Top 20 Photography Blogs in San Diego

My blog, Morning Owl Fine Art, has been honored by Feedspot, initially featured in their Top 20 San Diego Photography Blogs in 2023 and currently ranked #1 in their Top 35 San Diego Photography Blogs as of June 2025!!

➤ View the latest list here: Top San Diego Photography Blogs

SHOUTOUT SOCAL INTERVIEW

I was recently interviewed by Patrick Harris of Shoutout SoCal, part of the SD Voyager media family. In this feature, I share my journey from military service to becoming a photographer with a purpose — serving military families, honoring bereaved parents, and capturing the quiet beauty of everyday life. It’s a heartfelt look at the “why” behind Morning Owl Fine Art and what inspires my work.

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Local Stories

Meet Morgan Liberatore | Military Event & Lifestyle Bereavement Photographer

May 28, 2025

We had the good fortune of connecting with Morgan Liberatore, and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Morgan, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
I’ve heard repeatedly that you have to separate emotion from business, keep things strictly professional, and always present a polished, perfect image. I disagree with all of that—because my business is personal, and the work I do IS deeply emotional by nature. I walk into some of the most sacred, vulnerable moments of people’s lives—whether it’s the tender chaos of welcoming a newborn with or without a heartbeat, the bittersweet pride of a military homecoming, the quiet joy of a courthouse elopement, or the unimaginable grief of saying goodbye too soon. To show up to those moments disconnected would be a disservice. It is okay to stand shoulder to shoulder with your client and feel the emotions they are feeling.

My own journey as a Navy veteran, a mother, and someone who has personally experienced loss is woven into everything I do. That’s not a weakness—it’s my greatest strength. It allows me to hold space for real emotions, to honor each family’s unique story without trying to make it look “perfect,” and to remind them that their messy, raw, beautiful reality is enough.

I believe the most meaningful work comes not from staying detached, but from leaning in — with empathy, honesty, and a willingness to feel it all alongside my clients. That’s where true connection happens. Whether I’m working with a grieving parent or a four-generation family gathering to take their first professional portrait together, I want my clients to feel seen. And that’s the kind of legacy I want my art to leave behind: a true connection from one to another.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is rooted in capturing life unscripted—through a process I call Promptography. Rather than orchestrating perfectly posed images, I gently guide my clients into natural connection, prompting real emotions and authentic moments. Whether it’s quiet joy, sacred grief, or the chaotic beauty of parenthood, my goal is to reveal the truth of each story as it’s already unfolding.

This approach is especially meaningful in the spaces I serve—as a bereavement and event photographer, A Legacy Storyteller in the simple and complex. These are not moments that fit neatly into picture-perfect boxes; they are raw, sacred, and worthy of being preserved just as they are.

Getting to where I am today professionally has been anything but easy. Like so many, I had to be flexible when the unexpected hit. During COVID, I made the difficult decision to temporarily close my business—twice. But each time I returned, I did so with a deeper sense of purpose and an even stronger conviction that these stories deserve to be told and the way you tell them matters. In my most recent pause, I learned how to homeschool my daughter and serve my community by teaching dozens of high schoolers about photography and keeping their faith in focus, striving to present their art as authentically as they can.

I’ve built this business while going to school for accounting, serving in the military, homeschooling my daughter, navigating my own seasons of grief, having a deployed spouse, managing PTSD, and overcoming the pressure to present a polished, perfect image of success. The greatest lesson I’ve learned along the way is that real beauty lives in imperfection. People don’t need staged memories—they need someone to help them see the beauty in their reality.

I also know what it’s like to have few or no family photos of your own. I didn’t have a professional photographer for my own courthouse elopement, and I grew up without legacy portraits to look back on. That absence has shaped how deeply I value the work I do now—creating visual legacies others can hold onto and pass down.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is simple: You don’t have to wait for perfect circumstances to preserve your story, the weight doesn’t need to be lost or the abs chiseled for your children to love a photo of you. The most powerful moments often happen in the unscripted, in-between spaces. And it’s my greatest honor to help families hold onto those moments—creating timeless legacies of life, loss, and love that will endure for generations to come.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting San Diego, she’d bring her kids and camera along, too. It wouldn’t just be about sightseeing—it would be about making memories together. We’d start our mornings slow with great coffee at home and venture out to explore some of my favorite third-wave coffee spots like Tyne Coffee, Rob’s Brewpoint, and Idego Coffee. Of course, we’d have to try them all and probably debate which one steamed their milk best for that perfect, velvety latte art.

