The Reality of Nightmares is a photographic series rooted in the idea that what some identify as their greatest fears are, for others, everyday circumstances. Over the course of four months, I asked individuals one question,“What is your biggest fear?”, and used the most common responses to create direct, realistic images grounded in those experiences.

The images are raw and unembellished. Although the subject matter draws heavily from themes often associated with horror, I avoided sensationalism or fantasy. My process centered on two principles: intention and realism. I consistently asked myself, “If this were happening to me right now, what would it actually look like?”

Created using digital photography and presented in black and white, the series removes visual distraction to focus on the relationship between fear and lived reality. Black and white felt appropriate for a project dealing with experiences that are often stark and unambiguous. While influenced by the provocative work of Joel-Peter Witkin, I chose not to aestheticize tragedy, instead maintaining a grounded, human approach.

Like my previous portrait work, this series engages with themes of social detachment and the complexities of understanding experiences outside one’s own. The Reality of Nightmares offers a visual record of fears and nightmares that are common yet deeply personal; existing at the intersection of imagination and reality. My hope is that the work creates a space for viewers to consider unfamiliar perspectives, and in doing so, leave with a deeper sense of empathy.

Extend kindness. This is all we have.

Morgan Brandt is a photographer based in Reno, Nevada whose work delves into the complexities of the human experience. Through powerful imagery, she explores themes such as tragedy, resilience, and the quiet moments that reveal the depth of everyday life. She is currently pursuing an Associate of Fine Arts degree at Truckee Meadows Community College, where she has received multiple scholarships, including the Tackett Family Scholarship and the Millenium Scholarship. Her work has been showcased in the annual TMCC Student Art Show in 2021, 2024 and 2025, and featured in the 2025 Sierra Arts Foundation Annual Halloween Show. Brandt is on track to graduate in 2026 and remains dedicated to telling authentic, human stories through the lens of photography. To see more of her work, visit @mrgnsphotos on Instagram or mrgnbrndt.com.