Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chelsey Murphy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Chelsey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I grew up around cameras due to my parent’s love of photography, so it wasn’t totally surprising that I fell in love with it too. I always had a disposable camera as a kid, and then I got my first little Kodak digital camera in high school. Photography was always just a part of life, and I was always an artsy kid. I was basically self-taught until I was in college. I didn’t consider photography as a career until I was in my sophomore year in college, and then I decided to get my BFA in photography. This route of schooling was obviously more art-driven than business-minded, but I’m happy I did it because it gave me a deeper understanding of how and why I shoot the way that I do. I think having an arts-based background keeps my work unique and sets me apart a bit as well.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I started my business in 2014 and primarily focus on intimate wedding and family photography. I’ve worked over the years to understand my style, how I want to photograph and why, and also who I want to be as a photographer. I feel like it’s really coming together right now. Reintroducing black and white film into my work has helped me shift my business into the direction I’ve felt it needed to go, and it takes me back to my years as a BFA student, which is cool!

For me, photography isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing. Certain poses and locations, and even times of day, fit different types of people better than others, and I keep that in mind as I’m planning and actively shooting. If my clients have a specific vision in mind, I want to know exactly what it is so that we can work as a team to bring it to life. I pride myself on working to make my clients feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. I aim to keep my work unique to my clients, and I look at it as a collaborative project between us. My goal is for my work to be seen as compelling, intentional, and real.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

One rewarding thing is connecting with people who can trust the process and lean into their time in front of the camera. There’s nothing better than creating with someone who is fully invested in their session. Another aspect is getting that result that I envisioned, and then delivering that to the client, and having them be over the moon about it. I love it when people are able to see themselves the way I see them, and they realize that they can look beautiful, strong and confident in front of the camera. That’s hugely rewarding.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Start With Why by Simon Sinek is an important book for anyone who is trying to run a business, or do anything important to them, really. Organizations need a purpose. The idea is that you want to connect with people that believe what you believe, and that people don’t buy what you do, they buy WHY you do it.

Another favorite of mine is Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. It’s about inspiration and how it comes and goes at certain times. She has a really interesting perspective on creativity that I enjoyed.

Jen Sincero’s You Are a Badass books are usually fun and insightful reads.

I listen to a lot of photography-specific business webinars and podcasts too, two of them being Weddings and Wanderlust and The Six-Figure Photographer.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.riseimagesart.com
• Instagram: @riseimagesart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riseimages/

Image Credits
Rise Images