Behind the business: Photographer Donna Murray steps out from behind the camera…

I first fell in love with photography aged 14 when my art teacher introduced me to an old film camera at school in Dyce. Every lunchtime would be spent developing negatives and printing photographs. I won a photography competition and bought my own camera with the prize money. I always had a camera in my hand from then on, photographing plays and events at school. 

I nearly studied Geography, but decided to follow my heart, taking an HND at Aberdeen College before a BA Hons degree in Film and Photography at Napier University in Edinburgh. I adored living in Edinburgh and did a lot of growing up there. 

I moved home to Aberdeen and wrote to the Evening Express asking for work experience as a press photographer. They took me on for a week and had a job opening for a trainee press photographer. I worked there for three years photographing everything from sporting events to concerts. One of my photos of a seagull stealing crisps from a shop in castle gate went viral!

I travelled to Canada with a friend where we worked as tour photographers in the Rockies, before exploring America and South America. On my return, I decided to set up my own photography business. 

Friends were getting married and didn’t have a photographer so I asked if I could document their day and I loved every minute of it. Between word of mouth, social media and leaving business cards in every coffee shop in Aberdeen, I slowly got bookings! I focus mainly on weddings but also shoot commercial, property and portraiture. I also enjoy photographing Trend fashion shoots, it’s always a fun, creative day! 

I think a great wedding photographer is someone who can work under pressure, think creatively and have many plans up their sleeve. They need to know their camera and the settings they need for every situation the day throws at them. On top of that you have to be personable, fun and passionate about creating the best memories for your clients. 

There are lots of different styles of wedding photography and it’s important the couple choose what they love, whether it’s dark and moody or natural and fun. It’s important to click with your photographer and vice versa as you spend a lot of time on such an important day with them. The more relaxed the couple, the better the photos. 

Personally, I’m drawn to catching natural moments, documenting a day as it happens but with some posed images for good measure. I keep my editing natural so when you look back in years to come it’s a true representation of your day. 

In winter, I get to spend some time on personal projects. I love portraiture photography and meeting people. I had the best day photographing a local artist and her game keeper husband back in February, we ambled around Finzean estate with their 15 dogs while I documented it. I already have some projects in mind for next winter. 

When I’m not working I’m spending time with my partner, my son and our whippet, Iggy. We enjoy exploring Aberdeenshire and venturing around Scotland. I like to bag munros with friends and visit coffee shops and
eat cake!

Tel: 01224 660200
donnamurrayphotography.com