Inspired, A Very Special Project | Oh Kaye Photography
Oh Kaye!!! Seriously. LOVE this lady. She’s become a good friend online and I just adore her. She’s hilarious, edgy and honest. She’s also incredibly talented and her work more then speaks for itself!! I am so honored to get to show her off here!!! From her beautiful branding and quirky clever business name to the glorious images she produces her work is exciting, provocative and gorgeous!! Let’s get right to it!!
You can find Kaye’s Facebook page HERE, Website HERE and Flickr HERE.
Gorgeous image of Kaye taken by the talented Sarah Lee Williams of Sarah Lee Williams Photography
Lets get to know you! How would you describe yourself in three sentences?
Well I am a mother of two crazy little monsters who are so much like me, its scary. I am a lover of music, literature, shopping (sometimes a little too much), and all things fashion! In real life I probably cross the line more often than I should and am just now trying to do the same in my photography.
What sparked your passion for Photography?
Honestly, as cheesy as it sounds…Magazines. I have always been that girl who collected fashion magazines. Vogue, Teen Vogue, W, Nylon, and so on. When I realized that I could create my own fashion inspired images, well lets just say I became obsessed!
Whats in your camera bag?
Nikon D700, 105mm 2, 50mm 1.8D, 28mm 2.8, and an 80mm 2.8 Tilt Shift that needs to get used more often.
What Camera/Equipment did you start out with?
A teeny little D3000 and a 35mm 1.8G (which I loved so much)
If you could only use one lens an entire session which one would you choose and why?
The 105mm 2. Actually I do shoot entire sessions with this lens. Its hard for me to put this baby down. Its tack sharp and the bokeh is like butter.
What advice would go give to someone just beginning in photography and hoping to have a business of their own?
I would tell them not to sweat the business stuff just yet. Find out where your strengths are when it comes to photography and grow off of that. Finding your style and voice will really help you grow a successful business in the long run. Once you feel comfortable with the work you are producing, do your homework and get all of your ducks in a row. Instead of jumping into business, build it from the bottom up. Just take your time and make it into the business that you want.
What was your first official Photographer crush if you had one?
Michelle Moore. She was the photographer that inspired me to specialize in HS seniors. I adore her clean and simple style, you can tell that she really does enjoy working with each of her seniors. Also, Jordan Voth, his girls look like they are just having so much fun.
What kind of photos do you like to take for just yourself when not working with clients?
Well I am lucky enough to shoot what I love. So shooting with clients always feels like I am shooting for myself. But in my down time I try and get out with different models.
If you could photograph absolutely anyone who would it be dead or alive?
All of my friends know the answer to this. Heck, even my husband knows the answer to this, but it would be Matthew Gray Gubler. He plays Dr. Spencer Reid on Criminal Minds.
Describe your style in 3 words.
Feminine, Dreamy, Restless
Most embarrassing moment on a session would be?
I am hesitant to tell you that I haven’t had one yet. Tomorrow it will happen now that I have said that, haha.
Any challenges you have had to overcome to be where you are today?
When I first started out and for a long time there after, I would compare myself to most any photographer in the business. It was affecting my work in such negative ways. I would let it get me down to the point that I was putting my camera down, completely discouraged. I learned how to appreciate other peoples’ work but to stay true to myself as a photographer. I try my best to always shoot with my own self in mind. If you shoot to try and please others, you will never be happy with your own work!
Favorite time of day to shoot is?
I’ll always have a soft spot for backlighting during sunset. But I really love shooting in the middle of the day in open shade or on overcast days. It gives such a nice clean look that is fun to play with in post!
If you had to stop taking photos right now, what would you do instead?
Easy, esthiology. I have a huge obsession with skin care! Actually, can I just do both?
Have you attended college or had any formal education in Photography?
Nope. I am self taught. Of course with large amounts of help from my talented friends and mentors.
What do you do to get your clients to relax with you?
