(Photo Credit: Austin Korth)
How did you get started in photography?
So my mom is one of those parents that always had a camera in hand while I was
growing up and I am certain that some of my love of photography stems from her just
constantly taking pictures so that was probably the start of everything. To answer your
question more directly, I really started to get into photography during High School, then
took a break from it and art in general during the bulk of my college days. During my last
two years in college, I switched majors for probably the 3rd time and really got back into
art and photography. A lot of my friends were and still are in local bands and I
remember one of my buddies asking me to bring my camera to a concert at the Blue
Moose in Iowa city (RIP) and that really kicked of my concert photography.
What is your preferred method of photography, and what do you like about it?
I essentially work strictly digitally, mostly for the convenience and features that come with
modern cameras. Honestly, there is a lot we take for granted today. Just the shear ability to take and store 1000’s of photos on SD cards and quickly transfer and back up photos is a luxury that isn’t lost on me. We all that said I adore the look of film photography, even the photos that come out of an old KODAK disposable camera have a character to them that is hard to replicate.
I guess that is all to say that while I do prefer digital photography for the convenience, and creativity that editing allows, but I personally do want to take more photos on film and hope to do so over the coming years.
(Model Credit: Dominic Godsil of Crimson Clean Sweep)
If you had to pick a favorite style of photography, what would you choose?
The bulk of my work is at concerts and shows and that is where I have really cut my teeth. In
addition to concerts, I also shoot burlesque shows and there is a fun and similar challenge that comes with both. The constant often fast movement in dim rooms with changing lights always provides a fun, if frustrating challenge. However, push comes to shove I love portrait
photography, getting a good response back and making someone feel good about themselves is a phenomenal feeling and its also an avenue that allows for more personal creativity and collaboration.
Who is someone that you’d love to photograph?
Man so many, to many to name, honestly now I have my mind set on trying to get a pass to shoot Orville Peck sometime this year I think his concert would be really fun to shoot and I think its an attainable goal I suppose ha. But I could rattle off so many artists and people that I would love to photograph honestly, and that list probably grows by the day
(Bottoms Up Burlesque and Manscape Burlesque Group)
In one word, how would you describe your photography?
Authentic I would say, at least that is what I try to go for. I of course edit my photos but I try not to go crazy in post. I want my photos to look true to the time when they were taken and make the vibe of the space they were taken in, especially in my concert and show work. A Youtuber I watch (shout out Jared Polin) speaks a lot about how he looks for moments between moments as they lead to genuinely special shots so that’s what I am always trying to do. Whether I succeed or not I guess is up to the viewer ha.
What is typically in your camera bag?
So I shoot with a Nikon Z5, with an 85 mm, 35 mm and a 20 to 200mm lens. Beyond
those I usually have several backup batteries (now whether they are charged or not is
sometimes shaky. I also carry a prism, external flash, extra SD cards and usually two
tripods (one for my phone and one for my camera). I also tend to bring my drone with
me, though I very must underutilize it. That's a creative goal for this year in itself!
(Model Credit: Jay Wetterling of Manhattan Blockade)
What advice would you give to someone getting started?
Honestly the biggest barrier I see is people thinking that they need the best gear in
order to take great photos and that isn’t the case. Now of course there are advantages
to using higher end cameras, but you have so many options to get started with these
days. If you only had a bit of money get a starter DLSR camera and save for a 1.8 prime
lens and you have a phenomenal starting set up. I also can not stress enough how good
modern phone cameras are. If you have a Samsung or an iPhone from even 4, 5 years
ago you can use that to get started with easy.
This is all just a wordy way of saying don’t get caught up in the gear grind. Learn your
fundamentals and grow from there.
Say you were editing a long session, what are a few songs that tend to get played almost every time?
I have gotten into King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard rest, all of their work is super vibey to
create and edit, They have so much music its hard to pick a single song ha but I’ve listened to their album Murder of the Universe so something off that. Alvvays is another band that his been in my rotation recently. Their song “Easy On Your Own,” off their newest Album Blue Rev is one of my favs.
And let's see -
I have to shout my roommate Austin Korth out for this next band that I have gotten into. That
band being Soul Blind and I’ll say their song “Misplaced” ss one that I have definitely been
listening to a lot.
Where can we find you?
So I am on Instagram under several handles
Photography page - @photosbymurphey
Art Page - @artbymurphey
Page for weird unfinished ideas - @momentarytangency
My Facebook page is under the same photography name and my work I progress portfolio page: https://chrismurphey01.myportfolio.com/
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