On this episode of The PHYS Podcast, Tyson Martin sits down with Christopher Mortenson, better known as "Morty," an editorial and commercial photographer based in Long Beach, California whose work is rooted in authenticity, connection, and the art of visual storytelling.

Morty's journey began far from the creative energy of Southern California.

Growing up in Silver City, New Mexico, his first introduction to photography came through his mother, a Navy photographer whose images showed him the power of a camera to preserve moments, tell stories, and create lasting connections. Those early influences planted a seed that would eventually grow into a lifelong creative pursuit.

After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from New Mexico State University, Morty relocated to Los Angeles, where a new chapter began. He joined the streetwear brand Quintin Co. as an Art Director, a role that immersed him in the worlds of skateboarding, BMX, music, and youth culture.

The position provided more than creative freedom.

It opened doors.

Suddenly, Morty found himself photographing professional athletes, documenting action sports, and learning how to create compelling visual stories in fast-moving environments. The experience sharpened both his technical skills and his ability to connect with people, lessons that continue to influence his work today.

Over the last decade, Morty has built a reputation as a photographer who understands that great images require more than technical excellence. They require trust, empathy, curiosity, and the ability to see the humanity in every subject.

Today, he works as a staff photographer for several Los Angeles-area publications, including LA Downtown News, Pasadena Weekly, and The Argonaut, documenting artists, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and everyday people whose stories deserve to be told.

He also operates his successful wedding and event photography company, Wedding Crashers Worldwide, where candid storytelling and genuine human connection remain central to every assignment.

Outside of client work, Morty continues to push his creativity through large-scale collage projects and personal artistic explorations, constantly searching for new ways to tell stories through visual art.

Inspired by the words of Henri Cartier-Bresson:

"To make a photograph is to align the head, the eye, and the heart. It is a way of life."

That philosophy continues to guide Morty's work today.

In This Episode:

• Christopher Mortenson's journey from New Mexico to Southern California
• How his mother's Navy photography inspired his creative path
• Working as Art Director for Quintin Co. and documenting skateboarding and BMX culture
• Lessons learned from photographing athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs
• The role of connection and trust in creating meaningful portraits
• His work with LA Downtown News, Pasadena Weekly, and The Argonaut
• Building Wedding Crashers Worldwide and capturing authentic moments
• Exploring creativity through large-scale collage projects
• Why photography is ultimately about purpose, storytelling, and human connection

Morty's work reminds us that photography is about more than making images.

It's about understanding people.

It's about creating moments of connection.

It's about telling stories that help us better understand ourselves and each other.

This conversation is a thoughtful exploration of creativity, visual storytelling, editorial photography, action sports culture, and what it means to build a life around curiosity and purpose.

Whether you're a photographer, artist, skateboarder, creative entrepreneur, storyteller, or someone searching for inspiration in your own creative journey, this episode offers valuable insight into finding your voice and staying true to it.

Because creativity isn't simply something we practice.

It's something we live.

Follow Christopher "Morty" Mortenson
Instagram: @mortyvision
Threads: @mortyvision
Website: www.mortyvision.com