For breakfast or brunch, nothing beats the spinach mushroom crepes and the potato pancakes with applesauce and sour cream from Richard Walker’s Pancake House—the perfect balance of savory and sweet! And we’d share an extra-large German pancake with fresh lemon juice and powdered sugar for good measure while there.

But the best moments wouldn’t be found just out and about—they’d be right at home. We’d spend a day baking and cooking together, probably making Dutch babies topped with fresh raspberries and my homemade lemon curd. Our kids would join in the joyful chaos, and both of us—being photographers—would naturally have our cameras close at hand, casually capturing the beauty in the mess, the laughter, and the quiet little in-between moments. We’d trade off taking self-portraits, snapping candid shots of each other with our kids, and preserving the kinds of memories we know we’ll treasure most. Board games, crafts, storytelling, and spontaneous dance parties are also an important part of our trip.

We’d balance out all that good food with plenty of time outdoors, hiking the scenic trails of East County San Diego and searching for hidden natural springs to swim in—or snow patches to play in, depending on the season. There’s nothing quite like adventuring, learning, and watching the kids explore with wild, carefree joy. We’d share a rhythm—two homeschool moms embracing real-life learning alongside the beauty of connection.

For me, that’s the perfect kind of trip—good coffee, good food, meaningful conversation, lots of laughter, and the kind of everyday moments we both live to document.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the grace of God and the people He’s placed along my path. First and foremost, all glory goes to Him—His strength has carried me through seasons of both unimaginable loss and incredible joy, continually refining me through the fire and calling me to support others in every season they face.

I’m also deeply grateful for my daughter, who is the heartbeat behind everything I do. She reminds me daily of the beauty found in simple, honest moments and the importance of preserving them. Even though she never met her brother, Giovanni, my six-year-old carries his memory with such tenderness, sharing his name with anyone willing to listen. To my family, friends, and community who have walked with me through my own grief and equipped me to serve others with compassion—thank you for helping me carry this calling.

To the bereaved families who have welcomed me into their most sacred spaces—many, more than once—I am honored beyond words. Your courage and openness give my work its deepest meaning, and I am forever grateful for the privilege of telling the stories of your loved ones. I also carry the memory of my late shipmate, FCA2 Bridgette Strzok, whose life and loss have pressed me to keep moving forward and prioritize my own mental health. Her battle with mental health and the loss of her precious baby remain a solemn reminder of why this work matters so deeply.

Through this journey, I have been blessed to serve the San Diego community as a bereavement photographer, military event photographer, courthouse elopement photographer, and most importantly, a Legacy Storyteller for extended and multi-generational families. I do this work because I know what it’s like to have only a handful of blurry photos from one of the most important days of your life, or to grow up without family portraits to pass down. That absence has fueled my desire to create lasting, meaningful imagery for others. It is my greatest honor to preserve powerful moments of life, loss, and love—creating timeless legacies for generations to come.

Exploring Animals: Trusted Expert in Pet Photography

🐶 As Seen On: Exploring Animals: Featured by Exploring Animals as a trusted expert on preserving memories with your pup through meaningful photography.

Feature: 5 Ways To Show Your Dog You Love Them (In A Way They Understand)
Author: Stacey Brenton
Published: February 21, 2025

In this heartfelt article focused on how to build stronger emotional bonds with your pup, Exploring Animals highlights the importance of creating lasting memories through photography. As a professional pet and bereavement photographer, I’m proud to be featured as a trusted expert in helping families honor the joy and companionship their animals bring.

➤ Read the article

Back in Time History Website Image Feature

📸 2. First Meeting with a Newborn

Morgan from Morning Owl Fine Art captures a raw and emotional moment: a service member meeting their newborn for the first time. The emotion in his eyes and the delicate way he holds his baby speak volumes about love, sacrifice, and the power of presence.

