Steph Murray is an Irish born fine-art, portrait photographer based out of Chicago.
Steph started her career in Advertising where she worked as an Art Director in Dublin and then on to New York and the UK. It is this training that allows her to create the images needed for each project, having the perspectives of both Art Director and Photographer.
With an MA in Photography from the London College of Communication (University of the Arts), Steph's personnel projects have explored Immigration, displacement, memory and identity. Her approach to these subjects have altered depending on the narrative. She works with a medium format analogue camera or a digital camera depending on the project and has printed by hand in the colour darkroom. In some instances she works further on the printed image with paint, marker, gold leaf and ink.
Commercially as a portait photographer she works with her clients across projects ranging from editorials, portfolios, e-commerce, catalogues and advertisements.
She is on the Exhibition Committee of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), Chicago and is on the Board of Sky Art which provides free art education to youth in the south and west side of Chicago, plus is on the Board of Filter Photo a non for profit organization dedicated to supporting, connecting and empowering photo-based artists.
STUDIO SERVICES
Based out of Chicago in the Pilsen area, Steph works with an experienced, dedicated, and professional team whilst also relying on a network of freelance assistants. All post production is overseen by Steph in order to deliver the highest quality finals.
PRESS
Cork 96fm: Did you support the Navaho and Hopi People during lockdown? They want your photo? The Opinion Line August 2026
The Navajo Times: Portraits of a Kindness remembered. July 2026
BISKINIK: Bond of friendship from one kind deed between two lands still strong after 178 years March 2025
Close Up Feature, Steph Murray: Shutterhub, February 2016
TALKS
American Conference for Irish Studies (ACIS) at the University of Notre Dame, USA September 2026
EXHIBITIONS
Irish American Heritage Centre, Chicago, USA, Oct-November 2026
American Conference for Irish Studies (ACIS) at the University of Notre Dame, USA September 2026
GROUP SHOWS
MA Photography: London College of Communication, London, November 2017
MA Photography, Interim Show: London College of Communication, March 2016
26 Caledonian Road: Kings Cross, London, March 2016
Where are we now: Central Saint Martins, London, December 2015
EDUCATION
London College of Communication,London, UK: Masters in Photography 2015 - 2017
Central Saint Martin, London, UK: Photography Professional Practice 2013 - 2014
University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland: History of Art, Sociology and Politics 1999 - 2003
