Meet Erin Murray | Lifestyle Photographer, Blogger & Creative Director

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

Hi Erin, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
From a very young age I was cutting up fabric sewing and creating outfits for Barbie dolls. Being on the smaller side, growing up I always had a hard time finding clothes that fit me correctly. I had an instant love for fashion and also away to create. Fast forward to being a young adult. I became a flight attendant and also a filmmaker. Being behind the camera had allowed me to create beautiful stories for my clients. I started my creative career in commercial production. Traveling became second nature but I wanted to settle in my hometown of Denver, Colorado and start a family. That season of life, transformed into being a wedding filmmaker. When I had my first son Bladen I transitioned into being a newborn, maternity, children and family lifestyle photographer. I named my company after my boys middle names. Parker Cruz. I am thrilled to capture life moments for my client. I also shoot headshots, events, engagements and for brands. www.parkercruz.com In addition to my photography company I am a lifestyle blogger at www.happilyerinafter.com. You can also find me at www.instagram.com/erinafter These two platforms allows me to share my love for fashion, parenting and my own personal creative lifestyle. I believe there is something special about a photographer who is not only comfortable behind the camera but in front as well. I also am a Creative Director for Live Lucy an influencer agency and for one of the most inspiring families who travel full time with their 5, you heard that right, 5 kids. You can find them blogging at www.7wayfinders.com and on Instagram www.7wayfinders.com I honestly can say I have found my place with pursing my true passions and skillsets in life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I had the dream to become a style blogger for years. However the timing of life didn’t ever seem to aline. In 2018 I made the leap to start pursuing my true passions and started slowly using my previous professional skillsets to my own life. Over the last two years I have built up my portfolio and brand Happily Erin After. Networking was probably the best things that happened as I was able to find and connect with other people with the same dreams and goals. Since then I have been fortunate enough to work with some amazing brands like Fabletics, Tula, MVMT, Sonic, and the Ritz Carlton to name a few. I am continuously learning and refining my craft. I love being able to create fresh and unique content. I would love to hear from you! You can always send me a DM or drop me a line at erinafter@gmail.com

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am unique in Colorado. I am a Denver native. If you spend any time around here, you will know that is hard to find! I was a flight attendant and have traveled domestically to almost all 50 states and a lot of international travel. However when I think of home, it is Colorado. First after we left DIA, we would go swimming and hang out in the cabana at the Gaylord Rockies. Next we would shower and get ready to go shopping in Cherry Creek. We’d dine on the patio at Sierra in Castle Pines. We’d order their queso and eat their halibut! Sleep at the Brown Palace hotel. When we wake the next morning we’d head to Snooze for a flight of pancakes. Take a jog in Wash Park. Head back to the Brown Palace at noon for some afternoon tea before we leave for the mountains. Once up there we would stop in Breckenridge to shop, ride the gondola and eat thai food. We would make the long trek to Aspen where we would stay at Viceroy Snowmass and get to bed. The next morning we would get up early and visit the Maroon Bells with our early am reservation. Stop in Glenwood Springs for some ice cream, pool time and shopping before we head back to Denver.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shout out to my dearest friends Michelle Wu and Leslie Stroud, they have supported me through my blogging journey. When I woke up and said I want to be a fashion blogger. 99.9% of the people I told, didn’t get it, didn’t believe in me, and basically laughed at me. Michelle and Leslie have cheered me on since day one and to this day they are both two of my biggest supporters. So thankful for them!

Website: www.parkercruz.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/erinafter
Youtube: www.youtube.com/happilyerinafter
Other: Blog: www.happilyerinafter.com

Image Credits
All images are my own: Parker Cruz Photography