Today’s guest is Christopher Mortenson, though most people know him simply as "Morty", an editorial and commercial photographer based in the creative heart of Long Beach, California.
Morty’s journey began in the small rural town of Silver City, New Mexico, where his passion for photography was sparked at home, inspired by his mother, a Navy photographer whose images showed him the power of storytelling through the lens.
After earning his BFA in Photography from New Mexico State University, Morty made his way to Los Angeles, where he became an Art Director for the streetwear brand Quintin Co.. That opportunity not only gave him creative freedom but also opened doors to capture some of the top athletes in BMX and skateboarding, a fast-paced world that shaped his visual style and sharpened his creative instincts.
Since then, Morty has spent the past decade refining his craft, learning every detail of the art form, from lighting to connection, from technical precision to emotional truth. He’s built a reputation for storytelling that balances head, eye, and heart, echoing the words of Henri Cartier-Bresson: “To make a photograph is to align the head, the eye, and the heart. It is a way of life.”
Today, Morty is a staff photographer for several Los Angeles publications, including LA Downtown News, Pasadena Weekly, and The Argonaut, where his work connects him to artists, entrepreneurs, and everyday Angelinos, each with a story worth telling.
Beyond editorial work, he also runs his wedding and event photography brand, Wedding Crashers Worldwide, known for its warmth, authenticity, and candid storytelling. And when he’s not on assignment, you’ll find Morty exploring new creative territory through large-scale collage projects, continuing to push boundaries and redefine what storytelling can look like through photography.
This conversation dives deep into the evolution of vision, creative freedom, and what it truly means to find purpose behind the lens.
Because for Morty and for all of us, creativity isn’t just what we do. It’s who we are.
Visit Morty:
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Web: www.mortyvision.com
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Music: IOMH Built For This (Feat. Melody Val)
Licensed Through Audiio