✅ Updated “As Seen On” Blog Excerpt

🪖 As Seen On: Back In Time Today

Feature: 15 Heartwarming Military Family Photos That Capture Love & Sacrifice
Published: Feb 20 2024 By Aria Moore

My photograph, “First Meeting with a Newborn,” was featured as #2 in Back In Time Today’s tribute to military family moments. This image captures the tear-filled first embrace between a service member and their newborn—an unforgettable reminder of what it means to serve and love deeply.

➤ Read the full article

The first meeting with a newborn is a poignant moment, especially for military families. After months away, the soldier finally holds the new life he has been dreaming about. The tiny fingers grasp his own, and a tender bond is instantly formed.

The partner stands beside, eyes filled with love and relief, sharing this precious moment together. This encounter highlights the sacrifices made by military parents, who often miss these early, irreplaceable memories.

It’s a touching reminder of the preciousness of family and the sacrifices made for their country.

CBS 8 News Interview | November 2023

I was honored to be featured on CBS 8 San Diego, where I shared my journey as a Navy veteran and the heart behind Morning Owl Fine Art. The segment highlighted my work in military and bereavement photography, capturing meaningful moments with purpose and compassion.

Morning Owl Fine Art Photography | Shop Local | Celebrating Veteran-Owned Businesses in San Diego, CA

November 7, 2023

"Celebrating veteran-owned businesses in San Diego ahead of Veterans Day, CBS 8 featured Morning Owl Fine Art Photography. Owner Morgan Liberatore, a Navy veteran who served for eight years, brings deep personal experience to her work."

"I have a strong understanding of what needs to be captured during a military event—everything from change of command ceremonies, homecomings, retirements, funerals, and more. I found a need in the community for both bereavement photography and military documentation, and I feel truly honored to continue serving through meaningful, emotional imagery."

"You can find her at MorningOwlFineArt.com. Incredible moments, beautifully captured."

Disabled Veteran Owned Business

Jackie Jean Photography

I have been BLESSED every time I am featured by Jackie Jean over the years - OVER 20 Times! I will share publications with the newest at the top.

Biggest claims to fame:

Best of 2019, Current Favorites x4+, backlit Images x3, window light x2, maternity, silhouettes, reflections, red, siblings, connection, joy, furry friends, coffee/hot cocoa, and freelensing (for now!)

52 Week Photo Challenge - Coffee/Hot Cocoa

January 10, 2023

52 Week Photo Challenge - Furry Friends

June 23, 2022

52 Week Photo Challenge - Backlight

May 23, 2022

Weekly Top Ten - Connection

Weekly Top Ten - Best of 2019

Weekly Top Ten - Current Favorite

March 2019

Weekly Top Ten - Current Favorite

February 2019

Weekly Top Ten - Silhouettes

Weekly Top Ten - Windowlight

Weekly Top Ten - Connection

Weekly Top Ten - Siblings

Weekly Top Ten - Backlight

Weekly Top Ten - Freelensing

February 2019

Weekly Top Ten - Red

August 27, 2018

Weekly Top Ten - Window Light

August 20, 2018

Self-portrait 2018

Weekly Top Ten - Reflection

August 27, 2018

Weekly Top Ten - Backlight

April 16, 2018

Weekly Top Ten - Maternity

April 9 2018

Weekly Top Ten - Joy

2018

NILMDTS Digital Retouch Artist Certification

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

NILMDS Affiliated Photographer Certification

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Babies & Photographers Association

Expertise Best Newborn Photographer

ENCINITAS

POWAY

ESCONDIDO

RANCHO SANTA FE

SANTEE

RANCHO BERNARDO

DEL MAR

LAKESIDE

RAMONA

SAN MARCOS

LA JOLLA

CORONADO

OCEANSIDE

VISTA

CARLSBAD

EL CAJON

CHULA VISTA

NATIONAL CITY

Expertise Best Family Photographers

This website has taken down this feature but here is a screenshot of my listing in 2023 of being 1 out of 12 recommended “Best Family Photographers” in San Diego!

