Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin Murphy.
Hi Caitlin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started photography as a senior in high school. I can remember the vivid smells of the dark room and developing the film like it was yesterday. I’ll never forget the moment I got to use a DSLR. It was so fun to be able to view the photo I took right away. Today, I miss those darkroom moments at a time. Once in college, I continued my photography as a hobby and didn’t do too much more with it other than take photos for friends and family.
When my son was born and my husband and I decided I wouldn’t return to my job in hospice, I dove into trying to grow my own business a little more. During that time we navigated my Mom’s illness of young-onset Alzheimer’s and I learned more about the value of having good photos! I treasure every single one I have of her to this day!
I’ve owned my business now for about 12 years and it is such an honor to be trusted to capture some of the most important moments in life for people. I love to serve those who are in every stage of life but I specifically love working with couples.
Today, I still photograph the many families who have supported me for years but I focus on engagements, weddings, elopements, branding, and mentorship of other photographers.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would say, God has been good to me but the road has not been incredibly smooth. My Mom getting sick was difficult for me. I was raising my children and caring for my Mom at the same time.
Being a small business owner and maintaining a healthy balance of work and life especially when tragedy strikes is very difficult. Perseverance and my faith got me through along with some incredible people in my life.
As you know, we’re big fans of Joyfilled Stories. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am a photographer who specializes in couples! I love getting to witness the love between two people at such an important time in life. It truly is one of the greatest blessings! In the industry and with my clients, I am known for my relationship building. I strive to give all of my couples the best of me by serving them well through connection.
I want to feel like a friend on their wedding day and it’s always my goal to have some fun with them and help in any way! I’m also known as a content creator and mentor to other photographers. I create content events for photographers who are trying to build their portfolios and offer mentorship opportunities each wedding season so that people who are learning can follow me and learn more about it all.
I am most proud of all the relationships I’ve built and the people who come back for pictures when they have a growing family or start their own business. I am so thankful I instill trust and confidence in people. If I had one thing I would want people to know about my business and brand it is that I do it all for the glory of God.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was super creative. I vividly remember my parents giving me disposable cameras to play with as I just loved taking photos. I would set up scenes with my dolls and make scrapbooks out of them. It is so funny to look back and think about it now! I was also competitive and loved sports, and being with my family and friends.
My parents and grandparents did usually tell me that “there wasn’t anything I couldn’t put my mind to and get done”. My husband tells me the same thing today. If I want to do something, I will figure it out! I put my mind to it! I know that has helped my business grow!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.joyfilledstories.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/joyfilledstories
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/joyfilledstores
- Youtube: http://youtube.com/joyfilledstories
Image Credits
Lyss Marie Photography
