Meet Ryan Murphy, the Perth-based photographer whose mesmerising ocean scenes and moody urban scenescapes reflect a charged kind of energy that we love. When it comes to deadlines and daily pressures, the photographer is rethinking his schedule with family in mind: Murphy’s wife Indi is an occupational therapist specialising in pediatrics, the couple has a two-year-old son Jack and a baby on the way. Here, the photographer singles out his favourite items from OROTON men’s collection, and reveals his thoughts on fatherhood and finding inspiration in the everyday.
There's a moodiness to your work, a new way of capturing people, travel, cars and surf. Tell us about your love of photography and how you developed your aesthetic?
“I've always loved telling stories. I think once you sit down with someone and truly listen, you then get to know their story and build a connection, that's when you capture your best pictures. It’s constantly evolved for me over time, I learn each day and all those experiences have helped me create a way of telling stories through images.”
You spent your childhood growing up on the Margaret River in Western Australia, how did that translate into your work today?
“I was just so lucky, we would finish school and run straight across the hill into the ocean. It was a gift, I was the type of kid that just couldn't sit inside, I had to be outside. So in the ocean I found something magical. In the last five years or so, I’ve reconnected with [surfing] and there’s an indescribable energy to it which I hope comes through in my work. My wife is also obsessed, probably more than me, and that has been an incredible thing to share together.”
How are you balancing work with family life right now?
“If I’m honest, parenting can be extremely hard – there’s no question that it’s the greatest joy but it can also be difficult when there's so much happening with work deadlines. I'm a very hands-on dad and I want to help as much as I can, so the challenge is juggling a full day’s work. It comes down to organisation and prioritising, I'm still learning and trying to figure that balance out. There are so many amazing work opportunities at the moment, but when you have kids you realise that nothing compares, nothing else is as important. At the same time, I want to make my family proud, I want to teach my kids and lead by example, to have a good work ethic. It’s all about balance.”
Can you talk us through your edit from OROTON’s new season collection – which pieces caught your eye?
“I love the simplicity of the collection and the practicality. I do have a little colour in my wardrobe, but when I'm working on a project I prefer to not have to think about my outfit, which tends to mean black and white and clean accessories, pieces that work together seamlessly. It has to be classic, simple and always feels good when I’m on a job. In the same way, I love to photograph pieces that are iconic and timeless, I like the idea that in 10 years the imagery will still be cool. That is the end goal.”
Tell us about your particular brand of iconography and your obsession with cars and surf:
“I've always liked those iconic men, Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, Harrison Ford; timeless actors that forged their own cool, and in a sense the cars are just like that too – I’m driving a lot of different cars for work and I’m finding it’s a bit like going on a first date in that you’re a little bit nervous at first, it takes you a day to get used to each other, but by the end of it you just have this beautiful connection and an understanding.”
Lastly, what is inspiring you at the moment and how are you staying positive during these times?
“I guess inspiration for me is about creating something that my family can look back on and be really proud of, that really pushes me. I’m also lucky in that when my wife fell pregnant it happened at the same time as a group of our friends and so we were able to discuss those changes in life and get through day-to-day issues together. Of course, they were mostly sleep-related issues, but I’m grateful to those friends and I’ve found that super-positive and inspiring.”
