Capturing Moments: The Story of St. Thomas University’s Graduation Photographer

“Stepping into the Studio: The Tale of St. Thomas University’s Graduation Photographer”

Walking inside the studio for my graduation photographs was like visiting an old friend’s house. Trevor and Karen Morris greeted me pleasantly as I entered their well-lit, professional studio, the background music soothingly playing from a Lizzy McAlpine song.

For the past 13 years, this dynamic combination has created several St. Thomas University graduation photos. While Karen Morris manages calendars, communicates with students, and handles administrative responsibilities, Trevor Morris captures and expertly edits images.

Trevor Morris has photographed everything from classic solo portraits to boisterous group sessions, and his enthusiasm for photography stems from “the pure joy of creating images.”

“If you enjoy what you do, do it as if you are not getting paid for it.” “That’s how I usually approach it,” he explained.

Trevor Morris’ foray into photography was surprising. As a former mechanical engineer, his early interest was in graphic design. His passion for photography, however, began two decades ago when he chose to purchase a digital camera in order to preserve key moments in his daughter’s life. This newfound enthusiasm eventually led to the establishment of Morris Photographics, a business formed in 2005 and driven by his love of family and photography.

“I cherished the freedom of being there for every milestone, every school concert, every play, and all the significant moments,” Morris said.

Morris’ humble origins as a photographer are represented not just in his work, but also in his sincere desire to connect with each person who poses for his camera.

While students waited for their time in the studio, Trevor Morris would crack jokes from behind the camera to generate real grins. To him, it makes little difference whether the subject is happy with their natural grin; what important is capturing the mood of the moment and immortalizing it in a photograph.

“We have just as much fun behind the camera as our subjects do in front of it,” he said.

This approach extends to the group sessions Trevor Morris conducts for STU students during graduation photoshoots. Most of these sessions take place on the campus, and the Morrises work tirelessly from sunrise to sunset.

Trevor Morris described how groups of friends would bring bags of potato chips to be photographed while enjoying one other’s company. In another session, students sat on the STU sign, producing amusing and unforgettable moments. One student brought in a bong as a prop.

Trevor Morris is deeply influenced by portrait photography’s ability to create shared experiences.

“There’s something about portrait photography that is challenging yet incredibly rewarding,” he said.

Unlike other genres of photography he has pursued, portrait photography is emotionally charged, necessitating a careful balance between the subject’s happiness and the photographer’s inventiveness.

Trevor Morris emphasized that the benefit of delivering joy to people at key points in their life outweighs the difficulties.”This photograph is their trophy of achievement or a celebration of reaching a significant milestone,” he said.

Trevor Morris believes that photography’s emotional significance stems from its capacity to record “fleeting moments” in time. Photography not only allows you to share such memories, but also gives you the ability to relive them whenever you choose.