welcome!
Hey there, photographer friends — I’m Mikaela Morgan.
If you’re drawn to portrait photography, lighting (natural or studio), or creating more expressive images but feel unsure where to begin — or how to move beyond what you already know — you’re in the right place.
I’ve spent years learning how to shape light, create atmosphere, and make women feel both seen and beautiful in front of the camera. I now share that experience through gentle, thoughtful education — without overwhelm or tech-heavy jargon.
If you’d like a free introduction to my approach, you can start here.
my journey
I began my photography business back in 2005, shooting everything from weddings to newborns. I was successful, but I often found weddings stressful and creatively draining. Over time, I started to feel burnt out — something was missing.
Then I discovered boudoir.
For the first time, photography felt like home. I fell in love with shaping light, creating atmosphere, and making images that felt intentional and expressive — while helping women see themselves in a completely new way.
That experience didn’t just change my work; it changed how I understand photography, creativity, and confidence. It’s the foundation of how I now teach.
studio lighting
The truth is, I started out as a natural light photographer — and I was genuinely scared of studio flash. It felt too technical, too complicated. All those switches, stands, beeps, popping sounds… how on earth do you control it all?
But to create the kind of dramatic, expressive lighting I was craving, I knew I had to step outside my comfort zone. So I taught myself.
And guess what? It wasn’t nearly as scary as I’d imagined.
Learning studio lighting opened up an entirely new world of creativity for me — one where I had control, consistency, and the freedom to create images exactly as I envisioned them. It changed everything.
Style
While trends and gimmicks come and go in the photography world, I’ve always stayed true to my style. I’m drawn to creating timeless, expressive portraits with a subtle nod to old Hollywood glamour — work that feels elegant, considered, and quietly powerful.
What moves me most is capturing something real: a sense of presence, character, or stillness that often goes unseen. Those moments when a portrait feels less like a photograph and more like a recognition.
Knowing I’ve created work that feels honest and enduring is what gives my practice meaning. It’s what continues to draw me back to light, form, and the emotional space between photographer and subject.
If this way of seeing and working resonates with you, I’ve created a short, free training where I walk you through the lighting equipment I use, explain what each piece is for, why I choose it, and the kind of images it helps me create.
FOLLOW ME
Email: E. info@strictlyboudoir.co.uk
PLEASE NOTE: I sold my studio in January 2024 and I have relocated to Eastbourne, East Sussex.