Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsey Murphy.
Lindsey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my journey in a pretty unconventional way. I am a U.S. Air Force veteran and discovered photography while I was stationed overseas with the United States Air Force. What began as a creative outlet quickly became something I cared deeply about. I fell in love with capturing emotion, connection, and real stories, not just posed images.
After leaving the military, I built my photography business from the ground up. I focused on people first, how they feel in front of the camera, how they see themselves, and how their stories deserve to be documented. Over time I specialized in branding, wedding, and portrait photography, helping clients feel confident and seen while also creating images that serve a real purpose for their lives and businesses.
My path has not been linear. I have moved through personal challenges, major life transitions, and a lot of reinvention along the way. Each chapter sharpened my voice and clarified my mission. Today I run a client centered photography business, mentor newer photographers, and create educational and story driven content online. Everything I do is rooted in authenticity, empowerment, and helping people show up as they truly are.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. My path has included a lot of personal and professional challenges. I grew up in a high control religious environment and left as a teenager, which meant losing my entire support system at a young age. That shaped how I see people, trust, and identity, and it took years to rebuild stability and confidence.
Starting my business was another uphill climb. I did not have financial backing or industry connections, so I learned everything through trial, error, and persistence. There were seasons of burnout, inconsistent income, self doubt, and having to reinvent my brand as I grew.
I have also navigated military transition, trauma recovery, health challenges, and major life changes while trying to grow a client based creative business. Balancing creativity with the realities of running a company has been one of the biggest learning curves.
At the same time, those struggles are what shaped my approach today. They made me more resilient, more people focused, and more committed to building a business that is honest, sustainable, and centered on real human connection.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a branding, portrait, and wedding photographer, and I focus on creating images that feel honest, emotional, and story driven. My work centers on helping people feel comfortable in front of the camera so their real personality comes through. I photograph entrepreneurs, couples, and families, and I guide clients through the entire process from planning to posing so they never feel lost or awkward.
I specialize in branding and identity focused sessions for small business owners and creatives. Those sessions are designed not just to look good, but to work well for marketing, websites, and social media. I am known for pulling out natural expression, giving clear direction, and creating a relaxed environment where people can be themselves.
I am most proud of building my business from the ground up after my military service and growing it through relationships and client experience. I am also proud to mentor newer photographers and teach the emotional side of photography, not just camera settings.
What sets me apart is my people-first approach. I pay close attention to how clients feel, not just how they look. My background, resilience, and life experience give me a strong sense of empathy and intuition during sessions. Clients often say they felt seen, understood, and more confident after working with me, and that matters more to me than anything else.
I am also the founder of Salty Siren Photography, where the focus is on connection, confidence, and creating purposeful images, not just pretty photos.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Start before you feel ready. Most people wait until they feel fully confident, fully trained, or fully equipped, and that day rarely comes. Progress comes from doing, not from waiting.
Focus on people skills as much as technical skills. Whether you are in photography or any client based business, your ability to make people feel comfortable, heard, and valued will take you further than perfect settings or perfect gear. Learn how to communicate clearly, guide gently, and manage expectations early.
Charge something sooner than you think you should. New business owners often underprice or work for free too long. You can be fair and still respect your time and effort. When people pay, they take the process more seriously and you learn how to deliver real value.
Build systems early. Have a simple workflow for booking, contracts, communication, and delivery. Organization reduces stress and helps you look professional even while you are still learning.
Do not compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. You are seeing their highlight reel, not their early mistakes, slow seasons, or failures. Everyone you admire was once inexperienced and figuring it out.
What I wish I knew starting out is that reinvention is normal. Your style, niche, and business model will evolve. That is not failure, that is growth. Stay flexible, keep learning, and let your work become more aligned with who you are over time.
Most of all, take care of yourself while you build. Burnout helps no one. A sustainable pace beats a fast start that you cannot maintain.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.saltysirenphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltysirenphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saltysirenphotography/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/saltysirenphotography/
