Kerri Murphy Photography
the eye behind the lens
A portrait/lifestyle photographer is more than someone who just takes pictures. They are a storyteller, an artist, someone who brings out the very essence of the subject's being. Photography is, and always has been for me a craft that encompasses an artistic and emotional approach. I want so desperately to tell someone's story through the camera lens. I believe there are so many layers to people and I get excited to see them all come to life during a session. I absolutely love to see other photographers' work and their natural ability to see things differently. I truly feel as though it is an ever evolving craft and that each photographer leaves their own mark in this world. I get inspired by other photographers work!
What do I like best about photography? My absolute favorite part about my work is seeing how it makes other people feel. When I deliver their images and hear positive feedback it feeds my soul. In a world full of social media and expectations of what one is "supposed" to look like, seeing someone's confidence change right before your eyes, is an amazing feeling for me. I like to show my clients a few images as I am taking them. I feel as though this makes the client more comfortable and helps to calm any anxious feelings about the session. When I can achieve this and watch the persons confidence come to the surface, I feel successful. Sometimes we all need reminders that we are beautiful! I also love knowing that my images are little treasures frozen in time. I learned this early on when I had a friend come to take photos of my mother's 60th birthday. I cherish these photos so much because they are all I have left of her. I love being able to give others this same gift.
What is my favorite type of session? I would say senior sessions and sports media sessions. I love them both because I get to work with teens and help their confidence grow. Many of them have an innate ability to know what they want in a session. They can voice what outcome they would like and then we can collaborate to make a great session. Senior sessions are always special for me as I get to travel to all different locations and bring out the client's personality. Sports media sessions are so fun and seeing the team building and comradery the sessions create is an extraordinary thing!
What is my favorite lens? I can't seem to get my 24-70/2.8 off my camera and believe me I have tried. For some reason I am just most comfortable using this lens although I do hope to break outside the box and start working with a nifty fifty prime lens.
What would be your advice for someone trying to break into the field of photography? Have patience and shoot, shoot, shoot. It truly is the only way to know your camera and to learn your style. Play with edits and Lightroom and find what YOU like. Imposter syndrome is real and you have to remember that we are all different and we all see things differently and that is the beauty of the craft. Take a chance on yourself and stay positive. Rome was not built in a day. Give yourself grace.
What are my photography goals for the year? I'd really like to grow my business and broaden my session horizons. Maybe dabble in a few small weddings, add some more engagement sessions to my portfolio, book more senior and sports/media sessions. I'd love to add a full sized studio to my goals so that I can accommodate more people in the cold New England months. I want to continue to grow in the field and learn as much as I can. I want to stay inspired! I say quite often that if I can learn something new with each session then I feel as though I am successful.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about me! Stay tuned for more "Meet the Photographer" stories.