Frames, Family & Film: Matt Morgan on Creativity and Community

In this episode of Shady Characters, hosts Evan Burgher and Tim DeBrincat welcome longtime friend and collaborator Matt Morgan — a photographer whose career is equal parts craftsmanship, curiosity, and character.

Born (literally) at home in San Juan Capistrano, Matt stumbled into photography in high school after ditching a one-on-one construction class. What started as a creative elective quickly became a lifelong obsession. With encouragement from his dad, a hobbyist photographer, and the early influence of surf/skate culture, Matt spent his teens shooting friends in the water, at skateparks, and for a small clothing brand he helped launch.

After a fleeting attempt at the corporate world, Matt found his calling in wedding photography — a space where entrepreneurship and artistry collided. That foundation eventually propelled him into the commercial world, where he built a reputation as a master of lighting and a photographer who can make anyone comfortable in front of the camera.

Matt shares stories from shooting global athletes for Power Balance, including a surreal first encounter with Shaquille O’Neal, where he had under ten minutes to get the shot and ended up standing on a chair just to reach eye level. He talks about capturing punk legend Dwayne Peters (while driving him to set as he rolled a joint in the passenger seat), working with deeply trained classical musicians, and leading the technically demanding multi-person composite portrait for the Pacific Symphony.

The conversation dives into Matt’s obsession with lighting, his ongoing commitment to learning (including workshops with iconic photographers), and his unconventional philosophy about not specializing in one niche — but instead using diversity of experience to fuel creativity.

Outside photography, Matt opens up about fatherhood, surfing, the camaraderie of golf culture, generational traditions, and the infamous Morgan Family Christmas Card — a full-scale, Norman Rockwell-inspired creative production he now builds every year.

It's a warm, funny, and deeply human look at a photographer who’s spent two decades capturing stories, studying light, and celebrating the beauty in the everyday. Whether you’re a creative, a photographer, or just someone who loves a good origin story, this episode is packed with heart, humor, and inspiration.