Interview with Kimberly Murray
We’re so thrilled to feature Kimberly Murray as our next interviewee in our inspirational women series. Kimberly is an exceptional still life and product photographer as well as a phenomenal teacher! We hope you enjoy getting to know her.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
Hi! I’m Kimberly...an Atlanta-based commercial photographer specializing in products, food, and interiors. In addition, I teach flat lay photography to photographers and content creators through my online course Flat Lay Play. I have a love for bright, colorful images; clean lines; and minimalist styling. Holding a PhD in Clinical Psychology helps me to better connect with my clients and create images that resonate with their target audience. On a personal note, I was born and raised in New York and am very much a city girl at heart. That’s where my love of carbs began (hello bagels, soft pretzels, and pizza!). Music moves me...literally. When it is on, I can’t sit still. When I’m not working, you can find me either exploring the city for the best brunch, burger, and donut spots with my husband and two small children or putting in miles on my Peloton (goodbye carbs!).
How did you find your calling/niche/career? How did you know it was what you wanted to do?
It was quite a winding journey landing on a creative career that I loved. While doing a research postdoc in New York City, I felt this pull to start doing something creative. If you’ve ever been to New York City, then you know that there is an energy that is infectious. It seemed like everyone had a side hustle. So, I took some courses in interior design and also had a jewelry design company. I loved drafting, but I didn’t feel like I had the “eye” for interior design. I thought that everyone was a jewelry designer, so I gave that up. It wasn’t until I moved to Atlanta that I started learning photography after getting a camera as a wedding gift from my husband in 2009.
I knew that I had found my niche because I couldn’t stop thinking about photography and learning all I could about both the technical and more creative aspects of the field. Interestingly, as a commercial photographer, I photograph interiors alongside food and products. Also, food and product photography shares similarities with jewelry design. For example, much like jewelry design where you choose the materials (e.g., beads, gemstones, metal, findings) that will make up your final piece, you have the same creative freedom as a still life photographer. So, I guess you could say that I came full-circle.
How has starting your own business made you feel empowered? What has it taught you about yourself?
I feel empowered as a business owner because I set the pace for my business and choose what type of work I want to do. While I (1) take cues from my community, as an educator, in terms of what is needed in the field and how I can best contribute and (2) take direction from my clients, as a photographer, in terms of their vision for their projects, I get to make the final decision; no one tells me what to do or how my work should look. In my early days as a business owner, I felt the need to say yes to every opportunity and accept every client. I felt that it was necessary to grow my business and get my name out there. Ironically, I ended up feeling less empowered because I felt controlled by the work.
Starting my own business has taught me about what is most important in my life. As a business owner who also has a 9-5, two small children, and a husband, I’ve quickly come to realize that it is impossible to do “all the things.” It has taught me that I need to slow down more and pause to celebrate wins. I often get caught up in just pursuing the next goal without reflecting on the goal I just achieved; there is so much to do! It is easy to get burned out. I’ve learned to say “no” more (and sometimes, “let me think about that”) to allow space to hear my own voice and true desires.
What inspires you as an artist?
What inspires me most as an artist are color and light. When the two collide, it is even more magical. For example, I love bright spaces. The way the light shines through the window and casts shadows on the wall. The way colors change depending on how the light hits them. The way light wraps around objects and reveals interesting characteristics like texture and shape. I am also inspired by minimalist design. I think it is amazing when artists are able to create a beautiful piece with minimal elements. Usually it is due to careful selection and placement of color and shapes. There is just something about simple elegance.
What are the 3 most important elements of your creative process?
Three of the most important elements of my creative process are pre-visualization, preparation, and patience. Typically, an idea for an image or image series emerges at random times. It may come while I am driving down the road listening to music or when I am flipping through a magazine. I’ll sit with the idea to see if it excites me. I ask myself if this is a project in which I’d like to immerse myself. If I choose to pursue it, I then start preparing to bring that idea to life. That typically involves gathering inspiration from different sources and planning the particulars of the shoot, such as props, special equipment or tools I need to execute the idea, and composition ideas. Finally comes the fun part...shoot day! Having pre-visualized and planned in advance helps me to be more in a creative space and just flow on the day of the shoot. I find that throughout the process, I have to have patience with myself. I can’t rush my idea or the creative process itself. In those moments, I end up feeling like I’m not “creative” enough. I have to remind myself that some ideas need to be nourished longer than others in order to fully grow and meet my vision.
What advice would you give someone interested in art or design? Where should they start?
For those interested in getting started in photography, I would say to start with learning everything you can about the technical aspects of the field, especially camera settings, lighting, and editing. For many, the technical aspects aren’t as exciting as the creative aspects. But, learning these things opens up the creative possibilities. You will better be able to troubleshoot any issues that arise as you seek to bring your creative vision to life.
For more of Kimberly’s work, be sure to follow her on Instagram and don’t miss her phenomenal flat lay styling course, Flat Lay Play!