Expertise Best Maternity Photographer

ENCINITAS

POWAY

ESCONDIDO

RANCHO SANTA FE

SANTEE

RANCHO BERNARDO

DEL MAR

LAKESIDE

RAMONA

SAN MARCOS

LA JOLLA

CORONADO

OCEANSIDE

VISTA

CARLSBAD

EL CAJON

CHULA VISTA

NATIONAL CITY

Bold and Beautiful Magazine

Published Multiple Times in Bold and Beautiful Magazine

Issue 375 “Black and White” COVER ARTIST Published July 2022

Issue 379 “Open” Category

Kids Turn San Diego

Staying Connected During Deployment: From One Military Mom to Another

By Morgan, Military Spouse, Veteran, Mom & Photographer

When my husband deployed, our daughter was still little — those in-between years where every week brought a new phrase, a new skill, a new moment of magic. At the time, I was a reservist juggling school, solo parenting, and the quiet ache of missing my best friend. I remember wondering: How do I help her feel connected to someone she can’t see? How do I capture all of this before it slips by?

Now, as a photographer serving military families through emotional milestones, I want to offer what helped me—and what I’ve seen work for others. These ideas aren't just from a professional lens. They're from the heart of a mama who’s been there.

1. 📸 Photograph the Everyday Moments

You don’t need a fancy camera. Snap photos of bedtime stories, messy morning hair, soccer games, or quiet afternoons. These aren’t just memories—they’re visual love letters. I created a private shared album my husband could peek at whenever he had Wi-Fi. Some days, all he got was a blurry photo of our daughter holding her favorite toy, but it was enough. It mattered.

Photographer Tip: Capture the in between. The way your child holds their blanket, the scribbled drawings, the joy after a cupcake. These are the things they’ll want to remember—and that your spouse will never want to miss.

2. 📖 Create a "Deployment Book" Together

We kept a small scrapbook on the kitchen counter. Each week, my daughter added a sticker, a drawing, or a note “to Daddy.” When he came home, he didn’t just get a hug—he got a whole storybook of the moments he missed, written by the child who missed him most.

3. 🎥 Record Little Love Notes

Short video clips can feel like time travel. A morning “I love you,” a new dance move, a whispered prayer before bed. I used to record quick videos right before naptime when emotions ran high. Sometimes they were silly. Sometimes they made me cry. But every one of them helped my husband feel like he was still home in some small way.

4. 💌 Send Letters—Even If They’re Just Scribbles

One of my favorite boxes is filled with drawings and crayon rainbows addressed “To Daddy on the boat.” It didn’t matter if mail took weeks to arrive—what mattered is that our daughter saw her words going somewhere. And when he returned with her letters saved in a binder, she knew she was never far from his heart.

5. 🪖 Document the Reunion

Whether it's a homecoming on the pier or a quiet return in the middle of the night, take a moment to pause and document the first hug. I still tear up thinking about the moment our daughter ran into his arms for the first time in months. As a photographer, I know these reunion moments don’t need to be perfect—they just need to be real.

If you want support in capturing that, reach out. I offer homecoming and lifestyle sessions designed for military families. Because these moments are sacred, and they deserve to be remembered.

From One Military Spouse to Another...

You’re doing beautifully. Even on the days when you feel stretched thin, you are weaving connection between your child and their parent with every photo, every story, every memory kept alive. And that is powerful.

With love and solidarity,
Morgan
Mom • Photographer • Navy Veteran • Military Spouse

The Military Mom Collective Guide to Deployment

I’m honored to be listed as a trusted resource on Military Mom Collective, a national platform supporting military families through every season—including deployment, motherhood, and everything in between.

➤ View the Guide to Deployment for Military Families

Legacymagazine.org

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Ardent Lens Magazine

Multiple Publications

Issue #48: Military Homecoming Edition

February 2, 2020

Cover Artist, Back Cover Artist, featured Artist! This is the same main session that was published in the legacy magazine!

Issue #28 Open

Images of my daughter in black and white

Hula Frog Most Loved Photographer 2017

The PhotograpHER Magazine