Meet Alexa Murphy | Portrait and Lifestyle Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexa Murphy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexa, why did you pursue a creative career?
Photography started out as a hobby for me, as with most people. I chose to start my business with the goal of eventually working up to the style and shoots that I love and am passionate about, but with the knowledge that I needed to work up to that and gain experience first. I knew I wouldn’t grow immediately.

Photography really challenges me creatively and I love having the freedom to try things out and explore different styles until I come across things that I really love. There are also so many other wonderful photographers in the community that want to share and teach. Everyone really has the freedom to make it their own, while also taking inspiration from other artists and learning from people that have been in the business a long time. I think social media is a really useful tool because it allows photographers to collaborate and learn from each other and it also lets clients see exactly what they want and be able to choose from so many different styles and artists.

Pursuing a business in a creative field is definitely challenging, and it’s hard not to compare yourself to others, but it’s so rewarding to see your own personal growth. I love looking back at my old work and seeing just how much I’ve learned.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m always most proud of the shots that I take when I’m in an environment that I love. I’m a very outdoorsy person and I love being in nature more than anything. When I get to shoot in locations that are really beautiful it’s inspiring and I’ve shot some of my favorite photos while hiking with friends or camping. Those photographs really capture the style and look that I love so much. I am relatively new to this business and it’s really challenging to start out. I’ve had to try really hard not to compare myself to others. I want to develop my own style and it’s hard to see others that are so well developed and comfortable in their shooting and still be figuring things out. I think it’s important to remember that everyone has to start somewhere, I want to constantly be evolving and changing my craft into something that I love and enjoy in that moment.

I’ve learned that in order to grow I have to constantly be willing to learn.

Sometimes there’s mistakes I make and I just have to learn how to correct them and then avoid them in the future. It can be humbling at times, but also very rewarding.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely take them hiking at least once. In the summer I love Fish Creek Falls, Hans Peak, Mad Creek, or Devils Causeway. If I were to take them hiking in the winter I love Uranium Mine or Emerald Mountain. In the summer I love paddle boarding at Pearl Lake and the farmers market is pretty great on the weekends. For breakfast and lunch I love Creekside, Freshies, Little House, Yampa Sandwich Co., and Taco Cabo. For dinner some of my favorites are Laundry, Mahogany Ridge, O’neils Tavern, and Salt and Lime. I always take friends to Off The Beaten Path, it’s an adorable bookstore with a really awesome coffeeshop inside. There’s so many things to explore in town as well, the bike path along the river is beautiful, the botanical gardens, Mt. Werner, etc

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have been interested in photography for a very long time and I give credit to my mom for that, she did photography all while my sister and I were growing up and really cultivated that interest. She always let me use her little point and shoot when we would go anywhere as kids. We don’t have the same style, but she’s given me pointers that I use and remember and advice on how to be professional and run my business. There have also been a few photographers on social media that I’ve reached out to with questions when I was first starting my business and they have been super helpful and willing to answer any questions. I’m grateful to have those resources.

Website: alexarayephoto.mypixieset.com

Instagram: @posesandpoppies

Image Credits
AlexaRayePhoto and Wendee Wingfield Photography (portrait)