Nicole Morgenthau - Curiosity & Creativity

Jul 16, 2021

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Nicole Morgenthau is a Utah-based professional photographer whose work depicts the people and places of the American West in a completely unique, one-of-a-kind style. While she has been involved in many aspects of the photography business throughout her career, Nicole may be best known for her portraits of a wide range of western characters-- from cowgirls to mountain men, from professional athletes to mountain-town ski bums. And her creative pursuits don’t stop with photography-- Nicole is also the owner of Sandstone Sky Jewelry, a business in which she makes and curates a variety of stunning jewelry, much of which has its creative roots in Native American culture.

Nicole was born and raised on the east coast, just outside of New York City. As a kid, she loved western movies and dreamed of moving out of the humid New Jersey suburbs and into wide-open, arid landscapes of the American West. After high school, she made the move West for college, first in Colorado and then to Montana State, where she studied photography. And immediately after graduating, she dove headfirst into the photography business, first as an assistant to several commercial photographers and then as her own boss. Since then, her work has been featured by well-known brands such as Patagonia, "Outside," "Men’s Journal," the "New York Times," and more.

Nicole and I connected a few weeks ago and had an insightful discussion about everything from the photography business to jewelry making to overcoming creative blocks. We started out by discussing her childhood in New Jersey, her desire to move West, and how she decided to take that leap. We then talked about her journey as a professional photographer-- the ups and downs, the evolution of the business, and how she found her voice as a portrait photographer. We talked about her jewelry business and how it compliments photography, both creatively and financially. And toward the end, she offers up some excellent music recommendations, wise parting words, and an inspiring quote from Anthony Bourdain that I think you’ll appreciate.

Be sure the check the episode notes for links to all the people and places Nicole mentions. This was a fun chat, and I hope you enjoy.

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TOPICS DISCUSSED:

3:30 - Growing up in New Jersey
5:30 - First trip to the West
7:30 - Decision to attend college in the West
9:00 - Childhood beginnings in art and creativity
10:45 - Nicoles first years in professional photography
12:30 - Working as an assistant
14:00 - Going out on her own
18:00 - Importance of toughness
19:00 - Finding her "voice" as a photographer
24:00 - What's the key to good portrait photography
26:30 - Photography influences
28:45 - The evolution of her photography
31:30 - Nicole's jewelry business, Sandstone Sky Jewelry
37:00 - Inspiring interactions while making jewelry
39:30 - Techniques for remaining calm despite being Type A
42:000 - Musical influences
45:00 - Advice to aspiring creatives
50:00 - Upside of education and workshops
54:00 - Parting words of wisdom
59:30 - Parting quote

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ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: