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Morton Photography Traditional fundamentals blended with a photojournalistic and artistic style...Morton Photography!

Today I'd like to share another photograph to be included on my upcoming, second Morton Photography website, an online d...
10/20/2026

Today I'd like to share another photograph to be included on my upcoming, second Morton Photography website, an online destination dedicated solely to wedding imagery. This photo of Jenna was taken last summer; 23 years of documenting weddings results in an enormous catalogue of visuals from which to choose, so it's refreshing to share one so recent. Kinda putting on my teacher's hat this morning, but this photo specifically highlights a few things I consider noteworthy. Most importantly, her eyes tell the story. Years ago, I put together a themed category of The Eyes Have It, apologies for the pun...but any subject's eyes can narrate the story, if they are locked into the moment and/or their emotions. A human's eyes are extremely expressive and silently vocal, but we're so accustomed to eye contact that I don't believe we realize they can describe what's happening on their own - I believe that happens when you 'watch' the eyes, if you will. Her eyes, beautifully and naturally lit in the upstairs venue at Death & Taxes in downtown Raleigh, describe the moment and how she feels. Secondly, we live in a visually vertical world in 2026, most images seen on phones where an 'up and down' perspective fills the screen. Sometimes horizontal is better...in this instance, there is value in seeing Rob's shoulder/profile...even though it's subtle. When eyes are this powerful, lending a sense of what/who those eyes are fix upon adds to the storytelling; that's tough to accomplish vertically. I'm not sure why 'POV' is a trendy term on the socials, but if it's used accurately it reflects the concept of perspective, and that's critical for event photography and people watching. Lecture concluded, maybe I should follow through on my thought of 'talking posts' where I speak my musings over images...I appreciate all who take time to read at-length! Happy Tuesday, friends.
Cheers,
Jack

I have several ongoing projects when I'm not editing wedding, family, college sports, or concert photos...hence the emph...
10/13/2026

I have several ongoing projects when I'm not editing wedding, family, college sports, or concert photos...hence the emphasis on 'ongoing,' you work on them when you can. A second website dedicated strictly to weddings has been 'in progress' for a while; I'm excited to get it ready, but the challenge is in the image selection. This also ties into another concept for Fall/Winter, sharing photos and - gulp - talking about them. I see some risk there, as I don't want my voice or talking head to take away from a special photograph or group of images...I'm still coming around to the concept. But in this world of quantity and overstimulation, I lean even more on my training and principles, something I can describe with passion, verbally or written. Without sharing all the details, I'm not sure you'd surmise that this photo was taken in 2020 after several months of the pandemic. Honestly, I should dedicate a website page to the brides/grooms of 2020-21, still amazed by their determination and also their flexibility, as well as the emphasis on people and feelings as they were all forced to make so many changes. Outside of the reception at The Umstead, the distance felt normal, and the rain and umbrella created a natural visual, as well as the superb natural lighting. She watches her step, he looks at the camera...this is one of those solitary photographs that I have stamped in my subconscious. When all is said and done, I provide a great quantity of photos to each couple...yet there remains that old school mentality so many of us have, the 'favorites' that wound up in frames when we were kids...maybe on the wall, or in an album, but they were images we saw so many times we stopped paying attention. For me, that's a magic photo. It's a moment. It's the subtlety of a bride looking down and a groom at the camera, a reminder of what they endured to get married during an upside-down year, a solitary image from a well-documented day that leaves an impression. Love this one and will certainly include it on the new site. Happy Tuesday, friends.

Cheers,
Jack
www.mortonphotonc.com
on IG

Friends, I have one November availability remaining (11/14) for Fall family photos...still a few remaining in October......
09/23/2026

Friends, I have one November availability remaining (11/14) for Fall family photos...still a few remaining in October...please give a shout if interested. Going back a few years with this one, what a treat documenting the Goodwin fam journey from wedding to crew. Photography truly is a privilege. Happy Wednesday,

Jack
www.mortonphotonc.com
on IG / Morton Photography on FB

Fams! Please touch base if interested in family photos in October/November as the seasonal family photo list is filling...
09/18/2026

Fams! Please touch base if interested in family photos in October/November as the seasonal family photo list is filling up rather quickly. Look at that late afternoon light...best time of year to be outside taking photos. Happy Friday, friends.

Cheers,
Jack
www.mortonphotonc.com
on IG

While sharing reminders about family photos ahead of what should be a typically busy Fall, I was combing through a few f...
09/08/2026

While sharing reminders about family photos ahead of what should be a typically busy Fall, I was combing through a few folders from recent years...I always loved this visual from my afternoon with the Gore fam in Chapel Hill. When we think 'family photos in Fall,' at least around here and for me, the mind immediately goes to kiddos and leaves and seasonal colors, anticipation for the holidays, squeezing in photos in the late afternoon before it gets too dark and/or chilly, etc. All of which are amazing, and big reasons why I embrace the coming months. Family visuals can be crazy and fun, kids running about and the energy of youth on full display...but my time with families can also produce/capture peaceful moments. There was no pose to this, in fact they were sitting to the side quietly while others were being photographed...two profiles, two generations, etc etc...I could ramble on. A family gathering of any sort is a pleasure to document - please lemme know if I can be of service in Oct/Nov. Happy Tuesday, friends.