I tend to just be myself. I try to be open with people and answer any questions they may have as well as ask them questions! I think its important to get to know your clients to help them feel special.
What are your photography related goals for 2012?
To shoot what I love. Continue to build my portfolio on that. I would love to get into some boudoir lifestyle.
How do you push yourself to keep growing and learning?
I strongly believe that I learn something new every time I shoot. Its a good thing that I am obsessed with learning new things when it comes to photography technique and photoshop. The day I stop learning will be the day I put my camera down.
Any Big Aha! Moments?
When I realized that the industry doesn’t have to be one big competition! I surround myself with amazing and talented people. People that I can look up to and inherit their amazing qualities.
Biggest Photography related insecurity?
That people aren’t going to understand my vision. There is always this moment of panic that I get when I post an image or send clients a preview. I am just waiting for someone to say, ‘I don’t get it?!’ Like I said earlier, I struggled with trying to please everyone…sometimes I still do. But it certainly is something that has pushed me to grow and be confident in my abilities.
Digital or Prints?
I offer digital collections. But there is nothing more satisfying than seeing my work in print!
How do you set yourself apart from other local photographers?
I don’t actively try to be different. I just know that I am Kaye Murphy, and no one can do what I do. Just like I can’t do what Jane Doe down the street does. I just shoot the world how I see it.
What do you think your next photography related investment will be?
Oh gosh, I’d like to say a new lens, maybe a 70-200 2.8 or a 35 1.4. But it will probably be a mini vacation to somewhere near but exciting. Somewhere where I can shoot freely and recharge. I think its always important to take a step back and just breathe.
If you had to recommend ONE thing that a photographer needs in their camera bag what would that be?
Aquaphor, because it works in a pinch for lipgloss touch ups.
Fun stuff:
Favorite Color: White & Mint
Favorite Season: Fall, the transition from summer wardrobe to fall wardrobe is always exciting!
Biggest Guilty Pleasure: Peanut butter cups, Coke, and Teen television dramas!
Pet Peeve: When people are late, I hate waiting around for other people.
Favorite Pandora Station: The Killers…always!
Studio or On location: On location
What did you want to be when you grew up? A broadway singer
One thing no one knows about you is: I keep a secret journal. Its hidden somewhere safe.
Pc or Mac: Mac, all the way!
Lightroom Or Photoshop: Photoshop
Film or Digital: Digital
Props or No Props: No props (or very minimal use of props)
If you could travel anywhere it would be: EVERYWHERE! Or just Paris. I will always love that city.
Glass Half Empty or Half Full: I drank whatever was in that glass!
Favorite photo ever taken: Wow do I feel the pressure on this one! Its so hard to narrow it down….I suppose I will go with this one of Kayla. Its my current favorite photo right now. Every time I look at it, I just get a warm summer feeling.
Raw or Jpeg: Raw Raw Raw
Favorite Music to Edit to: Oh, this is a dangerous question! Annuals, Band of Horses, Bon Iver, Mumford and Sons, Fiona Apple, Passion Pit, Explosions in the Sky, Manchester Orchestra, Modest Mouse, Eisley, Elliott Smith…………..(shhhh One Direction). See I told you this was a dangerous question.
Favorite Quote: ‘In dreams, we enter a world that’s entirely our own.’ – Albus Dumbledore
Most valued material possession: As much as I hate to say it…my iphone. Living so far from home, it keeps me connected to my family and friends and its jam packed with little random photos of my kids.
Processing Style: Grainy, Hazy, Deep, and Filmy
Coffee or Tea: Coffee with lots of sugar!
If you could photograph a Celebrity who would it be? Well I already mentioned Matthew Gray Gubler above, but my second choice hands down would be the Olsen twins!
What kind of Camera bag do you rock? Currently a lavender Kelly Moore Mimi! But I rotate between that, a yellow KM b-hobo, and a plum epiphanie lyric. I wouldn’t object if anyone bought me an Ona.
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