Discovering the Art of Documentary Storytelling with Morgan Lieberman

Welcome to the world of documentary storytelling, where narratives come alive through the lens of talented photographers. In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Morgan Lieberman, a self-described gay Jewish visual storyteller from Los Angeles. Her work focuses on identity, unique subcultures, and narratives of queerness. Join us as we explore her path, her projects, and her advice for aspiring photographers.

Meet Morgan Lieberman

Morgan Lieberman is an independent documentary storyteller and portrait photographer based in Los Angeles. She holds a bachelor’s degree in documentary journalism from the University of Missouri, known for its hands-on learning approach. Her business brand, Chromatic Sheep, embraces differences and honors the feeling of being the “black sheep.”

Notable Clients

Morgan’s impressive portfolio includes editorial clients such as:

• Los Angeles Times
• National Geographic
• The New York Times
• Time Magazine
• Wall Street Journal
• The Washington Post

She also collaborates with corporate clients like Amazon Blink, MeUndies, Smirnoff, and Spotify.

The Journey from Mizzou to LA

Morgan’s journey began at the University of Missouri, where she was drawn to the world’s first journalism school. Her passion for photography was inspired by her grandfather, Robert Tannenbaum, a renowned movie poster artist. Her first job was at a local newspaper, The Acorn, which laid the foundation for her storytelling career.

A Leap of Faith

Morgan’s decision to attend Mizzou was a leap of faith, as she committed without visiting the campus. Her experience there was transformative, leading her to become a tour guide and eventually fall in love with documentary film.

Exploring Queer Narratives

Morgan’s personal projects focus on underrepresented narratives, particularly within the LGBTQ community. Her work documenting the world’s first LGBTQ synagogue in LA was life-changing, inspiring her to delve deeper into queer stories.

Current Project: Senior Lesbian Couples

Morgan is currently working on a project documenting senior lesbian couples across all 50 states. This project aims to:

• Represent queer women in loving relationships
• Create an archive for future generations
• Highlight the widespread stigma of aging and societal disinterest

Overcoming Challenges and Finding Inspiration

Morgan’s journey has not been without challenges. Coming out in 2016 was a turning point, leading her to focus on narratives close to her heart. Her work is inspired by photographers like Joan Biren, who documented the lesbian community in the 70s.

Building Trust and Community

Morgan emphasizes the importance of trust in her work. Her connections with couples are built on mutual respect and understanding, creating a sense of chosen family.

Advice for Aspiring Photographers

Morgan offers valuable advice for those entering the field:

• Follow Your Interests: Create work that resonates with you personally.
• Embrace Vulnerability: Be open to feedback and collaboration.
• Nurture Your Projects: Treat your projects like your inner child and allow them to grow.

Looking Ahead

Morgan’s future plans include expanding her project to rural areas and pursuing an MFA at Cornell’s Image Text program. Her work continues to evolve, driven by a passion for storytelling and a commitment to representing underrepresented communities.

Conclusion

Morgan Lieberman’s journey is a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact of visual narratives. Her dedication to documenting queer stories and building an archive for future generations is both inspiring and essential. As she continues to explore new projects and opportunities, her work will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy in the world of documentary storytelling.

For more updates on Morgan’s work, follow her on Instagram and sign up for her newsletter. Stay tuned for her upcoming projects and exhibitions!

Photojournalism, podcast, 10 Frames Per Second, Joe Giordano, Molly Roberts, Morgan Lieberman, visual storyteller, Los Angeles, documentary journalism, University of Missouri, Chromatic Sheep, identity, subcultures, queerness, editorial clients, National Geographic, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, corporate clients, Amazon Blink, Mizzou, Brad Pitt, Robert Tannenbaum, movie poster artist, San Fernando Valley, Las Vegas Review Journal, LGBTQ synagogue, Temple Beit Chaim Hadashim, older lesbian couples, archive, queer community.

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