Get to know me
Hi! I’m a Los Angeles based photographer and outdoor enthusiast. I grew up in Northern California spending vacation days with the family camping and exploring the Eastern Sierras and hiking along the coastline. My thirst for adventure, culture and community has taken me around the world to remote locations in Asia, Europe, Africa and North America.
Before diving headfirst into photography I spent most of my life as a ballet dancer, actress and model. Having 26+ years in front of the camera has given me the advantage of knowing how uncomfortable it can be to have your photo taken. When working with clients I do certain exercises and tricks to help them feel empowered, relaxed, safe and heard. Because at the end of the day when we look back at a photo of ourselves we remember how we felt in that moment. And if we felt uncomfortable when it was taken it doesn’t matter how beautiful the image is.
My work has gained the attention of Next VR, ZUMA Press, prAna, Sierra Designs, PacSafe, Coleman, Hippie Tree and many others. I co-produced travel blog The Stumbleweeds with Katie Graves. And run my own YouTube Channel Ginger on the Run. To view my work in front of the lens visit: www.sarahjanemurray.com.
MY WHY
I was a 26 year old Actress + Model moving to LA from Chicago with the hope of furthering my career in front of the camera and to be closer to family. My brother was recently diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and LA put me a short 6 hour drive away.
Within a year I was diagnosed with Melanoma. As I became unavailable for roles and shoots while I recovered… I turned to my camera as a creative outlet and nature became my therapist. Within 5 months of being diagnosed I found myself on the world’s most dangerous flight, landing in the world’s most dangerous airport… Lukla, Nepal. I was on my way to trek through the Himalayas. Following that trip I found myself exploring Italy, France, Israel, Kenya, Uganda, Canada…etc. I said yes to every opportunity that fell in my lap no matter how scary or impossible it seemed.
I was driven with an insatiable desire to see, learn and experience as much as I could. It was partially an escape but it was also the chapter I needed to rediscover myself. In the process I found profound joy in hearing other’s stories and capturing them in an honest and empowering way. There’s an exchange of trust and vulnerability with each photo that’s taken and it feels like one of the most special and sacred experiences in the world.
That drive to capture and share the stories of others brings a documentary style approach to almost every shoot I do from portraits to travel, to family, commercial, brand narratives etc. I strive to always capture images that aren’t just pretty but will leave a lasting impact.
For a more personal look into my life and journey:
