We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Erin Murphy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Erin, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I learned photography by doing it… a lot. Photography was always part of my job before I became a full time photographer so I was familiar but was still shooting on auto. It wasn’t until a friend asked me to do boudoir photos of her did I really start diving into the specifics of shooting in Manual. From there I spent some time youtubing, and googling what I needed to know about photography (and why).
Then I just took at LOT of photos in a lot of different environments. I asked my friends to be my models, took self portraits, went to photographer’s meet ups, and got creative! I don’t think there’s a way I could have learned faster. Getting good at a skill just takes time and practice.
Being able to shoot in any lighting situation is one of the best skills you can learn. To know you can show up on-site last minute and produce great shots is how you build confidence in your craft.
Erin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m Erin! A photographer, designer, videographer, art director, business owner, and everything else you need to have a successful career in photography. I started as graphic designer and marketing director at a local gym chain. Over Covid, when gyms were closed, I started my career in photography.
I photograph everything from sports to boudoir to newborns. Shooting events is probably my favorite especially Crossfit events. I thrive in the fast paced environments and love the challenge of capturing THE shot and freezing such an important moment in time.
My goal with any type of photography is to tell a story and take my clients on a visual journey. Being able to tell a story with a mix of images and videos is one of my favorites parts about what I do. I’m freezing a moment in time for my clients in a creative and beautiful way which isn’t something everyone can do.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I wish I had learned about photographer get-aways. When I really started getting into photography it was peak Covid and I didn’t have that option. I think they’re a great way to get inspired, learn, gather portfolio pieces, and meeting other creatives.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I had a lot of big pivots in the last couple years.
One of the first ones was when I chose to start charging for photos. I get asked a lot about when to start charging and I wish there was one right answer but it’s mainly just a leap of faith.
Another big moment was when I decided to go full time photographer. It was terrifying and exciting. I’m only in my first two years and I’m still terrified (ha!).
One of my biggest moments was when I took one of my favorite shots at my first Crossfit Games 2 years ago. I remember looking at the shot on my camera and realizing I’m pretty good at photography and I really love it. I hope everyone gets to experience that moment in their life for them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.erinmurphydesigns.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinmurphydesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinmurphydesigns
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmurphydesignss/
- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@erinmurphyphotography
- Other: Wedding and Portrait page: https://www.instagram.
com/erinmurphystudios/