IN CONVERSATION WITH BRITT MURPHY
We talk to Britt about her path from regional journalism to Sydney’s fashion scene and why film photography remains her creative cornerstone.
How did you first get started in fashion photography?
I started out shooting for a newspaper in regional NSW. I would photograph portraits to accompany stories & features I was writing during my time as a journalist and had all these hot ideas about a career in photojournalism. I ended up bringing together my love of fashion and women by shooting friends on the weekend. It sort of just evolved from that and I eventually left journalism behind to move to Sydney to really dig in to photography more specifically.
Can you share some highlights or memorable moments from your career as a fashion photographer?
I think a very validating and special moment for me was shooting my first glossy mag editorial in 2023. I’m also working on some projects at the moment that are inspiring me and can’t wait to finish and share them.
What drew you to working with Grace on the Art Garments Bridal launch?
I have always loved secondhand clothing and have been drawn to the process of finding and curating style in this way. Plus, I mean, if you’re going to shoot bridal, why not make it a vintage Chloe mini or Valentino? Such fun!
What inspired your interest in shooting on film rather than digital? How does shooting on film influence your creative process?
I’ve always been so drawn to and romanticised the past. In music, style & photography. I was constantly inspired by image makers from the 60’s 70’s and 90’s and naturally if you’re inspired by something and it allows you to dream, you tend to try mimic what they do and learn what they learn. I picked up my first 35mm camera as a way to document my life and friends like Linda McCartney and just caught the bug I guess.
I find holding a film camera to be really empowering. It makes me feel very intentional. There’s always a chance it might not turn out exactly how I plan it to and I like that.
In what ways do you think shooting on film affects the final outcome of your photographs compared to digital photography?
I feel like the whole image becomes so much richer or something. I love the colours, the energy I can get from a model, the way the light really sinks into the shots. I just can never feel the same love for a digital image, I don’t know why… I’ve tried for years to connect with it and it would be much cheaper if I did haha.
"I feel like the whole image becomes so much richer... I love the colours, the energy I can get from a model, the way the light really sinks into the shots."
Could you describe the technical challenges and rewards of working with film in a fast-paced fashion environment?
I think the biggest challenge for shooting film in the modern world is budget, purely. Costs of acquiring and developing film has risen so much, it can be hard to get it across the line with clients.
The rewards of shooting film are that you naturally build trust with people during the shoot and you develop trust in your own eye and confidence in your decisions on set. You learn very quickly what is going to translate and what won’t.
What advice would you give to aspiring fashion photographers who are considering exploring film as a medium?
I would say buy a simple 35mm camera that is completely manual so you don’t need to rely on batteries & auto metering. Force yourself to learn it. Take it with you everywhere. Buy a light meter & make that your best friend. Play!!
