Margaret Mary Murphy
Margaret Mary Murphy
Photographer / Photo Editor
Mid City, Los Angeles, California
www.margaretmurphyphoto.net
instagram @mrgrtmrph
instagram @margaretmurphyphoto
twitter @mrgrmtph
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I am an artist whose chosen medium is Photography.”
My camera is the tool I use to highlight and elevate the beauty existing in the world. My goal is to contribute visuals featuring my artistic voice to the creative dialogue of our culture.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
Started photographing at 14 -- I have never stopped. Earned my BFA in Photography from SUNY Purchase. Regularly nourished my artistic hunger with gallery exhibits and seeking out art that speaks to and informs me as a creative. Moved cross-country to LA to continue to be inspired artistically. Cultivated a unique personal brand on social media to help market myself. Be kind to and learn from EVERYONE.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
As artists, it can be difficult to network and put ourselves out there. I am someone who thrives on human connection and being social and engaging with others has made all the difference. Treat everyone like you will see them again - I thoroughly believe every person we meet becomes part of our story in some way or another.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
My personal photography centers around showcasing the city of Los Angeles in it's most iconic and unique forms -- architecture, light, vegetation and signage most prominently--recently in a series titled 'HAPPY2BEHERE'. My ongoing portrait work aims to capture an the essence of each individual I photograph, always making them feel proud of who they are in a photographic representation, oftentimes incorporating them into their surroundings. My photo editing work, generally my most commercial, is always executed with a viewer or consumer in mind. How can I make something eye-catching and engaging to a viewer that enhances an experience for them? This includes both still and moving visuals.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My instagram is a representation of my personal style and creative influences, along with my ongoing portrait series on my website.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I would love to have more time to develop my skills in motion graphics, and design. I have a working knowledge of After Effects but would love the chance to learn more! I also would love to lean more into the creative direction/art direction aspect of what I'm currently doing in publishing, fashion and media. As an active social media user, I'm fascinated by the metrics and engagement that goes with it. I would love to learn more about that and how to manage it for brands or small businesses!
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Self-doubt is my number one enemy. It can be crippling at times, but pushing myself to stay active in my art is the only way I know how to overcome it!
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I would love to have someone to help me organize my living space. As a creative, it can be on the messier side and I feel like I am easily intimidated by the prospect of tackling it myself.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I don't know that I would change anything about my past, as every hardship and challenge I've faced has molded me into the individual I am today -- and I am proud to be myself.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would love to have tete-a-tetes with any working fine art photographer, earn their insight in how to successfully market themselves, whether grad school is worth it and how they stay inspired and confident in their work.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Photography, photo editing, social media, creative direction.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
A dear friend of mine and I collaborated on a photoshoot where she modeled and had an incredibly specific vision. It was so rewarding to have an open dialogue about how she wanted the photos to look in her mind and being able to translate them into capturing and editing them.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
Editing hourly rate: $30-40. Photography hourly rate: $150-$200. Yearly Salary: $60,000-$70,000. Weekly: $1000-$1500.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
I love to get a sense of someone's personality. Generally, I prefer contact via email as it's easy for me to keep track of but as an active instagram user I have had success with communicating via direct message as well. I like to know exactly what the client is looking for as it helps me to get an idea of a fair quote that we are both comfortable with so a budget also helps.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Be a sponge. Soak it all up.
This member profile was originally published in April 2018.