Urbanity Chic , Spotlight Interview – Kate Murrell Photography

Kate Murrell is a professional photographer from Surrey, UK. Kate is our latest competition winner and we have been excited to complete this interview so that we can share her portfolio with you as well as give Kate an opportunity to tell everyone a bit about what she does and how she does it. Read on to find out, amongst other things, how Kate got into professional photography, what her current career highlights have been and who she would like to work with in the future if the opportunity arose.

Kate Murrell Photography

Q: How did you get into professional photography?

Completely by accident! I fell into a trainee job as a medical photographer after school. The hospital I worked for sent me to college to do a btec in photography, I picked up a camera and instantly loved it. Since then I knew that photography was what I wanted to do.

Q: What do you enjoy most photographing?

I love photographing people, interesting faces, alternative types, people with tattoos. When you look at someone through the camera and the chemistry just clicks and you know you’ve got the shot, I love that!

Q: How was 2010 for you?

2010 was hard for me in many ways and good in others, I lost my mum at the end of 2009 and it sounds cheesy but photography helped me to come to terms with it in some ways. I threw myself completely into my work and it was that year that things really started happening for me professionally.

Q: Who inspires you?

I’m lucky to have some very creative friends, we all inspire each other. We hang out brainstorming about crazy projects!

Kate Murrell Photography

Q: Which modern day fashion designers or fashion icons do you look up to

I’ve always loved Kate Moss as a fashion icon, theres a certain something about her pictures, she’s still rocking it now. Designer wise, Vivienne Westwood, I have a thing about punky vintage fashion. I love her quirkiness and her totally eccentric style.

Q: What makes a good photographer in your opinion?

Anyone can pick up a camera and take a picture, but its the photographers that can take an ordinary scene and turn it into something magical or bring out the inner essence of a person and show emotion through imagery that makes one great!

Q: Do you prefer using film cameras or digital?

I always shoot digital now for convenience but I love shooting with film, it has a beautiful quality that digital hasn’t quite caught up with yet. Also there’s something immensely satisfying about printing your own images, thats when photography feels like a real art form.

Kate Murrell Photography

Q: Do you prefer to shoot on location or in the studio?

I used to prefer the studio, but now i love the challenge of finding a new location and working out how to light it.

Q: Do you have a specific style of photography that makes you unique?

Lighting is my thing, I hope to think its the way i light my models that makes my work stand out.

Kate Murrell Photography - Kate's Favourite Photograph

Q: Do you have a favourite photograph?

My first big fashion shoot for Noir magazine. All the clothes were designed by a new young designer called Julius MacArthur. I hope you can see why its my favourite. I think its a really striking image and marks the start of my professional career.

Q: Who is your favourite photographer?

Annie Leibovitz and Robert Mapplethorpe are my all time favourite photographers, although recently i’ve discovered Lara Jade and think her work is amazing.

Q: Is there anybody you would like to work with (either behind or in front of the camera)?

I’d love to photograph Lily Cole, I think she has such a beautiful ethereal look. Also Dita Von Teese, Kat Von D and Mila Kunis

Kate Murrell Photography

Q: What does fashion mean to you?

Fashion to me is an artform, its a tool to create beautiful imagery and is an outward expression of yourself

Q: How would you define your personal style?

Sexy, bold, strong, moody.

Q: Where are you based?

Lingfield in Surrey

Q: What’s it like being where you’re from?

I love it, Its close enough to London but still in the beautiful countryside. Lots of good pubs!

Q: What’s been the highlight of your career to date?

Being asked to shoot at the Sony World Photography Awards this year.

Kate Murrell Photography

Q: What are you hoping to achieve in 2011?

I want to push myself further, I have lots of ideas in the pipeline that I want to turn into reality and have fun with and hopefully get my work noticed more.

Q: What do you do to relax?

I’m a real foodie and Iove going out for good food and wine. But mainly when I get any spare time i like to catch up with my family and closest friends.

Q: What songs are on your ipod at the moment?

At the moment i’m really into The Black Keys, The Vaccines and The Naked and the Famous. I’m a rock chick at heart so I still have a few old classics on there too from the likes of Guns N’ Roses, Faith No More and Rage Against the Machine

Q: Do you have interesting hobbies?

I’m not sure its that much of an interesting hobby but I love horseriding, i dont go nearly as much as id like to now but still nothing beats galloping through a forest at breakneck speed!

Q: If you could give a little piece of advice for aspiring photographers what would it be?

Keep shooting! Shoot lots, as much as you can, develop your own style and keep pushing for it, it’s hard work but if you want it enough you will get somewhere. oh, and you’re only as good as your last shot!

Q: What motivates you to do what you do?

Life, people, crazy films, loud music, outrageous outfits, old buildings, anything different, unique, creative and exciting!

Kate Murrell Photography

Kate Murrell Photography - Brighton Pavillion

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to let our readers know about?

I love what I do, I’m a very passionate worker and I can see myself doing this forever!

Editor’s Note: Kate Murrell undoubtedly has a profound sense of creativity and style which she draws upon to create a varied and enviable portfolio. At Urbanity Chic we can see Kate’s work reaching a wider audience and gaining more critical appeal in 2011.

If you’d like to learn more about or contact Kate Murrell just follow the links below:

twitter link: http://twitter.com/#!/Kate_Murrell

facebook link: http://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/Kate-Murrell-Photography/112514598786431?sk=wall

web page link: www.katemurrellphotography.co.uk