5 Minutes on Fashion: Photographer, content creator and stylist Tamsyn Morgans

I first came across the fabulous Tamsyn Morgans when I happened across her awe-inspiring Instagram page last year. At first, I was drawn to the ethereal charm of her imagery but then found myself heading back there day after day to see how she was using her innate creative styling skills to make her page one of the most magical ones around. More recently we met IRL at a fab vintage styling workshop she was running with her great Insta pal and wedding stylist Katie Sutton which was all about immersing yourself in the process of creating loveliness on your grid. Tamsyn has a definite individual style, so I was pretty chuffed when she agreed to do one of our quick 5 Minutes on Fashion interviews.

Tamsyn Morgans and Katie Sutton (@thevintagehousethatcould) at the recent vintage styling workshop

Tamsyn on her work…

How did you get started as a photographer/content creator?

I started a blog at the beginning of 2014, just to share photos of my home.  I then moved house and started to gain readers as I shared the renovation of my Victorian terrace.  In 2016 I left my office job to go freelance and haven’t looked back since.

What’s your fave part of the job?

I really love making beautiful photographs.  Choosing the props, setting the stage, getting the composition just right.  I love the thrill of editing a photo I’m really proud of.

How long does it take you to produce your beautiful imagery from that first nugget of an idea through to the finished piece?

For something I’m shooting indoors, it can take up to an hour or longer if there are lots of elements to it.  If I’m shooting outside, it can take longer whilst I set up and wait for the light to be just right.

What’s the hardest part of running your own creative business?

Having to be organised and skilled at so many things!  Admin, web maintenance, finances…you have to be able to do it all.  I do sometimes miss the office banter too!

Who’s your icon in your industry?

Oh, my goodness so many… I love what Beth Kirby at Local Milk has achieved.  Plus I love her photographs.

Which aspect of your creative process do you find the most fun and which most challenging on different projects?

I love having the time to experiment and to make photos that have a story behind them.  I really love getting outside to take photos, I’ve challenged myself this year to get outside my comfort zone, and I think it’s really opened my eyes to nature, light and architecture. 

I find it really challenging when I need to create something beautiful, and it’s just not happening, the inspiration isn’t there.  That can be really frustrating.

What’s a typical day like for you?

If I’m not out on a shoot, I spend a lot of time on Instagram, replying to comments, looking at my feed, creating pictures for stories.  I might also spend some time pinning on Pinterest, editing photos, setting up shots for a sponsored post, writing a blog post.  My ‘to do’ list is never ending!

Other creatives… comrades or competition?

Comrades, definitely!  I have made some really lovely friends through this online world, and they are a brilliant support network, as well as really inspiring.

How do you dress for the day – comfort or style?

If I’m working from home, or assisting on a shoot, I dress for comfort.  Jeans and t-shirt are my staples.  If I’m out doing something creative, then I definitely love to dress up a bit.

If you had a ‘Dream Journal’ what would one of your top dreams be for 2018?

There are some amazing brands I’d love to collaborate with and shoot for, I’d also love to start shooting video.

Tamsyn on her personal style…

What’s your personal style quirk?

I dress with quite a boho vibe – I absolutely love colour and pattern.

What do you splurge on?

I do love a beautiful coat or jacket, so I’ll happily spend more on those.

Which item do you wish you could have from your mother’s closet?

My mum wore some amazing outfits in the 80’s, lots of jade green!  I’d love to have some of those items in my wardrobe now.

A fashion rule you never break?

That’s a tough one – I’m not a fan of rules ha!  I don’t really have any, I think anything goes and whatever makes you happy when it comes to fashion.

Heels or flats?

Flats!

Current street style fave or Instagram crush?

I don’t really follow many fashion Instagrammers, what I do have is a board on Pinterest called ‘My Style’ which I love pinning pictures to – it’s a real scrapbook of styles that I love, a mix of boho and rock chick.

3 of your fave stores/designers?

Anthropologie, All Saints and you can’t beat a bit of Zara.

Lipstick or chapstick?

Both!

With thanks to Tamsyn for taking the time to answer our questions. You can find out more about her services from her website here. Whilst her gorgeous Instagram feed is @tamsynmorgans – I defy you not to fall in love with it!

For more interview with some magical fashion folk take a peek here.