Cheers,
Jack
www.mortonphotonc.com
on IG

A brief Sunday share, just want to 'zoom in' on one aspect of wedding photography and share three photos. I'll keep sha...
08/30/2026

A brief Sunday share, just want to 'zoom in' on one aspect of wedding photography and share three photos. I'll keep sharing more images from Sarah and Tyson's special day, but this post ties in a bit with a reminder of one thing that matters most to me when photographing people. Earlier this summer I met with a couple about their wedding photography and I talked A LOT. I know this about myself, but sometimes I get to chatting about method and approach and that leads to family stories and how I learned photography and next thing you know two hours have passed. For me, every minute with a couple ahead of time is invaluable, particularly if I don't know them. Mannerisms and expressions are observed and noted, and simply put when you are hoping to document a deeply significant day for two people, I find it almost mandatory to get to know them. Even one coffee visit. Familiarity lends itself to authenticity. That should be my bumper sticker. However, 23 years removed from my first wedding photographed, I realize times have changed. Shopping is different. Perhaps I'm a bit of a 'niche' in 2026, and that's okay. A few years ago a friend of mine referred to me as the 'Irregardless Cafe' of local wedding photogs - reliable, you know the product will be really good, but it might not be as 'exciting and razzamataz' as other eateries. I think that's fair and love it...and I do have a number of 'regular customers' who I still photograph...in some instances from engagement to wedding to maternity and now family documentation. I was bummed I wasn't asked to photograph for them, but that's alright - the deeper you are in your career, the more accepting you become that your presentation might not be best for everyone. And being okay with that is essential to running one's own operation. These three photos of Sarah during the ceremony serve as a visual snippet of expressions telling a story, and I like to think in a most authentic way...and authenticity - in photos - is fertilized by familiarity with the subjects. Full circle. Happy Sunday, friends.

Cheers,
Jack
www.mortonphotonc.com
on IG / Morton Photography on FB

I have known the Stahl family for 40 years, but my friendship with Tyson has truly evolved over the last decade. He is ...
08/10/2026

I have known the Stahl family for 40 years, but my friendship with Tyson has truly evolved over the last decade. He is a gym buddy, a coffee friend, a creative, and a fellow deep thinker; connections in your late 40s carry a unique value, fewer and perhaps more deeply-appreciated. Tyson and Sarah had long planned an Army/Navy military wedding for July, but approached last winter me about photographing an intimate family wedding in March...I'm pretty sure I actually reminded him of my job a few times after they were engaged, but that's neither here nor there:). The privilege - as is always the case - is in being trusted to provide a perspective that will 1. help the couple and their families retain emotions and memories...and also 2. to provide a point of view for those not in attendance. Fly on the wall observation has always been my method. In this little collection of images, the groom shares a moment with his mom, interacts with family, and ultimately sees the bride for the first time after she and her father share their special walk...watching Tyson watch her made for some very authentic visuals. More to come, and continued gratitude for my buddy and his family...happy Monday, friends.

Cheers,
Jack
www.mortonphotonc.com
on IG / Morton Photography on FB

Think of it as a Post-it note. The school year is imminent, life is about to get re-bonkered. I'm starting to (simply)...
08/04/2026

Think of it as a Post-it note. The school year is imminent, life is about to get re-bonkered. I'm starting to (simply) compile a list of folks interested in Fall family photos, so if the notion applies to you, please let me know...I'll put your name on a list and get back in touch at the end August/early September to try and set some dates. The ideal window will be October and approximately the first few weeks of November to allow project completion time for your holiday cards/needs. I love the working chaos of Fall, obviously love the weather and working conditions, but most importantly love the folks I get to visit with and document. Some of my favorite work. Give a shout! Happy Tuesday, friends.

Cheers,
Jack
www.mortonphotonc.com
on IG / Morton Photography on FB

Back in March, I photographed an elopement for one of my good buddies...I can now share images, and am quite excited to ...
08/02/2026

Back in March, I photographed an elopement for one of my good buddies...I can now share images, and am quite excited to do so in the coming weeks. So I consider this a bit of an anonymous teaser...much more to come. Excessive amount of appreciation for Sarah and Tyson. Happy Sunday, friends.

Cheers,
Jack
www.mortonphotonc.com
on IG / Morton Photography on FB

After clearing it with Dory and Kevin, I want to share a note they recently sent; I had planned to ask for a testimonial...
07/16/2026

After clearing it with Dory and Kevin, I want to share a note they recently sent; I had planned to ask for a testimonial, perhaps will, but their kind words are perfect for me, and the brevity dictated by a hand-written note makes it more meaningful. I've been photographing weddings for a long time. 23 years ago I shot my first wedding on film, and have done this long enough that film has 'redeveloped' (ahem) as a trend/novelty. We were travel beasts, photographed weddings in 10 states incl. a handful in Colorado...weddings and adventures sorta went hand-in-hand. The people have always been the priority, the sense of collaboration with couples, the inclusion in intimate moments and days, the privilege of being asked to provide a lasting perspective. All the time a fly on the wall. In recent years I've decreased the quantity...but I'm in no position to dictate the quality. I believe that people find one another as it's meant to be, and let me tell you - when I am asked to provide a service for folks who can also capture some of this experience with their own words, my mind is blown and my creative heart is full. Their words: 'Dear Jack - How can we thank you for the gift you've given us? Looking back on our happiest day ever, moments caught with our beloved community, and each other - all possible because of you and your artistry. Thank you, for everything. We hope to see you again soon." My objective is what they summarized, and if I had a 'mission statement,' that's likely it. I'd embrace the privilege of being there for you and your families, friends, and communities to preserve those moments via artistic perspective. If you have a photographic need, please let me know. Thank you Dory and Kevin. Happy Thursday, friends.

Cheers,
Jack
www.mortonphotonc.com
on IG / Morton Photography on FB

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