Meet Colin Murtagh | Photographer & Stay at Home Dad

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

Hi Colin, what inspires you?
Inspiration can come in many forms. Whether it is a person, nature, music, or creative work of art, I feel that inspiration can be found all around us.

For me personally, I’m inspired by the world around me. If I’m ever in a creative rut, or need a reset, I will immerse myself in nature. I’ll go hiking or camping, and practice mindfulness when I’m in that setting. Usually that helps me remember my place in the world and inspires me in one way or another.

Another source of inspiration for me is other people. I enjoy reading about others who have overcome significant challenges to achieve their dreams and goals in life. When you read about someone who has had a very difficult life and is still persevering, it definitely puts things in perspective and inspires me to push myself both personally and professionally.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think I got started in photography the same way a lot of people do. It began as a hobby, and then eventually friends started asking me to take pictures for them, and then it snowballed from there.

At first, it was easy. There is a lot of work out there if you are willing to photograph things you might not really enjoy. I think the challenge I faced and still do is that I prefer to be picky and only take jobs that really interest me. But that can also really limit you, especially in the beginning. I think an important lesson, that can apply to any career, is to focus on relationships. There are a ton of photographers out there, some better than you, some charge less than you, and you are competing with them. Building lasting relationships will mean people and companies will choose you over the competition because of how you make them feel.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well I’m down in Monument, Colorado now. We would definitely be on the patio at Pike’s Peak brewery enjoying beer and pretzels. I’d also bring them by La Casa Fiesta for the best food in town.

We would also have to hike a 14er, maybe Greys and Torreys since they are a bit easier.

I guess I’d have to show them the traffic on I70 as we drove back down from the 14ers. But we would stop at Beau Jo’s and avoid the worst of the traffic.

It would be a nice split between urban and nature. Colorado makes it so easy to have both!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate my shoutout to my wife. She is the one who pushed me to quit my corporate job and pursue photography full time. She encouraged me to build a career around something I truly love and supported me the whole way.

Website: Www.colinmurtaghphotography.com

Instagram: @Cbmurtagh