Photography + Me
My name is Taylor Murphy, I am currently 18 years old and I photograph local and touring bands in my hometown of Rochester NY! I absolutely love music, I am a huge KISS fan, I love Steel Panther, and I have a soft spot for local bands. So if you are local to the Rochester area you've probably seen me out at a show!
I have had the pleasure of photographing these local bands including, but not limited to, 1000HP, 6's & 7's, Bitter Locks, American Acid, Ritual Walk, Rescue Dawn, Adrenaline, X The Sky, Attic 39, The Results, Finish Last, Envious Disguise, So Last Year, and more!
I have also had the pleasure of photographing/working with some touring bands/solo artists such as Ace Frehley, Dokken, Godsmack, Eric Singer, The Misfits, Andrew W.K., She Demons, Joey Belladonnas Cheif Big Way and more!
I started my photography business in 2015. I followed in my mom's footsteps, as she has been a wedding photographer for over 30+ years. I am lucky enough to have a great and amazing support system around me for my dreams of going to every live concert I can, singing in my free time, and photographing those live shows I go to!
My Aunt Paula, My grandma Mimi, and my parents Michelle and Billy bought me my first camera in early 2014. I was so very excited since I've always wanted my own camera and had never really gotten to use one. I realized quickly that my love for taking photographs could soon turn into a business. I have been blessed with tickets to almost any show I want to go to, regardless if I purchase them or if my parents do. I have always gotten a ride there from my sister Melanie, my brother-in-law Nick, or one of my parents. I am so lucky!
My Achievements + Proud Moments
I have a lot of things I consider achievements!!
For one, I have gone on THE KISS KRUISE 4 times. Yes, KISS. Yes, the real KISS. Yes, they are REALLY on the cruise!!! I have been able to see them live front row 5 times, and all together 13 times! I have met each band member at least 3 times each outside of meet and greets, but all together approximately 15 or 16 times!
I have met Steel panther 3 times! I met them originally on KISS KRUISE 5. I was called on stage to dance with them, and then called up again a few nights later! On 4/12/17 I was called on stage for what I thought was to dance, but no. I was serenaded by each member of the band, and then I sang with Ralph (Michael Starr) Saenz. It was absolutely insane. I was in complete shock, and quite a bit embarrassed! My parents were at the show, too.
For my 15th birthday, I went to see the Misfits on October 20th, 2015. My birthday is October 21st. When Jerry Only got hold of the information that it was my birthday, he took me backstage with my mom and him and his son sang me Happy Birthday at midnight on October 21st! That's the first thing I did on my birthday, and even though there was no Doyle or anything, it was still the most amazing experience ever!
One last one... When on the KISS KRUISE, I was front row, and Gene was right above me! I had a phone case of me and gene on it (a prior photo of him and me from a prior KISS KRUISE and I was showing him while recording, and Gene Simmons took my phone out of my hand, and started showing the phone case to the crowd, but also recorded the crowd! It was incredible!
I'm so lucky to be able to have these memories and be able to create new musical ones thanks to my family, and especially my mother Michelle, and stepfather Billy.
If you'd like your name on the list above...
If you'd like your bands name on this list....
You should contact me! I am always interested in inquiries! I stay local to the Rochester area, but go out to buffalo, and the Niagara falls area. Please send an email! I love working with new people!
If you are not from the local area of Rochester and you are looking for a venue to play at, I'd be willing to help you out! All you have to do is contact me!
- Taylor