beautiful moments in a show, and capturing all those little tiny moments is an honor. 

Recently you started planning benefit events at The Rino, a community music space in Kansas City. What made you want to get into this?

Unfortunately my inspiration to do charity events came from one of my close friends being sexually assaulted. I remember when I found out, I was outraged and wanted to do something meaningful instead of just talk about what happened. In my mind, organizing charity events seemed to be the best way to make a statement and help my community at the same time. I think it is vital that we give back, support, and water the community in which we thrive and live in. It is important to me that at all of the charity shows everything is 100% local from the charity of the night to the performers. 

What advice do you have for someone wanting to start a project of their own, as a photographer or event organizer, etc.? 

I think the only valuable, yet cliche, advice I could give is, just do it. People often don't realize what they are capable of. We can do anything. If we want something bad enough, we will make it happen. Pursuing your passions takes hard work, confidence, determination, and discipline. Whatever you want to do, give 200% to it and don't EVER settle. 

What’s something important you’ve learned from working in the music industry? 

The most important thing I have learned thus far is to be careful with who you surround yourself with. Your inner circle is an integral key to your success and happiness. People who do not treat you properly, don’t make you a priority, don't support your art, or don’t push you creatively are people you do not want around you. Those type of people will drain you and pull you back instead of pushing you forward.

Follow Morgan on Twitter and Instagram to see more of her work.